iTBS to Relieve Depression and Executive Dysfunction in Older Adults: An Open Label Study.

ABSTRACT

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.