TMS for Late-Life Depression: A Safe, Drug-Free Option for Older Adults

Depression affects millions of older adults, and it's often harder to treat later in life. Many seniors find that antidepressants don’t work well—or come with side effects that make things worse. But there’s good news: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is emerging as a highly effective, drug-free treatment for late-life depression.

At Braincare Carlsbad, we’re committed to offering personalized, science-backed care for people of all ages. That’s why we tuned in to the recent webinar: “Ask A TMS Expert: Real World Effectiveness of TMS in Late-Life Depression.” The webinar was conducted by Neuronetics, the providers of the Neurostar TMS device we use here at the clinic.

Here’s what we learned, and why it matters.

TMS Is Safe for Seniors and Well Tolerated

The first key takeaway? TMS is just as safe for adults over 65 as it is for younger people. Experts confirmed that:

• There’s no increased sensitivity to TMS in older adults
• TMS is non-invasive and does not involve medication
• The most common side effect is mild scalp discomfort during treatment

The main concern is that older adults are often on multiple medications, which may lower the seizure threshold. That’s why it’s critical to work with experienced providers—like our team at Braincare Carlsbad—who tailor treatment with medical history in mind.

Real-World TMS Results for Older Adults

So, does TMS actually help seniors with depression? The answer appears to be yes.

While large studies focused specifically on depression in older adults are still underway, real-world outcomes are encouraging. Many people in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s have experienced significant improvement with TMS, especially when other treatments failed.

What’s still being studied:

• Remission durability (how long the effects last)
• Re-treatment success rates
• Accelerated protocols (multiple sessions per day)—not yet tested in older adults

Why Late-Life Depression Requires a Different Approach

Depression in older adults is often more complex due to:

• Chronic medical conditions
• Cognitive decline or memory loss
• Grief, isolation, or loss of independence
• Sensitivity to medications

This makes non-drug depression treatments like TMS especially valuable. Unlike antidepressants, TMS doesn’t interact with other medications or cause systemic side effects.

The Benefits of TMS for Older Adults

Here’s why TMS therapy is gaining popularity among older adults and their families:

• No drugs or sedation
• No memory loss
• No medication interactions
• Can be used alongside therapy or antidepressants
• May improve mood, sleep, and cognitive clarity

At Braincare Carlsbad, we offer personalized TMS therapy for seniors. We evaluate your medical history, medications, and brain health to ensure you receive the safest and most effective care possible.

Is TMS Right for You or a Loved One?

If you or someone you care about is facing treatment-resistant depression later in life, it’s important to know that help is available—and hope is real.

TMS for late-life depression offers a promising, gentle alternative to traditional treatments. And at Braincare Carlsbad, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how TMS can help, or contact us here with your questions.