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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in the Elderly

Current Psychiatry Reports volume 20, Article number: 6 (2018) Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This article aims to review select applications of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) that have significant relevance in geriatric psychiatry.

Recent Findings

Small study sizes and parameter variability limit the generalizability of many TMS studies in geriatric patients. Additionally, geriatric patients have unique characteristics that can moderate the efficacy of TMS. Nonetheless, several promising experimental applications in addition to the FDA-approved indication for major depression have emerged. Cognitive impairment, neuropathic pain, and smoking cessation are experimental applications with special significance to the elderly. Cognitive impairment has been researched the most in this population and evidence thus far suggests that TMS has potential therapeutic benefit. There is also evidence to suggest benefit from TMS for neuropathic pain and smoking cessation in working age adults. TMS is consistently reported as a safe and well-tolerated treatment modality with no adverse cognitive side effects.

Summary

TMS is a safe treatment modality that can be effective for certain applications in the elderly. Additional research that specifically includes older subjects is needed to replicate findings and to optimize treatment protocols for this population.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), Charleston, SC, USA

    Ilva G. Iriarte & Mark S. George

  2. Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA

    Mark S. George

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Correspondence to Ilva G. Iriarte.

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Ilva G. Iriarte and Mark S. George declare no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Geriatric Disorders

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Iriarte, I.G., George, M.S. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) in the Elderly. Curr Psychiatry Rep 20, 6 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-018-0866-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-018-0866-2

Keywords

  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation
  • Geriatric
  • Safety
  • Efficacy
  • Depression
  • Cognitive
  • Pain
  • Smoking cessation