Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) With Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in Chronic Aphasia
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
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.
Eligibility Criteria
This study recruits individuals with post-stroke aphasia as well as a group of healthy volunteers matched for age, sex, and education. INCLUSION 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) Additional INCLUSION Criteria for participants with APHASIA: * 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) EXCLUSION Criteria: * 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, psychiatr