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iTBS to Relieve Depression and Executive Dysfunction in Older Adults: An Open Label Study
Pilar Cristancho1, Lojine Kamel1, Manuela Araque1
1Department of Psychiatry, Healthy Mind Lab, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis (PC, LK, MA, JB, EJL), St. Louis MO.
Background:
Executive Function Deficits (EFD) accompany depression and are associated with poor outcomes in older adults. We examined whether Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) could improve depression with EFD.
Methods:
Thirteen geriatric patients with depression and EFD were enrolled. Open label iTBS was delivered bilaterally over the dorso-lateral-prefrontal-cortex for four weeks.
Results:
Montgomery Asberg Depression Scale scores improved significantly from baseline to treatment-end, mean change in score = 11.82 points, 95% CI = 8.3, 15.4. The Flanker Inhibitory control and attention test showed significant improvement in executive function from baseline to treatment-end, mean change in score = -7.73, 95% CI ( -13.54, -1.92). Side effects included twitching in facial muscles (n = 11), headaches (n = 10) and stimulation discomfort (n = 4).
Limitations:
Small sample size and lack of a sham comparator.
Conclusion:
iTBS improved depression with EFD in older adults. Side effects appeared higher than in previous iTBS studies.
