Dr John Pierce is using technology to make aphasia rehabilitation more accessible, personalised and effective.
“Aphasia is a condition that follows damage to the language networks in the brain, most often as the result of a stroke,” he explains. “It affects people’s ability to speak, understand others, read and write.”
These communication challenges can cause profound long-term effects on relationships, work and education, healthcare outcomes and quality of life.
At the Centre for Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Dr Pierce conducts research exploring how AI and digital tools can address these challenges.
A major focus of his work is Multi-Modality Aphasia Therapy (M-MAT), a treatment that helps people practise communication, with spoken language recovery supported by drawing, reading, writing and gesture.
“We are currently undertaking a clinical trial for a telehealth version, M-MAT Tele, which is particularly important for people in rural areas who may have fewer therapy options,” he says.
Early results are promising, suggesting M-MAT Tele is an accessible, enjoyable and socially motivating program that supports improved confidence and communication in people with aphasia.
Dr Pierce’s next step will be to personalise M-MAT Tele using AI and data analytics to target meaningful words and phrases, while also expanding its cultural reach by adapting it into Brazilian Portuguese.
