Targeting Verbal Short-Term Memory in Conjunction with tDCS in Neurodegenerative Disorders

What Is This Study About?

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive therapy that delivers weak electrical current to the brain. This study will investigate the effects of a combination treatment of tDCS and short-term memory therapy in people with the neurodegenerative disease primary progressive aphasia (PPA), which is characterized by the gradual loss of language functioning, and related neurodegenerative conditions. Over the course of a year, participants will undergo training in a series of word sequences along with both stimulation and sham sessions for three-week periods (five sessions in a week, 15 sessions per stimulation site). Researchers will evaluate changes in verbal short-term memory, language abilities, well-being, and quality of life, as well as changes in brain structure and function using MRI.

Do I Qualify To Participate in This Study?

Must have:

• Diagnosed in a specialized clinic or center with PPA, nonfluent variant PPA, or logopenic variant PPA
• Diagnosis will be based on neuropsychological testing, language testing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and clinical assessment
• Right-handed
• Native speaker of English
• At least 12th grade education

Must NOT have:

• Previous neurological disease including vascular dementia (e.g., stroke, developmental dyslexia, dysgraphia or attentional deficit)
• Uncorrected visual or hearing loss 
• Advanced dementia or severe language impairments
• Pre-existing psychiatric disorders such as behavioral disturbances, severe depression, or schizophrenia 
• Exclusion criteria for MRI: severe claustrophobia, cardiac pacemakers, certain metal implants, and pregnancy

If I Qualify, Who Do I Contact?

Contact study personnel listed either under the general study contact or the location nearest you.

 

Where Is This Study Located?

Maryland
Johns Hopkins Hospital Baltimore, MD 21287 Recruiting Kyrana Tsapkini, PhD 410-736-2940 tsapkini@jhmi.edu

Who Sponsors This Study?

Lead: Johns Hopkins University

Collaborator Sponsor

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03887481