Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Primary Progressive Aphasia

Not Applicable

Completed

Brief Summary: In the present sham-controlled study, the investigators examine whether tDCS could be used to enhance language abilities (e.g., picture naming) in individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) primarily characterized by difficulties with speech production.

Detailed Description: Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by insidious irreversible loss of language abilities. Prior studies suggest that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) directed toward language areas of the brain may help to ameliorate symptoms of PPA. In the current study, the investigators are examining whether tDCS could be used to enhance language abilities (e.g., picture naming) in individuals with PPA variants primarily characterized by difficulties with speech production (non-fluent and logopenic). Participants are being recruited from the Penn Frontotemporal Dementia Center to receive 10 days of both real and sham tDCS (counter-balanced, full-crossover design; participants are naïve to stimulation condition). A battery of language tests are being administered at baseline, immediately post-tDCS (real and sham), and six weeks and twelve weeks following stimulation. Real tDCS may improve language performance in some individuals with PPA. Specifically, the investigators expect that tDCS will be more effective in people whose baseline performance is worse based on previous research. Severity of deficits at baseline may be an important factor in predicting which patients will respond positively to language-targeted tDCS therapies.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Exclusion Criteria

Cognitive impairment of sufficient severity to preclude giving informed consent
History of seizures or unexplained loss of consciousness
Previous craniotomy or any breach of the skull
Metallic objects in the head or face other than dental braces, fillings or implants
Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
Pregnant

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Aphasia Severity (WAB-AQ): Effects of Active tDCS (Baseline vs. 0 Weeks Immediately Following Stimulation)	Difference in WAB-AQ from Baseline at 0-weeks Post-stimulation	The Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) was administered at baseline and immediately post-tDCS (real; sham) following the termination of the tDCS session on the same day (0 week). We computed WAB-Aphasia Quotient (WAB-AQ), a measure of overall aphasia severity with higher scores indicating better language performance. The WAB assesses the following language domains in subtests: fluency, comprehension, repetition, and naming. We examined change in WAB-AQ and each of the sub-tests from baseline. Difference scores were computed by subtracting the post-intervention score (0 weeks) from baseline for each study arm to assess the impact of real/active vs sham tDCS on severity and each sub-test. Scale title: WAB-AQ; scale values: 0-100; higher scores=better outcome.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Naming Ability (WAB Naming Subtest): Effects of Active tDCS Baseline vs. 0 Weeks Immediately Following Stimulation	Difference in WAB Naming Subtest from Baseline at 0-weeks Post-stimulation	WAB-naming subtest used common objects as stimuli. Participants were required to name the objects. Three-point maximum score could be earned for each stimulus and a total of 60-points could be earned on this task; points were deducted if the response was incorrect and required a cue or if the response included a paraphasia.

Locations (1): University of Pennsylvania
🇺🇸
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
University of Pennsylvania
🇺🇸Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States