Identification of connected speech difficulties after Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are "mini-strokes" with temporary symptoms resolving within 24 hours. However, recent research suggests subtle language impairments can persist for months or even years. To date, no study has investigated spoken language abilities comprehensively in this population.

This study will compare linguistic abilities at connected speech level (comprehension and production) in people who have had a TIA and typical individuals.

Broader cognitive abilities will also be evaluated together with people's own perceptions of their cognitive-linguistic skills as they relate to real life. There will be two time points, the first around one month and the second around three months after the TIA. This will help us identify patterns of improvement, decline, or static performance.

Two groups (50-60 per group) of participants will be recruited (people who have had a TIA and typical adults). A comprehensive set of quantitative assessments (linguistic, cognitive, self-report questionnaire) will be used.

Statistical analyses will explore performance in the linguistic measures (comprehension and production) within each group and between groups at each time point.

Regression analyses will examine the relationships between connected speech measures and performance in the cognitive tests as well as scores from the self-report questionnaire.

This project will help identify if communication limitations affect people who have had a TIA and how these may change over time. It will also help improve our understanding of their complexity (link with broader cognitive skills, self-perceptions). The findings will have implications for the health and social care of affected people.