The purpose of this research study is to examine the effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on verbal retrieval and cognition and sensorimotor control and to determine if tDCS can be used as a way to improve retrieval, sensory, and motor abilities in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).
Diagnosed with PD having a verbal fluency deficit based on neuropsychological test (T-score < 40 or a T-score <-1.0 SD below the average T-score): Semantic Object Retrieval Test (SORT), COWAT (both letter and category fluency), Boston Naming Test (BNT), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT)
50 - 90 years old
Capable of understanding and signing an informed consent (able to answer consent comprehension questions)
Fluent in speaking and reading English
Montreal Cognitve Assessment (MOCA) score <23, unless an accompanying study partner/caregiver is with them and we can obtain the written consent of both the participant and the participant's accompanying study partner/caregiver (i.e., the participant's spouse, adult child, parent, or adult sibling);
history of seizures;
unexplained episodes of loss of consciousness (as these may be related to brain alterations or epilepsy);
suffering from severe or frequent headaches;
The University of Texas at Dallas
Lead sponsor
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Collaborator