Inner speech after stroke and its role in memory and attention

Summary

Most people can think in words and “hear” an inner voice in their mind. This is known as inner speech, and it plays an important role in memory and attention. Aphasia is a communication difficulty that can make it hard for someone to speak, understand language, read, or write. When aphasia occurs after a stroke, it may also affect a person’s ability to use inner speech.

This research project aims to understand how aphasia influences inner speech, and how inner speech relates to memory and attention.

We are inviting adults who experienced a stroke at least six months ago and who had or still have aphasia to take part in the study. We are also recruiting adults who have never had a stroke, so that we can compare results across groups.

Participants with aphasia can take part either at Anglia Ruskin University or in their own home. Participants without aphasia will complete the study online.

By exploring the links between inner speech, attention, and memory, this research project hopes to better understand how stroke affects thinking and communication. In the long term, these insights may help improve rehabilitation for people recovering from stroke.