As you get older, living with depression can feel especially difficult. If you are watching an elderly family member struggle, you may notice changes to their energy levels, motivation, sleep habits, or ability to focus that make everyday tasks harder than they used to be. You may also feel discouraged if medications have caused common side effects or have not provided the relief you hoped for. It is very normal to wonder whether there are treatment options that take your loved one’s age, overall health, and comfort into account.
If your loved one has depression symptoms that have not improved with other approaches, TMS therapy for elderly patients in Columbia may be a good fit. NeuroStar transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that has been studied across a wide range of adults, including older patients with certain types of depression.
NeuroStar TMS is FDA-cleared for adults ages 22 and up with major depressive disorder. There is no upper age limit because safety is based on individual medical history rather than age alone.
TMS is a convenient treatment for older adults. It does not involve taking another medication, which is a relief if your family member already takes other medicines. Instead, TMS stimulates areas of the brain associated with depression using magnetic pulses. Your loved one remains awake and alert during each session and can return to their usual activities afterward.
The extensive use of NeuroStar TMS treatment is reassuring to older patients in Columbia exploring the possibility of undergoing this treatment. It has been administered over 7.4 million times across more than 202,000 patients and has been involved in more than 65 studies. The most common side effects are mild scalp discomfort or headache during treatment. They are moderate in risk, often lessen over time, and are typically well-tolerated.
If you are helping an older adult consider NeuroStar TMS, it helps to know what the treatment entails. A typical course of treatment lasts seven weeks, and sessions take place on weekdays. Your family member will sit in a comfortable chair, and a treatment coil will deliver magnetic pulses to their scalp. Depression symptoms usually lessen at around four to six weeks.
It is also important to have realistic expectations. Results from NeuroStar TMS can last up to a year for some people, and retreatment may be an option if symptoms return. The treatment goal for our senior TMS patients in Columbia is to support brain health while respecting your comfort and independence.
Depression later in life can affect how your loved one feels about themselves, their relationships, and their sense of purpose. If medications have brought common side effects or limited relief, it is understandable to look for other options. NeuroStar TMS therapy for elderly patients in Columbia is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment with a long history of use in adults with major depressive disorder.
If you are curious whether TMS therapy may be right for an elderly family member, our office is here to help. We believe in taking time to answer questions and supporting you and your loved one in treating their mental health. Call our office today to schedule an appointment and learn more in a setting that feels respectful, clear, and supportive.
