Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) With Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in Chronic Aphasia

Description

The purpose of this study is to assess changes in language abilities of participants with chronic, post-stroke aphasia following an 8-week therapy period combined with brain stimulation. The investigators use a stimulation method called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The investigators cover two electrodes in damp sponges, place them on the scalp, and pass a weak electrical current between them. Some of this current passes through the brain and can change brain activity. One electrode is placed over language areas a bit above and in front of the left ear. The other is placed on the forehead above the right eye. Stimulation is provided twice a week for 8 weeks during aphasia therapy. The investigators believe that this stimulation may increase the effectiveness of therapy.

Conditions

Aphasia, Stroke

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this study is to assess changes in language abilities of participants with chronic, post-stroke aphasia following an 8-week therapy period combined with brain stimulation. The investigators use a stimulation method called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The investigators cover two electrodes in damp sponges, place them on the scalp, and pass a weak electrical current between them. Some of this current passes through the brain and can change brain activity. One electrode is placed over language areas a bit above and in front of the left ear. The other is placed on the forehead above the right eye. Stimulation is provided twice a week for 8 weeks during aphasia therapy. The investigators believe that this stimulation may increase the effectiveness of therapy.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) With Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in Chronic Aphasia

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) With Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in Chronic Aphasia

Condition
Aphasia
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

New York

City University of New York, New York, New York, United States, 10016

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Right handed (pre-stroke for participants with aphasia)
  • * High school education or equivalent
  • * Native English fluency without early 2nd language exposure (before age 10)
  • * Ability to perform the required discourse and MRI tasks (determined via in-person screening)
  • * Single-event left hemisphere stroke \> 6 months prior to enrollment
  • * Aphasia diagnosis per Western Aphasia Battery-Revised
  • * Not receiving any other speech therapy for the entire study period (20 weeks)
  • * Ability to perform the required therapy tasks (determined via in-person screening)
  • * Failed vision or hearing screening
  • * MRI contraindications (including pacemaker)
  • * Pregnancy
  • * History of seizure or change in seizure medication in past 12 months
  • * History of speech/language, psychiatric, or neurological disorder, or current serious medical condition (except chronic stroke comorbidities for participants with aphasia)
  • * Unmodifiable hair style precluding scalp contact by electrodes
  • * Sensitive scalp by self-report

Ages Eligible for Study

21 Years to 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

City University of New York,

E. Susan Duncan, PhD, CCC-SLP, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, City University of New York

Study Record Dates

2026-12-31