Late-life depression remains underdiagnosed, often due to barriers unique to older adults and misconceptions that can delay proper care. This growing health issue highlights the need for effective recognition and treatment to improve quality of life. Providers and primary care physicians (PCPs) can play a crucial role in addressing late-life depression by understanding these obstacles, supporting their patients, and connecting them to solutions like BrainsWay Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS™).
Symptoms of depression can often resemble those of other conditions prevalent in older adults, such as cognitive decline, chronic pain, or mobility issues. These overlaps make it challenging for healthcare providers to differentiate depression from other age-related ailments.
Many older adults were raised in an era when mental health was rarely discussed or addressed. For this generation, admitting to feelings of sadness or depression can be difficult due to the stigma associated with these conditions. Providers can benefit from a compassionate approach, encouraging open dialogue around mental health and reinforcing that depression is treatable.
Depression is frequently mistaken as a “natural part of aging.” This misconception can lead both patients and caregivers to dismiss significant depressive symptoms as ordinary, reducing the likelihood of seeking treatment.
Properly identifying and treating late-life depression can have significant benefits, not only for an individual’s emotional well-being but also for their overall health. Left untreated, depression in older adults may lead to a decline in physical health, decreased mobility, and increased risk of other complications. Recognizing depression early can lead to personalized care that addresses both mental and physical health concerns.
It’s also important to acknowledge that late-life depression is particularly challenging to treat with traditional antidepressants. Older adults have higher non-response rates and face greater risks of drug-drug interactions, making non-pharmacological approaches even more critical.
BrainsWay is the first and only TMS system to have expanded FDA clearance for the treatment of depression in patients aged 68-86 years. This groundbreaking clearance reflects the unique advantages of Deep TMS technology.
Unlike traditional TMS systems, Deep TMS’s greater stimulation depth allows it to effectively target brain structures associated with depression.
Real-world clinical data further highlights the efficacy of Deep TMS: among older adults with depression who completed at least 30 sessions, approximately 4 in 5 achieved a response, and nearly 3 in 5 achieved remission.
Discover how BrainsWay Deep TMS has offered renewed hope to many patients by visiting our testimonial video gallery.
For more information on late-life depression and available treatment options, explore our Knowledge Center or connect with a qualified provider to discuss how BrainsWay Deep TMS can help you or your loved one.
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Late-Life Depression Treatment
