Neural and Cognitive Correlates of Pragmatic Abilities

Neural and Cognitive Correlates of Pragmatic Communication Abilities

Pragmatics of language refers to the set of abilities that allow one to use and interpret language according to context and, in general, to communicate effectively. Disorders in the pragmatics of language are prevalent in various clinical populations. They are a cause of social withdrawal and worse quality of life, both for patients directly affected and for their family members. Despite this, this type of disorder is rarely considered in neuropsychological assessment and rehabilitation.

This study's objective is to characterize pragmatic deficits in various neurological populations, allowing for the most accurate diagnosis possible and leading to the planning of personalized and effective Rehabilitation Plans.

To delineate the pragmatic deficit profile for each pathology group, eligible participants will undergo a neuropsychological assessment, subdivided into as many sessions as per the participant's availability and tolerance.

Assessment tools will include:

• APACS (A test for the Assessment of Pragmatic Abilities and Cognitive Substrates; Arcara and Bambini, 2016)
• SET (Story-based Empathy Task, Dodich et al., 2015)
• COAST (Communication Outcome After Stroke, Bambini et al., 2016)
• PWB (Psychological Well-Being scales, Sirigatti et al., 2009)
• other neuropsychological assessment tools depending on the participant's pathology and routinely used in the clinical practice within the Institution.

Resulting test scores will be statistically analyze to provide pragmatic and cognitive profiles for each pathology.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Presence of objective neuropsychological assessment using standardized tests used in clinical routine.
• Ability to knowingly provide written informed consent and , therefore preserved comprehension skills and good understanding of simple verbal requests (for the experimental phase).
• Being a native speaker of Italian.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of disability that impairs participation in research.
• Insufficient knowledge of the Italian language.
• Refusal to participate in the research.
• Other relevant prior neurological or psychiatric conditions (other than those determining membership in the experimental group).
• Comorbidity of multiple conditions that would determine membership in more than one experimental group.
• Comorbidity with other neurological conditions.
• Presence of prior psychiatric conditions.