Does brain stimulation treatment improve mental health in older adults?

Published On 2024-04-25 02:45 GMT | Update On 2024-04-25 02:45 GMT

According to a study led by the University of Florida, a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment improved depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults.

The study, published in the journal Brain Stimulation, suggested that the treatment, known as transcranial direct current stimulation, holds promise as a non-invasive, drug-free option to treat depression and anxiety symptoms, which affect 1 in 4 older adults.

“Depression and anxiety can affect mental health, cognitive function, and independence in older individuals. While medication and therapy are frontline treatments, there's a need for accessible, non-invasive options for those unresponsive to medication or unable to access intensive clinic-based programs”

said the study’s senior author Adam Woods, Ph.D., professor of clinical and health psychology at the UF College of Public Health.

In the study, nearly 400 older adults were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 12 weeks of tDCS paired with cognitive training designed to improve working memory and processing speed, or 12 weeks of cognitive training paired with a placebo version of tDCS. Researchers also collected data from cognitive, functional, and neuroimaging tests as well as self-report measures of psychological symptoms, including depression and anxiety.

After controlling for factors such as prescription drugs that may impact depression and anxiety symptoms, the researchers found that participants who received the tDCS treatment had significant improvements in mild depression and moderate to severe state anxiety, compared with the group that did not receive tDCS.

“Research shows that stimulating this brain area reduces psychological symptoms in diagnosed psychiatric disorders. Surprisingly, similar effects were observed in older adults without psychiatric histories. This therapeutic effect is crucial as even mild depression and anxiety in older adults can lead to adverse outcomes” said Hanna Hausman, the study’s lead author.

Reference: Hanna K. Hausman, Gene E. Alexander, Ronald Cohen, Yunfeng Dai, Samuel Wu, Adam J. Woods; tDCS reduces depression and state anxiety symptoms in older adults from the augmenting cognitive training in older adults study (ACT); Journal: Brain Stimulation; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2024.02.021

Full View

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Roshni Dhar

Roshni Dhar, a Mass com graduate with a soft corner for health happenings, joined Medical Dialogues as a news anchor in 2021. Inspired by her mother who is a gynaecologist, she likes to keep herself and the world updated on the occurring in the medical field. She covers various aspects of health news for MDTV at Medical Dialogues. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Does brain stimulation treatment improve mental health in older adults?

Similar News

Too Much or Too Little Sleep Leads to Increased Risk of Mortality: Study Finds

Could Your Sensitivity Be Affecting Your Mental Health? Study Finds Out

After How Long Is Dementia Usually Diagnosed? Study Provides Crucial Insights

Could Smoking and Vaping Be Making Teen Mental Health Worse? Study Sheds Light

Study Reveals How Green Spaces May Protect Children Against ADHD and Autism

This Combination May Speed Up Memory Decline in Older Adults: Study Finds

Too Young for Screen? Early Smartphone Use May be Tied to Suicidal Thoughts, Aggression, Study Suggests

Heart Healthy Habits May Shield You from Cancer, Dementia, Diabetes and More: Study