06/10/2026
Dr. Jamie Azios and a University of Louisiana at Lafayette research team have received a $371,000 National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to study how stronger friendships can improve the lives of people living with aphasia, a communication disorder that affects more than 2 million Americans and is most often caused by stroke.
Many people with aphasia lose close friendships after a stroke, increasing their risk of loneliness, depression and other health challenges. Through a two-year study, researchers will test a program designed to help people with aphasia and their friends communicate more effectively and maintain meaningful connections.
Congratulations to Dr. Azios, Dr. Natalie Douglas, Dr. Beenish Chaudhry, graduate student Mary McMahon and their collaborators on this important work.
Follow UL Lafayette Communicative Disorders Department.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette researchers are examining ways to help people living with aphasia more effectively communicate with their friends.
