Effects of tDCS on Apraxia of Speech in Non-Fluent Primary Progressive Aphasia
Primary Progressive Aphasia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Primary Progressive Aphasia focused on measuring transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), neurodegeneration, language therapy, primary progressive aphasia (PPA), apraxia of speech (AOS)
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- 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.
Exclusion Criteria:
- 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.
- Inability to follow directions for baseline tasks.
- Western Aphasia Battery Aphasia Quotient (AQ) <30 (indicating severe language impairment).
Exclusion Criteria for MRI Participation:
- Severe claustrophobia.
- Cardiac pacemakers or ferromagnetic implants.
- Pregnant women.
Sites / Locations
- Johns Hopkins HospitalRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Sham Comparator
Active tDCS plus Speech-Language Therapy first
Sham plus Speech-Language Therapy first
Active tDCS will be applied at the beginning of 45 minutes speech-language therapy session and then participant will be switched to sham tDCS after a washout period.
Sham will be applied at the beginning of 45 minutes speech-language therapy session and then participant will be switched to an active tDCS after a washout period.