title: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and language.
abstract: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive neuromodulation technique inducing prolonged brain excitability changes and promoting cerebral plasticity, is a promising option for neurorehabilitation. Here, we review progress in research on tDCS and language functions and on the potential role of tDCS in the treatment of post-stroke aphasia. Currently available data suggest that tDCS over language-related brain areas can modulate linguistic abilities in healthy individuals and can improve language performance in patients with aphasia. Whether the results obtained in experimental conditions are functionally important for the quality of life of patients and their caregivers remains unclear. Despite the fact that important variables are yet to be determined, tDCS combined with rehabilitation techniques seems a promising therapeutic option for aphasia.
authors.affiliation: Centro Interdipartimentale Mente/Cervello, Centro di Riabilitazione Neurocognitiva, Università degli Studi di Trento, Rovereto, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Monti
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ferrucci
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fumagalli
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mameli
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cogiamanian
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ardolino
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Priori
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001037:Aphasia / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Aphasia; Electrical Stimulation; Rehabilitation; Speech Therapy; Stroke