Evaluating the Effectiveness and Brain Mechanism of tDCS Treatment for Swallowing Problems in Parkinsons Disease

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS to treat swallowing difficulties dysphagia in people with Parkinsons disease PD and related disorders. The study aims to verify how well tDCS works for this condition and to explore its underlying brain mechanisms by comparing real tDCS with a sham placebo version alongside conventional dysphagia treatments. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the real or sham tDCS group. The treatment involves placing electrodes on specific brain areas related to swallowing, delivering mild electrical stimulation for 20 minutes daily, five days a week, over two weeks, totaling ten sessions. The conventional dysphagia therapy includes exercises for mouth and tongue muscles and airway protection techniques like the Mendelsohn maneuver. The sham group receives the same setup but with minimal current. Both groups receive these treatments together during the intervention period. Participants will be assessed before treatment, immediately after completing the ten sessions, and again three months later. Evaluations include swallowing function tests using videofluoroscopic swallowing study VFSS and standardized scales. Brain activity and connections will be measured using resting-state functional MRI or near-infrared spectroscopy. Researchers will analyze correlations between swallowing improvement and brain function changes, monitoring safety and effectiveness throughout the study duration.

Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of tDCS for Dysphagia in PD