Mechanisms underlying spoken language production
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mechanisms underlying spoken language production: facilitating frontal brain networks following aphasic stroke.
IRAS ID
193162
Contact name
Jennifer Crinion
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
16/0106, R&D reference number; Z6364106/2016/03/110 clinical research, UCL Data Protection Registration number
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Most of us take being able to communicate for granted. Anomia (word finding problems) after stroke can cause profound frustration and anxiety for patients and families. Some people recover; many don’t. ~ 250,000 people in the UK have chronic speech and language problems post-stroke. This project will investigate how treatment for these people might be improved.
The brain’s speech areas can be stimulated using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The kit is simple; a battery powering electrodes placed on the scalp. Healthy people who had tDCS while naming pictures could find words quicker and their speech areas responded more efficiently. How it affects aphasic stroke patients' brain function is unknown. This project will use functional brain-imaging techniques and new, high definition tDCS with anomia treatment in aphasic stroke patients. Brain stimulation (tDCS) paired with speech rehabilitation, may accelerate speech recovery.
Participants will receive three weeks of speech training - more than they may get from the NHS. Given the gap between how much time NHS therapists can spend with patients (usually ~8-10 hours) and the amount of practice required to improve, a new approach enhancing speech therapy effectiveness is desirable. The main advantages of tDCS over drugs are its focal effects on the brain. It is also safe, portable, and relatively cheap. Moreover, with backing from a UK company that leads this specialised field, the project will develop a tDCS kit that people can use at home. Patients will practise naming pictures using the kit. The research will test whether speech improves after daily practice plus brain stimulation. MRI scans will measure how speech areas respond to training. It is hoped that identifying suitable candidates and offering this treatment may reduce the number of people living with chronic speech disability.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0901
Date of REC Opinion
1 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion