rTMS Treatment of Primary Progressive Aphasia

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative disease in which language function is gradually and progressively impaired. Patients will eventually be disabled in communication and have cognition deficits, which put a heavy burden not only on their families but also on the whole society. However, no effective treatment for PPA has been explored so far. The current clinical randomized trial is to study the safety and efficacy of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for the treatment of PPA. Also, multi-modality of neuroimaging techniques, such as functional MRI and PET will be used to investigate brain network changing in this procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of PPA

Exclusion Criteria:

• Scored below 15 on the mini-mental state exam (MMSE)
• history of seizures or unexplained loss of consciousness
• pregnancy
• surgical breach of the skull
• MRI contraindication