Brain Science:
You may recall that we mentioned deep brain stimulation as a future treatment for cognitive decline. Well an October publication in the Harvard Medical Review notes that a variation of deep brain stimulation is being tested. It is called Transcranial magnetic stimulation. A device positioned on the upper forehead delivers short electromagnetic pulses. These pass through the skull to stimulate nerve cells in the targeted area. Over time, this technique leaves that part of the brain more active, which is thought to then affect entire brain networks that are responsible for regulating mood. In effect it creates well worn pathways that create positive Moods.
Brain facts:
The basic tools we have for treating depression haven’t changed greatly in recent years. Medications and talk therapies are a mainstay. Lifestyle approaches, such as encouraging physical activity, sufficient sleep, and social connection, are often part of the package. In more cases than not these therapies are not necessarily successful.
So What:
this therapy is non invasive. In other words probes do not penetrate the skin. In addition traditional treatments that require drugs are less effective since going off the drugs causes recurrence of depression. That is a common occurrence with existing drugs. We don't know when this becomes available. Projections are that still more testing needs to be done.
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