RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07260253

Remotely-supervised Neuromodulation in PPA

Investigating the Benefits of Remotely-Supervised Neuromodulation In Primary Progressive Aphasia


Sponsor

Maya Henry

Enrollment

80 participants

Start Date

Apr 15, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether home-based brain stimulation combined with virtual speech-language therapy can improve communication abilities in adults with logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA), a language disorder most often caused by Alzheimer's disease. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Is combining remotely supervised transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with virtual speech-language therapy feasible and acceptable for people with lvPPA? * Does this combined treatment lead to improvements in communication compared to speech-language therapy with sham (placebo) stimulation? * Do individual brain characteristics help predict who benefits most from this treatment? Researchers will compare participants who receive active tDCS plus virtual speech-language therapy to participants who receive sham (placebo) tDCS plus virtual speech-language therapy to see if active brain stimulation enhances communication outcomes. Participants will: * Complete speech-language therapy sessions delivered by video visit. * Receive either active or sham tDCS that is remotely supervised and completed at home. * Complete language and cognitive testing before and after treatment. * Undergo brain imaging and other assessments to help understand treatment response.


Eligibility

Min Age: 40 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing whether remote brain stimulation (non-invasive transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS, delivered at home via telehealth) combined with speech therapy can slow language decline in people with logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) — a rare brain condition that causes gradual loss of language ability. **You may be eligible if...** - You have a confirmed diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia, specifically the logopenic variant - You scored 20 or higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination (a cognitive screening test) - You have adequate hearing and vision (aids are acceptable) - You have a study partner who can be present for training sessions and video check-ins - You have reliable internet access at home **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a different variant of PPA (not logopenic) - You have a metal implant in your head or another condition making brain stimulation unsafe - Your cognitive decline is too advanced for participation Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALLexical Retrieval Cascade Treatment

Participants work on producing spoken and written names of personally-relevant target items. Treatment focuses on the use of strategies that capitalize on spared cognitive-linguistic abilities to support word retrieval. The participant completes two (one hour each) teletherapy sessions per week with a clinician plus 30 minutes of additional independent, computer-based practice exercises 3 times per week.

DEVICERemotely Supervised Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation- Active

tDCS is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation. 2.0 milliamp (mA) of current will be delivered via electrodes in saline-soaked sponges placed on the left and right sides of the head. The stimulation will last 20 minutes and will occur 5 times weekly, in the participant's home setting, while the participant engages in computer-delivered speech-language training. Sessions are monitored by study personnel.

DEVICERemotely Supervised Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation - Sham

tDCS is a type of non-invasive brain stimulation. 2.0 milliamp (mA) of current will be delivered via electrodes in saline-soaked sponges placed on the left and right sides of the head. In sham stimulation, current will be delivered for a brief period of time and then turned off. Sham stimulation will last 20 minutes and will occur 5 times weekly, in the participant's home setting, while the participant engages in computer-delivered speech-language training. Sessions are monitored by study personnel.


Locations(2)

UCSF Memory and Aging Cener

San Francisco, California, United States

University of Texas

Austin, Texas, United States

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NCT07260253


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