Using brain stimulation to improve language therapy for stroke survivors with aphasia
Official title: Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Spaced Discourse Treatment for Chronic Post-Stroke Aphasia
Funded at Cuny Graduate Sch and Univ Ctr · NIH-11177280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a special brain stimulation technique can make a language therapy for people with long-term speech difficulties after a stroke even more helpful, so you can communicate better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cuny Graduate Sch and Univ Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $114,103 |
| NIH project number | 7R21DC018364-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11177280 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced a stroke and are living with chronic aphasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have aphasia or have not experienced a stroke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance the effectiveness of a specific language therapy called Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) for individuals with chronic post-stroke aphasia. The study aims to determine if combining tDCS with spaced discourse treatment can lead to better communication outcomes compared to therapy alone. Participants will receive either active or sham tDCS while undergoing therapy, allowing researchers to assess the impact on their language abilities and overall communication skills.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve communication abilities and quality of life for stroke survivors with aphasia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using tDCS to enhance language therapy, suggesting potential for success in this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cuny Graduate Sch and Univ Ctr
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duncan, Ellen Susan — Cuny Graduate Sch and Univ Ctr
- Study coordinator: Duncan, Ellen Susan
Related research
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Neural signals linked to recovery from aphasia after stroke
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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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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.
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How the brain recovers language after a stroke
This research follows people with aphasia after stroke to find brain and behavior signs that predict who will regain speech and language.
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.