Effect of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation on Hypokinetic Dysarthria in Parkinson's Disease

Hypokinetic dysarthria (HD) is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and responds only partially to pharmacotherapy and surgery. The investigators will explore long-term effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied over right superior temporal gyrus, brain area known to be engaged in the feedback control of voiced speech. The project results will allow for the identification of potential therapeutic effects of rTMS as a tool that could contribute to the speech therapy of HD in PD patients. The results will also enhance our understanding of brain mechanisms underlying specific long-term effects of rTMS.