About this trial
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
Qualifiers
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)
Disqualifiers
Failed vision or hearing screening
MRI contraindications (including pacemaker)
Pregnancy
History of seizure or change in seizure medication in past 12 months
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation
- Sham transcranial direct current stimulation
- Speech-Language Therapy (SLT)