Neurostimulation with Naming Therapy for Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Pilot Study Targeting Transcranial Direct...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Speech and Language Pathology

Background:

• Previous Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) focused on group-level variations.
• This study introduces individualized tDCS targeting by identifying peak atrophy in the language system for PPA patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the feasibility of a novel, individualized, home-based tDCS targeting method for PPA.
• To explore the use of neuroimaging to guide tDCS electrode placement at an individual level.

Main Methods:

• Six PPA participants (semantic and non-fluent variants) were randomized to receive tDCS or sham stimulation.
• Individualized tDCS targeting based on peak atrophy regions; naming therapy calibrated to baseline performance.
• Therapy delivered in-home with tDCS (1 mA) or sham stimulation.

Main Results:

• All participants completed the protocol; one showed peak atrophy differing from predicted clinical syndrome.
• Significant individual gains in treated items observed in both tDCS and sham groups (2/3 each).
• No significant changes in untreated items observed individually; naming improvement in untreated items was limited.

Conclusions:

• Feasibility of a novel method for individual-level neurostimulation target selection in PPA demonstrated.
• This individualized, home-based approach is a potential proof-of-concept.
• Larger studies are necessary to establish the long-term therapeutic efficacy of this method.