Using brain stimulation to help reduce fatigue and improve language skills after a stroke
Official title: Pre-Frontal tDCS as a novel intervention to reduce effects of post-stroke fatigue while improving language and attention in aphasia
Funded at Syracuse University · NIH-11057160 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gentle brain stimulation technique can help people who have had a stroke feel less tired and improve their language and attention skills, making it easier for them to recover and enjoy life more.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $760,283 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DC021677-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057160 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a stroke and are dealing with aphasia and post-stroke fatigue.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a stroke or do not experience aphasia or significant fatigue may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to alleviate post-stroke fatigue while enhancing language and attention in individuals with aphasia. By applying tDCS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the study aims to improve cognitive functions and language comprehension, which are often impaired after a stroke. Participants will undergo sessions of tDCS to assess its effectiveness in boosting recovery and overall quality of life. The approach is designed to maximize the brain's ability to adapt and recover following a stroke.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the rehabilitation process for stroke survivors by reducing fatigue and enhancing communication abilities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with tDCS in improving cognitive functions in stroke patients, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Syracuse University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riley, Ellyn — Syracuse University
- Study coordinator: Riley, Ellyn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Prefrontal brain stimulation to ease post-stroke fatigue and help language and attention in aphasia
This project uses gentle electrical stimulation to the front of the brain to help people with aphasia after stroke feel less tired and improve attention and language.
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Neural signals linked to recovery from aphasia after stroke
This grant follows people who recently had a stroke and aphasia to understand why some recover language abilities better than others.
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Computational modeling of language in bilingual adults after stroke and with neurodegenerative conditions
A computer-based study will model how bilingual Spanish-English speakers experience language changes after stroke and with neurodegenerative disorders, to inform better care for affected patients.
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Restoring speech with a brain implant for stroke-related aphasia
A study at UC Davis aims to help people who have language trouble after a stroke by using a tiny brain implant to turn brain signals into spoken words.
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Predicting language recovery after stroke using AI
A new AI-based project uses brain scans and personal data to forecast how aphasia may progress after a stroke, with the goal of guiding personalized treatment.
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Neural signals of getting speech back after stroke
This grant studies how the brain changes as people recover speech after a stroke, to help predict and improve language recovery.
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.