Non-invasive stimulation of the vagus nerve in the elderly depressed

This project aims to determine if the mechanisms underlying the effects of tVNS on depression in an elderly population are driven by an increase of noradrenaline, an important neurotransmitter in the brain.

Major depressive disorder becomes increasingly prevalent with age, posing unique challenges for treatment in geriatric populations. The conventional approach of adding antidepressants may carry risks, especially with concerns about polypharmacy. Seeking safer alternatives, non-invasive neuromodulation methods like transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) emerge as promising options.

Tapping into the potential of tVNS involves electrically stimulating the vagus nerve through the skin, either at the ear or neck. While tVNS shows encouraging antidepressant results globally, its role in gerontological psychiatry is not yet clear. To optimize treatment protocols, understanding the mechanisms of action behind tVNS is crucial.

This project aims to unravel these mechanisms, specifically focusing on whether tVNS's effects on depression in the elderly stem from an increase in noradrenaline, a vital neurotransmitter in the brain. By identifying neurofunctional biomarkers, we pave the way for future clinical trials, enabling the prediction of individual responsiveness to tVNS treatment in older adults with depression.

For more information, contact Paula.Horczak@UGent.be.

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