According to the World Health Organization, the world faces a longevity revolution. The number of people aged 60 years and older is growing at an unprecedented rate and will accelerate in future decades.
As the global population ages, depression in older adults becomes a significant health concern.
While it’s true that depression can manifest at any stage of life, there are certain factors and challenges
that make older adults more vulnerable to depression, including social isolation and loneliness, chronic
health conditions, cognitive function and more.
What are the risk factors of depression in older adults?
Loneliness among older adults
Loneliness is a subjective emotional state where individuals feel disconnected or isolated — whether they’re physically alone or not. It can be a significant factor in the development and persistence of depression, especially among older adults.
Health and social challenges
Older adults may be more susceptible to depression due to a range of risk factors, including chronic health conditions, cognitive decline, financial stress and a lack of social support — all of which can be exacerbated by social isolation and loneliness.
Decline of cognitive function
Depression can affect cognitive function, including memory, attention and decision-making. In some cases, it may increase the risk of developing cognitive disorders like dementia. Cognitive decline can further reduce an individual’s quality of life and independence.
What are the advantages of using TMS to treat depression in older adults?
There are numerous advantages to using TMS for treating depression in older adults.
- It has proven to be safe, well-tolerated and effective in multiple randomized controlled trials.
- In addition to depression, it may also reduce symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, neuropathy and many other co-morbid conditions that manifest in older adults.
- TMS could lessen the medication burden for older adults managing multiple health conditions, reducing their reliance on numerous drugs that can heighten fall risk and unwanted drug interactions.
- TMS does not have the potential memory problems that commonly occur with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Our internal research and TMS outcomes show that our efforts can significantly benefit those in need, promoting mental health and overall well-being. Though, like any new treatment, it’s essential to have a thorough medical evaluation before starting TMS. Certain medical conditions or implanted devices may make TMS unsuitable or require special precautions.
At Family Care Center, we collaborate with you to ensure TMS is an appropriate treatment modality that can provide you with benefits.
To learn more about TMS for treating depression in older adults, visit fccwellbeing.com/services/tms.
