Gentle electrical brain stimulation to help word-finding in primary progressive aphasia
Phase II clinical trial of transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of primary progressive aphasia
This project combines gentle electrical brain stimulation with speech exercises to help people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) find words more easily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124741 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would take part at one of three specialist centers where you'll receive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — a gentle, noninvasive electrical stimulation to the scalp — while doing language tasks aimed at improving anomia. The trial is randomized, double-blind, and uses a within-subject crossover design so participants receive both active and sham sessions at different times without knowing which is which. About 120 people with PPA will be enrolled across sites (University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins, and Baycrest) to provide stronger evidence than prior small studies. Researchers will track changes in word-finding and everyday communication over the treatment period.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia who experience word-finding difficulties and meet the study's eligibility requirements are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without PPA, those whose language problems stem from other causes, or those with medical issues that prevent safe brain stimulation (for example implanted electronic devices or uncontrolled seizures) may not be eligible or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve word-finding and daily communication for people with PPA.
How similar studies have performed: Small prior studies of tDCS in PPA have suggested possible benefits but were limited in size, and this is the first well-powered multi-site Phase 2 trial to test the therapy more rigorously.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hamilton, Roy H — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Hamilton, Roy H
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.