Structure function models of language and its recovery. (360G-Wellcome-082420_Z_07_Z)

My proposal is to establish a functional anatomical model of language that predicts how speech and reading are lost and recovered following neurological damage. The novel aspect of this model rests on my hypothesis that distinct language tasks can be sustained by several different neuronal systems. Crucially, this means that when one system dysfunctions, recovery can be meditated by a surviving system. The neuronal systems engaged by each task will be identified by combining data from neuropsych ological and functional imaging studies. Validating the model involves structural neuroimaging and behavioural assessments in patients with acquired brain damage in the regions identified. This will determine how the impact of damage in one system depends on the integrity of another. The model will then be used to formulate and test predictions for recovery using functional imaging studies of patients who recover their language skills despite damage to the areas engaged by normal subjects. The ability to anticipate which brain systems emerge, during rehabilitation, may be important for targeting various therapies or, at least, in helping the patient anticipate his or her course of recovery.