Page 13 - JCBP-3-3

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Non-invasive neuromodulation for geriatric depression

another study, 34 participants engaged in a 4-week BLT To optimize therapeutic outcomes and provide better
intervention, receiving 10,000 lux of light for 30 min each care for older patients with depression, future studies
morning 3 times a week, leading to significant reductions should incorporate neuroimaging and physiological
in depressive symptoms and improvements in sleep quality measurements to examine the neural mechanisms
among older patients. Furthermore, a meta-analysis underlying music therapy. Refining intervention
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consisting of eight trials (six of which were randomized components, dosage, and delivery methods will further
controlled trials) involving 395 participants validated enhance its effectiveness.
the effectiveness and safety of BLT in the treatment of
depression in older people. Some studies have also 2.6. Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS)
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suggested that different light colors may have varying TUS is an advanced non-invasive neuromodulation
effects on circadian rhythms. For instance, white and blue technique that uses low-intensity ultrasound energy to
light have shown significant effects, whereas green light reversibly stimulate and modulate neural circuits within
has shown less efficacy. 134 the brain. It provides spatial specificity at the millimeter
level and possesses the unique capability to target
In summary, the affordability, efficacy, safety, and 142,143
minimal side effects of BLT position it as a promising deep subcortical structures. TUS, a non-invasive
neuromodulation technique, can adjust brain networks
non-invasive treatment for geriatric depression. Further and induce enduring behavioral changes, 144,145 making it
investigations should further explore the therapeutic a potential method for reducing depressive symptoms.
146
effects of different light spectra and examine the possibility Studies have suggested that TUS may improve depression
of combining BLT with other treatment modalities to by modulating activity in specific brain regions. In a study
augment treatment efficacy.
by Fan et al., TUS was used to treat a case of treatment-
2.5. Music therapy resistant depression by targeting the thalamus, with
participants showing good tolerance to the intermittent
Music therapy utilizes various experiences, such as TUS protocol and no adverse effects. This preliminary
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listening, singing, playing instruments, and composing, to research indicates that thalamic TUS may help reduce
help manage depressive symptoms, delay cognitive decline, depressive symptoms; however, further studies are needed
and enhance social cognitive functions with minimal side to validate these findings. Although research on TUS in
effects. 135,136 Recent research has consistently demonstrated geriatric depression remains limited, early studies have
the beneficial effects of music therapy in the treatment shown that TUS combined with magnetic resonance
of depression among older people. A systematic review imaging-guided low-intensity focused ultrasound pulses
and meta-analysis found that music therapy significantly for depression treatment has demonstrated positive clinical
alleviated symptoms of depression and anxiety in older outcomes with few side effects. 147
adults, while also lowering blood pressure and improving
cognitive abilities. Similarly, Iqbal and Olivia showed Despite the potential of TUS in treating geriatric
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that a 12-week music intervention significantly alleviated depression, current evidence is still inadequate. To establish
depressive symptoms and enhanced the quality of life of its efficacy, safety, and optimal treatment parameters, more
geriatric patients. 138 clinical trials are necessary. Future research should explore
the combination of TUS with other therapies and consider
Losa and Piquero further explored the effects of personalized treatment plans based on individual patient
personalized music therapy on older adults with mild differences.
cognitive impairment. Their results demonstrate a strong
association between music therapy and improvements 3. Conclusion
in both depressive symptoms and cognitive function, The treatment of geriatric depression poses numerous
suggesting potential neuroprotective effects. Through a challenges, and its increasing prevalence places a
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randomized controlled trial, Chu et al. confirmed that group substantial burden on both society and the economy. Non-
music therapy not only alleviated depressive symptoms but invasive neuromodulation techniques have lower side
also slowed the decline in short-term memory. 140
effect profiles and fewer adverse reactions, thus showing
Music can directly influence the limbic system and great potential in treating geriatric depression. ECT, with
brainstem, which are mainly involved in emotional its rapid onset and potential cognitive benefits, is well-
regulation. 138,141 By modulating activity in these areas, suited for acute treatment. Although rTMS has a slower
music therapy promotes emotional expression and onset, it is supported by solid empirical evidence and is
enhances social interaction, thereby promoting self-esteem now a preferred treatment option. Improving cognition
and overall quality of life in older patients with depression. is a promising area for both tDCS and tACS; however,

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 7 doi: 10.36922/jcbp.5019