Using noninvasive brain stimulation to improve language function in patients with primary progressive aphasia
Official title: Treating primary progressive aphasia and elucidating neurodegeneration in the language network using transcranial direct current stimulation
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10670952 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS can help people with primary progressive aphasia, a condition that affects language skills in those with Alzheimer's or frontotemporal dementia, by boosting their brain's ability to communicate better.
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 start | August 15, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $687,913 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG059763-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10670952 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, particularly those with variants associated with Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have primary progressive aphasia or those with other forms of dementia unrelated to language impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to treat primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a condition that causes language loss in patients with Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. The study aims to understand how tDCS can enhance the brain's language network by either strengthening weakened connections or supporting compensatory mechanisms in healthier areas. Participants will undergo a randomized, sham-controlled crossover trial to evaluate the effectiveness of this noninvasive neuromodulation technique. By focusing on specific regions of the brain, the research seeks to identify the most effective treatment strategies for improving language abilities in individuals with PPA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve communication abilities for patients suffering from primary progressive aphasia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise for tDCS in enhancing cognitive functions, but this specific application for primary progressive aphasia is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hamilton, Roy H — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Hamilton, Roy H
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Communication Bridge: Improving language therapy for people with primary progressive aphasia
A proven language-therapy program called Communication Bridge helps people with primary progressive aphasia improve and maintain how they communicate with others.
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Bilingualism and language resilience in Hispanic people with primary progressive aphasia
Researchers compare different bilingual experiences to see how they relate to language decline and thinking skills in Hispanic adults with primary progressive aphasia.
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Communication Bridge helps people with primary progressive aphasia talk more clearly
Aimed at people with primary progressive aphasia, this project tests a speech-language and psychosocial program delivered by telepractice to improve daily communication and quality of life.
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Transcranial current therapy for language in progressive aphasia
A world-class team is testing a painless brain-stimulation method to help people with primary progressive aphasia say more words and names.
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Improving communication support for people with primary progressive aphasia
This project improves and delivers an evidence-based speech and communication program to help people with primary progressive aphasia and their care partners, including through telehealth.
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Primary Progressive Aphasia: How speech and language decline happens and progresses
This grant studies a brain disease called primary progressive aphasia to understand why speech and language slip up over time.
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.