In a recent study led by the University of Florida, a noninvasive method of brain stimulation showed promise in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety among older adults. The study found that those who began with higher levels of symptoms saw the most significant improvements. Notably, for individuals experiencing moderate to severe anxiety linked to stressful situations, the benefits of this treatment were sustained even after a year.
This research, detailed in the Brain Stimulation journal, explored the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a viable, non-pharmacological therapy for depression and anxiety, which impacts approximately one in four older adults. Adam Woods, Ph.D., a senior author of the study, highlighted the importance of such noninvasive treatments. These options are especially crucial for individuals who do not respond to traditional medication, cannot access or engage in intensive treatment programs, or face other barriers.
The University of Florida study observed the treatment’s efficacy not only in participants with clinically diagnosable depression and anxiety but also in those with subclinical levels of these conditions. Subclinical symptoms, which may not fulfil the criteria for a formal diagnosis, can nonetheless contribute to cognitive decline in older adults.
The procedure involves a mild electrical current passed through electrodes on the scalp, targeting the prefrontal cortex— a brain area involved in cognitive and emotional regulation. The study, part of the National Institute on Aging-funded initiative, is the largest and involved nearly 400 older adults across the University of Florida and the University of Arizona sites. Participants were divided into groups receiving 12 weeks of tDCS alongside cognitive or cognitive training with a placebo tDCS.
Beyond improvements in depression and anxiety, the study collected comprehensive data, including cognitive function, brain imaging, and self-reported psychological symptoms. Results showed that tDCS recipients experienced significant enhancements in managing mild depression and state anxiety when compared to those who received placebo treatment.
Hanna Hausman, the study’s lead author, emphasized the novelty and significance of finding such positive outcomes in older adults without significant psychiatric histories, especially on a large scale. She suggested that these findings could pave the way for future research, including a phase 3 clinical trial to investigate further the effects of tDCS and cognitive training on anxiety in older adults.
Internationally, tDCS has already been recognized for its potential; for instance, the Korea Food and Drug Administration has approved it for at-home depression treatment. With additional research, this treatment could gain approval in the U.S., offering a cost-effective, portable, and user-friendly option for managing mental health. Hausman noted the potential for tDCS to be integrated with existing therapies or used independently, enhancing accessibility for those facing challenges in accessing conventional clinical care.
More information: Hanna K. Hausman et al, tDCS reduces depression and state anxiety symptoms in older adults from the augmenting cognitive training in older adults study (ACT), Brain Stimulation. DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.02.021
Journal information: Brain Stimulation Provided by University of Florida
