Actively Recruiting
Enhancing Language Function in Primary Progressive Aphasia With Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Led by University of Arizona · Updated on 2024-11-29
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
23 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The trial investigates the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to address language impairment caused by Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects language abilities while initially sparing other cognitive functions. Researchers aim to combine behavioral language therapy with personalized transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to encourage brain reorganization around damaged regions and improve language skills. This study evaluates both short- and long-term effects of tDCS on language function in PPA patients. The treatment involves applying tDCS guided by functional MRI to target brain areas showing reduced activation but preserved structure. Participants receive excitatory tDCS or a sham (placebo) stimulation alongside speech-language therapy five days a week for two weeks during two separate treatment periods. The tDCS uses a mild electrical current delivered for 20 minutes per session with individualized electrode placement. Sham stimulation mimics the sensation without delivering active current to maintain study blinding. Participants undergo a series of assessments including baseline language testing, EEG, and fMRI to tailor treatment. After each treatment phase, language and brain function are evaluated through tasks and imaging. Follow-up assessments continue up to one year to measure changes in language abilities using standardized tests such as the Arizona Phonological Battery and naming tasks. Safety and tolerability are monitored throughout, with the total study duration spanning several months including rest and evaluation periods.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Enhancing Language Function in Primary Progressive Aphasia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia by a neurologist or speech-language pathologist
- Having speech-language deficits caused by Primary Progressive Aphasia
- Native English speaker or equivalent language proficiency
- Adequate vision (normal or corrected to normal)
- Adequate hearing
You will not qualify if you...
- Meeting DSM-IV criteria for mood, anxiety, psychotic, or substance abuse disorders
- Having highly magnetizable metallic implants, including certain dental work
- Having neurological disorders besides Primary Progressive Aphasia (e.g., epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease)
- Contraindications for MRI, including pacemakers, metallic cardiac pumps, valves, or magnetic materials
- Clinically significant claustrophobia
- Severe systemic disease such as renal failure
- Poor general health
- Pregnancy
- Epileptic activity in the past 12 months
- Family history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders
- Past brain surgery
- Presence of metallic skull plates or implants
- Skin lesions or skull damage
- Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
- Premorbid psychiatric disease affecting communication
- Severe non-linguistic cognitive disturbances that would interfere with language therapy
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 week
Participants complete baseline language testing and one event-related brain potential (EEG-ERP) session.
1 baseline visit and 1 EEG-ERP session
Duration - 1 week
Participants undergo an fMRI session to determine the most effective treatment site for brain stimulation.
1 fMRI visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants receive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paired with personalized speech-language therapy 5 days a week for 2 weeks.
10 visits (in-person, 5 days per week)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants have a rest period followed by post-treatment language assessments.
1 post-treatment visit
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants receive a second round of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paired with speech-language therapy 5 days a week for 2 weeks.
10 visits (in-person, 5 days per week)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants have a second rest period followed by a post-treatment assessment including language testing, one MRI scan, and one EEG-ERP session.
1 MRI visit and 1 EEG-ERP visit
Duration - 2 months
Participants complete a 2-month follow-up with language assessments to evaluate long-term effects of treatment.
1 follow-up visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85721-0071
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Aneta Kielar, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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