Restoring Neural Oscillatory Communication in Developmental Dyslexia

Restoring Neural Oscillatory Communication Between Dorsal and Ventral Visual Streams in Developmental Dyslexia

Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a multifactorial disorder that hampers the education of about 10% of individuals across cultures and is associated to both phonological and visual deficits. The latter have been linked to a deficit in the magnocellular-dorsal (M-D) visual stream, that has a critical role in guiding the activity of ventral visual stream areas where letters identity is extracted. Here, we will test the efficacy of transcranial alternate current stimulation (tACS) of the M-D stream combined with reading trainings in adult participants with DD, assessing the neurophysiological underpinnings of these new trainings with EEG and fMRI/DTI.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patient (age between 18 and 35)
• Official Diagnosis of Developmental Dyslexia (DD)
• Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing
• Normal motor skills

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants that cannot sign the consent form
• Participants unable to read or understand and correctly complete the procedures foreseen by the study
• Participants with a diagnosis or personal history of epilepsy or patients with a positive family history of epilepsy
• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• Participants with major psychiatric or neurological disorders and/or currently in psychopharmacological treatments.
• Participants with metal implants in the brain, pacemakers, brain stimulators, cochlear implants.
• Participants with claustrophobia (only for fMRI)