Baseline Severity and tDCS in PPA

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by insidious
irreversible loss of language abilities. Prior studies suggest that transcranial direct
current stimulation (tDCS) directed toward language areas of the brain may help to ameliorate
symptoms of PPA. In the current study, the investigators are examining whether tDCS could be
used to enhance language abilities (e.g., picture naming) in individuals with PPA variants
primarily characterized by difficulties with speech production (non-fluent and logopenic).
Participants are being recruited from the Penn Frontotemporal Dementia Center to receive 10
days of both real and sham tDCS (counter-balanced, full-crossover design; participants are
naïve to stimulation condition). A battery of language tests are being administered at
baseline, immediately post-tDCS (real and sham), and six weeks and twelve weeks following
stimulation. Real tDCS may improve language performance in some individuals with PPA.
Specifically, the investigators expect that tDCS will be more effective in people whose
baseline performance is worse based on previous research. Severity of deficits at baseline
may be an important factor in predicting which patients will respond positively to
language-targeted tDCS therapies.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Between the ages of 45-80

- Native English speaker

- Diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia

- Subject understands nature of study and able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

- Cognitive impairment of sufficient severity to preclude giving informed consent

- History of seizures or unexplained loss of consciousness

- Previous craniotomy or any breach of the skull

- Metallic objects in the head or face other than dental braces, fillings or implants

- Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

- Pregnant