Improving language skills in patients with a specific type of Alzheimer's disease using brain stimulation
Targeting language-specific and executive-control networks with transcranial direct current stimulation in aphasic AD
This study is exploring a new way to help people with logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA), a type of Alzheimer's that makes it hard to communicate, by using a gentle brain stimulation technique along with speech therapy to improve their language skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10910049 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new treatments for patients with logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA), a form of Alzheimer's disease that affects language abilities. The approach involves using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to enhance neuronal synaptic transmission, which may help alleviate language deficits. The study builds on previous findings that showed tDCS can be effective when combined with speech-language therapy. By targeting both language and cognitive deficits, the research aims to provide a more comprehensive treatment for individuals suffering from this condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia or those without significant language deficits may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved language abilities and overall cognitive function for patients with PPA-AD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that neuromodulation techniques like tDCS can effectively improve language skills in similar patient populations.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsapkini, Kyrana — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Tsapkini, Kyrana
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.