Noninvasive brain stimulation to improve word‑finding in primary progressive aphasia
Phase II clinical trial of transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of primary progressive aphasia
This project uses gentle, noninvasive brain stimulation (tDCS) to try to help people with primary progressive aphasia who have trouble finding words.
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-11378070 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you would receive short sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) aimed at brain areas involved in naming, combined with language testing and therapy. The trial is randomized, double‑blind, and uses a within‑subject crossover design so participants receive both active and sham (placebo) stimulation at different times. About 120 people with PPA will be enrolled across several major research centers, and researchers will compare language outcomes after the different stimulation sessions. Study visits will include baseline assessments, treatment sessions, and follow‑up language tests to measure any changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia who are experiencing noticeable word‑finding difficulties and can attend visits at one of the participating sites.
Not a fit: People without PPA, those with very advanced dementia, or those with medical reasons to avoid brain stimulation (for example uncontrolled seizures or certain implanted devices) are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the treatment could reduce word‑finding trouble and improve everyday communication for people with PPA.
How similar studies have performed: Small pilot studies of tDCS in PPA have shown promising signals for improving naming, but evidence is limited and mixed, so this larger, more rigorous trial is needed.
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.