Journal: Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 39(3):298–309
Authors: Shanok NA, Derbin B, Muzac S, Cabeza E, Leven S, Rodriguez R
Background:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represent two of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Notably, it is estimated that 30%-50% of individuals with AD have co-occurring MDD and there are overlapping symptoms across numerous domains.
Methods:
In this pilot study, a Deep TMS protocol (targeting the left frontal and bilateral temporal regions) was delivered for 36 sessions to patients with co-occurring MDD and early-stage AD (N = 12). All participants received the treatment and there was no control condition.
Results:
The treatment yielded a response rate of 83.33% (defined by a ≥50% reduction in depressive symptoms on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) and a remission rate of 50.00% (PHQ-9 score of 4 or less following treatment). Further, participants displayed reductions in left prefrontal and right temporal delta power using QEEG analysis pre- and -post treatment. Alpha coherence was also enhanced in key areas.
Conclusions:
The observed shift in neurophysiological measures suggested reduced cortical slowing and dysconnectivity, which are hallmark traits in MDD and AD. This proof-of-concept study suggests that further research on the application of Deep TMS (paired with QEEG) for early-stage AD is warranted.
Full Publication: The Effects of Deep TMS on QEEG Measures in Co-Occurring Major Depressive Disorder and Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study – PubMed
