Neuromodulation for Primary Progressive Aphasia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether remotely-supervised transcranial direct-current stimulation (RS-tDCS) can enhance speech therapy for individuals with logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA). The researchers aim to determine if this stimulation, combined with virtual speech therapy, can improve speech and if MRI scans can predict who will benefit most. Participants will receive either active brain stimulation or a sham (inactive) version while engaging in online speech exercises. The trial seeks individuals diagnosed with lvPPA who have reliable internet access and can work with a study partner. Participants should be comfortable using a computer and willing to undergo an MRI scan. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance future treatment options.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that remotely-supervised transcranial direct-current stimulation is safe for individuals with primary progressive aphasia?
Research has shown that remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation (RS-tDCS) is generally safe and well-tolerated. In past studies, RS-tDCS safely improved language, movement, and thinking skills in patients, including those recovering from strokes. This method applies a small electrical current to the brain, which participants have managed well. No serious side effects were reported, suggesting that RS-tDCS can be a safe option for people considering joining such trials.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for primary progressive aphasia because it offers a unique, non-invasive approach to enhancing brain function. Unlike traditional speech therapy alone, tDCS delivers a small electrical current to specific brain areas, potentially boosting the effectiveness of virtual speech-language training. Moreover, this method allows for remote supervision, making it convenient for patients to receive therapy in their own homes. This combination of brain stimulation with language therapy could lead to significant improvements in communication skills for individuals with this challenging condition.
What evidence suggests that remotely-supervised transcranial direct-current stimulation is effective for primary progressive aphasia?
Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) might improve language skills in people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). In this trial, participants will receive either active tDCS or sham stimulation while engaging in virtual speech-language training. One study found that tDCS combined with speech and language therapy led to better language outcomes, suggesting that tDCS can enhance the effects of language therapy. Another study demonstrated that tDCS helped with tasks involving short-term memory for words, a common challenge for people with PPA. These findings support the idea that tDCS might enhance speech therapy effectiveness for people with PPA, including those with the logopenic variant.13678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Maya L Henry, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Texas at Austin
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with a speech and language disorder called logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA). Participants must be able to travel once to UCSF or UT Austin, use RS-tDCS equipment after training, and commit to virtual therapy sessions. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria details are not provided.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-treatment
Participants meet with a speech-language pathologist for pre-treatment testing on Zoom
Treatment
Participants engage in speech-language therapy and independent practice on Zoom using either active tDCS stimulation or sham
Post-treatment
Participants complete post-treatment testing on Zoom
Follow-up
Participants complete follow-up testing 2 months after completion of treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Lexical Retrieval Cascade Treatment
- Remotely Supervised Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Trial Overview
The study tests if remotely-supervised transcranial direct-current stimulation (RS-tDCS) combined with virtual speech therapy can help improve communication in lvPPA patients. It compares active brain stimulation against sham stimulation alongside regular speech-language treatment over Zoom.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation. 1.5 milliamp (mA) of current will be delivered via electrodes in saline-soaked sponges placed on the left and right sides of the head. The stimulation will be delivered for 20 minutes, 5 times weekly, in the participant's home setting while the participant engages in virtual speech-language training. Sessions are monitored by study personnel.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation. During sham stimulation 1.5 milliamp (mA) of current will be delivered for a brief period and then turned off. Current will be delivered via electrodes in saline-soaked sponges placed on the left and right sides of the head. Sham will be delivered for 20 minutes, 5 times weekly, in the participant's home setting while the participant engages in virtual speech-language training. Sessions are monitored by study personnel.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Texas at Austin
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator
Citations
Speech-Language Treatment With Remotely Supervised ...
The study will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary benefit of home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with evidence-based speech ...
Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in ...
Conclusions: These preliminary results indicate that vSTM/WM intervention can improve performance in trained vSTM/WM tasks in patients with PPA, especially when ...
Remotely Supervised Home-based tDCS Augmentation of ...
Results showed improvements in language outcomes, suggesting the potential of tDCS as an augmentation to speech and language therapy (SLT) in PPA management.
a double-blind sham-controlled study
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has generated some promising outcomes in primary progressive aphasia (PPA). The logopenic variant (lv-PPA), ...
NCT05615922 | Remotely Supervised Transcranial Direct ...
This study will evaluate whether RS-tDCS combined with language skills practice is a feasible study design for individuals with PPA. Official Title. Remotely ...
Remotely Supervised Transcranial Direct Current ...
RS-tDCS is safe and feasible, affording beneficial effects in the motor, language, and cognitive functions of patients with post-stroke impairments.
Feasibility of home-based transcranial direct current ...
We evaluated the feasibility of providing an intervention combining tDCS with SLT as a home-based and remotely supervised intervention.
Feasibility of Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current ...
Conclusions: Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility and potential benefit of a novel, easily accessible and patient-relevant telerehabilitation ...
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