NCT04486586Withdrawn
Effects of tDCS on Apraxia of Speech in Non-Fluent Primary Progressive Aphasia
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 24 Apr 2025
Brief summary (registry, in English)
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects first and foremost language abilities. There are three different variants of PPA, each a relatively distinct speech and language profile. For individuals with non-fluent variant PPA (nfvPPA), a core symptom is apraxia of speech (AOS), which is defined as an oral motor speech disorder. Such a disorder inhibits one's ability to translate speech plans into motor plans and results in longer segmental durations and reduced rate of syllabic production. This research project investigates the behavioral and neuromodulatory effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during language therapy in participants with nfvPPA over time. Anodal tDCS targeting the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) administered in combination with language therapy is expected to be more beneficial when compared to language therapy alone (sham). The investigators believe tDCS during language therapy will 1) improve language performance or decrease rate of decline, 2) promote better-sustained effects at 2 weeks and 2 months post-treatment, and 3) produce generalization to untrained language items and some other cognitive functions. Resting-state fMRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and volumetric data are also collected to investigate changes in functional brain connectivity associated with tDCS in individuals with PPA. A better understanding of the therapeutic and neuromodulatory mechanisms of tDCS as an adjunct to language therapy in nfvPPA may have a significant impact on the development of effective therapies for PPA, and may offer insight into ways of impeding neurodegeneration that may improve patients' quality of life, as well as extend patients' ability to work and manage patients' affairs.
- Status (registry)
- Withdrawn
- Study type
- Interventional
- Enrollment
- 0 (actual)
- First submitted
- 20 Jul 2020
- Start date
- Apr 2013
- Primary completion date
- Apr 2025
- Lead sponsor
- Johns Hopkins University
- Diseases
- Frontotemporal dementia
- NCT number
- NCT04486586
Who cannot take part
Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.
Other illness
- Uncorrected visual or hearing impairment by self report.
- Stroke/other premorbid neurological disorder affecting the brain.
- Any other language-based learning disorder other than PPA.
- Western Aphasia Battery Aphasia Quotient (AQ) <30 (indicating severe language impairment).
- Cardiac pacemakers or ferromagnetic implants.
Other
- Inability to follow directions for baseline tasks.
- Severe claustrophobia.
- Pregnant women.
Who the study is looking for
- Must be clinically diagnosed with nfvPPA or unclassifiable PPA. Diagnosis will be based on neuropsychological testing, language testing (most commonly the Western Aphasia Battery), MRI and clinical assessment.
- Must be right-handed.
- Must be speaker of English.
- Must have at least 9th grade education.
Age in the registry: 50 years to 90 years · Sex: All · Accepts healthy volunteers
Sites (1)
Sites in registry order. Save your city in your profile to sort them by distance.
| Site | City | Country | Site status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins Hospital | Baltimore | United States | Unknown status |
This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.