The Western Pennsylvania Patient Registry at the University of Pittsburgh

by Julie Fiez, PhD

The Western Pennsylvania Patient Registry (WPPR) is a confidential listing of stroke survivors who are interested in participating in research.

Brain researchers in Pittsburgh use WPPR to identify individuals appropriate for a wide range of studies. For example, one research group studies the brain regions that support reading and language. They are recruiting individuals with damage to the cerebellum, which is a part of the brain associated with motor control and coordination.

New research suggests that the cerebellum may also contribute to the learning of cognitive skills like reading. To evaluate this idea, the reading abilities of individuals with cerebellum damage are being compared with individuals without such damage. If differences are found, the results would help to explain why children with abnormalities involving the cerebellum tend to be poor readers. Another research group is studying treatments that can help individuals recover from aphasia, a language disorder, following a stroke. This project requires multiple sessions involving language practice and the collection of brain imaging data to better understand the mechanisms of recovery.

A third research group is studying visual object recognition. The group is testing the idea that individuals with damage to the brain’s parietal lobe may understand what an object is used for but have difficulties understanding how to reach for and grasp the object properly. The opposite pattern is expected for individuals with damage to the temporal lobe. The results from this study will help scientists understand the organization of the brain’s visual system.

None of this research could happen without the generous involvement of stroke survivors. WPPR is continuously enrolling registry participants.

For more information, visit the WPPR website (https://www.lrdc.pitt.edu/wppr/) or contact the WPPR coordinator, Denise Balason, at 412-624-0178.

Julie Fiez, PhD, is professor and chair of Psychology, Learning Research and Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh

 

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