Apraxia of speech (AOS) is a motor speech disorder affecting the programming of motor speech production. It is characterized by the impaired ability to coordinate the sequential, articulatory movements necessary to produce speech sound. It can result from insult to the brain, such as in stroke, or as the presenting sign/symptom of another neurodegenerative disease.~TMS is a neurostimulation technique which has been shown to modulate cortical excitability in a non-invasive manner, and has been associated with positive outcomes in a variety of neurological and psychological disorders.There is evidence to support the role of TMS in individuals with primary progressive aphasias. In addition, there is a a case report suggesting an improvement in speech following TMS in an individual with primary progressive AOS. This study is being undertaken to further examine the role of TMS in primary progressive AOS.
The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on speech performance in individuals with primary progressive apraxia of speech.