Kerry, Sheila;
(2019)
Understanding the behavioural and neurological response to word reading training paired with anodal tDCS in participants with Central Alexia.
Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).
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Abstract
Central alexia (CA) is an acquired reading disorder co-occurring with a generalised language deficit (aphasia). In my thesis, through a series of three experiments, I aim to explore the reading network of 23 patients with CA and how it responds to a training application (app) called iReadMore. It is hoped that improving our understanding of the mechanisms of neural plasticity following therapy for post-stroke CA will lead to the development of more effectively targeted therapies. The introduction outlines models of reading and our current understanding of neuroplasticity in post-stroke aphasia. Of particular importance is the view of aphasia as a network disorder. Accordingly, this thesis investigates the effective connectivity observed when reading, rather than activation within individual regions. In the first results chapter, I compare the reading networks of CA and control participants using dynamic causal modelling (DCM) for magnetoencephalography (MEG) data. This analysis aims to identify potentially damaged and adapted connections within the reading network of CA participants. I then report the results of a clinical trial investigating the effects of iReadMore training, paired with anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (A-tDCS). This chapter aims to identify if iReadMore training improves single word reading aloud, and if A-tDCS provides an additive effect on training. In the final results chapter, I use DCM for MEG to explore training induced changes in the reading network of CA patients. This chapter aims to identify the neural mechanisms by which iReadMore training is effective. In chapter six, I take each of the results chapters in turn and discuss the main findings, limitations and potential future research directions. I also discuss reading therapy for CA and the clinical use of DCM as two broader topics touched upon by this thesis.
| Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Qualification: | Ph.D |
| Title: | Understanding the behavioural and neurological response to word reading training paired with anodal tDCS in participants with Central Alexia |
| Event: | University College London |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | Copyright © The Author 2019. Original content in this thesis is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Any third-party copyright material present remains the property of its respective owner(s) and is licensed under its existing terms. |
| UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology > Brain Repair and Rehabilitation |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10065469 |
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