Study of Home-Based Brain Stimulation Combined with Virtual Speech Therapy for Adults with Logopenic Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether combining home-based brain stimulation with virtual speech-language therapy can improve communication in adults with logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia lvPPA, a language disorder often caused by Alzheimers disease. The study aims to understand if this combined approach is feasible and acceptable, if it improves communication compared to speech therapy with placebo stimulation, and whether individual brain characteristics predict treatment benefits. Participants will receive either active or sham transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS remotely supervised at home alongside virtual language therapy sessions. The active tDCS delivers 2.0 milliamp current for 20 minutes, 5 times per week, while participants engage in computer-delivered speech training. Language therapy consists of two one-hour teletherapy sessions per week plus independent practice exercises three times weekly. The study compares active stimulation with sham placebo stimulation to evaluate the added effect of brain stimulation. During the study, participants complete language and cognitive tests before and after treatment. They also undergo brain imaging and other assessments to help understand treatment response. Researchers measure changes in spoken naming ability at one and three months after treatment starts, along with communication confidence and aphasia impact. Treatment acceptability and perception of change are also evaluated. Participation lasts through the treatment and follow-up periods, with ongoing monitoring of outcomes.

Remotely-supervised Neuromodulation in PPA