Enhancing Language Function in Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
University of Arizona
Summary
This study's goal is to use non-invasive brain stimulation (NBS) techniques to treat language impairment associated with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). The purpose of this study is to combine behavioral language intervention with individualized noninvasive brain stimulation techniques, called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to help the brain reorganize around damage and improve language functions.
Description
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative disorder that selectively affects language comprehension and/or production, with initial preservation of other cognitive domains. As tDCS has not been extensively studied in PPA, the investigators will measure both short- and long-term effects of stimulation in patients with this neurodegenerative disorder that affects specific language regions. Previous research suggests that neurostimulation with tDCS can safely induce changes in neural plasticity that can lead to long-term restoration of synaptic function. Thus, individually targeted…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 45–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosed with PPA by neurologist or speech-language pathologist * speech-language deficit arising from PPA * native speaker of English Language or equivalent * adequate vision (normal or corrected to normal) * adequate hearing Exclusion Criteria: * meeting (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) DSM-IV criteria for Axis I mood, anxiety, psychotic or substance abuse disorders. * highly magnetizable metallic implants, including certain dental work * neurological disorders besides the ones of interest for the study (e.g., epilepsy) * Multiple Sclerosis * Parkinson's Disease…
Interventions
- Combination ProducttDCS + language therapy
In this study fMRI-guided noninvasive neuromodulation will be applied, called Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to the frontal and parietal brain regions that show reduced activation but still are structurally intact. TDCS will be paired with personalized speech-language therapy to enhance language functions.
- Combination Productsham TDCS + language therapy
sham control will be applied with language therapy to the same regions as active TDCS.
Location
- University of ArizonaTucson, Arizona