Mapping the principal components of aphasic language recovery onto brain function

Aphasia involves deficits in language comprehension and production, and is a debilitating disorder that is prevalent after stroke. Neuroimaging of stroke aphasia has the potential to reveal the brain regions that are associated with good versus poor long term language outcomes. We have developed a novel lesion symptom mapping method involving identification of independent behavioural components to reveal the neural structures uniquely supporting processing of sounds and meaning. The aim of this PhD project is to apply this technique to understanding functional imaging of language task performance in those with stroke aphasia, charting the changes in behavioural and brain function from the acute to the chronic phase.

The hypothesis of this project is principal behavioural component scores and lesion load in the associated sites will predict brain activation in aphasic patients during language processing tasks.

Objectives:
1) Use neurocognitive measures to predict brain activation in stroke aphasia during language tasks
2) Isolate areas of higher than normal activation that mediate better language performance
3) Predict language outcomes using structural and functional measures from the acute phase

The project will use functional imaging in 20 cases from our current cohort of nearly 70 chronic stroke aphasic patients with full neuropsychological testing and advanced structural imaging. The protocol for the matched control participants will involve multiple levels of task difficulty, to isolate of task relevant areas of higher activation in the patients to relate to principal behavioural components and lesion load. A further 20 acute stroke aphasic cases and matched controls will undergo the same scanning protocol within six weeks and one year post-stroke, allowing identification of the structural and functional correlates of good versus poor recovery.

Identifying the brain regions that are associated with good versus poor long term language outcomes is essential in on order to develop a predictive model that enables accurate early prognosis and provides the benchmarks necessary for evaluating the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches.

This 3.5-year full-time MRC DTP studentship provides full support for tuition fees, annual tax-free stipend at Research Council UK rates (currently £14, 057) and conference/travel allowance. The project is due to commence October 2016 and is open to UK/EU nationals only due to the nature of the funding.

This project will lead to the acquisition of a wide range of research skills including techniques in neurophysiology such as structural and functional neuroimaging, sophisticate statistical analysis such as principle component analysis, and therapeutic interventions. Interdisciplinary supervision will be provided through Dr Woollams, Dr Halai and Professor Matt Lambon-Ralph.

Applicants should hold (or be expected to obtain) a minimum upper-second class undergraduate degree in a related area. A relevant Masters degree or equivalent research experience would be an advantage. Any queries regarding the suitability of qualifications should be directed to the primary supervisor.

Please direct applications in the following format to Dr Anna Woollams ([Email Address Removed]):
• Academic CV
• Official academic transcripts
• Contact details for two suitable referees
• A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.

Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Dr Woollams. Applications are invited up to and including 25 November 2015.

Further details on the MRC DTP scheme and additional PhD project opportunities can be found on our website: www.mhs.manchester.ac.uk/mrcdtp

http://www.psych-sci.manchester.ac.uk/staff/AnnaWoollams