Therapeutic effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on neuropsychological symptoms of an elderly patient: A case report

ABSTRACT Although growing evidence points to the potential therapeutic effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), there is still no consensus on the most appropriate protocol to be used in specific neurological and neuropsychological symptoms. This case report evaluated the neuromodulatory therapeutic effects of two 15-day courses of tDCS on an elderly female patient, aged 78 years with mild neurocognitive disorder, chronic pain and depression-related symptoms. Results indicated an overall significant improvement of cognitive and executive functions, as well as reduction in both depression and chronic pain symptoms. These results highlight the potential of tDCS as a safe and useful neuromodulatory clinical tool in the rehabilitation of elderly patients.

摘要 尽管越来越多的证据表明经颅直流电刺激（transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, tDCS）具备潜在治疗价值，但目前针对特定神经及神经心理症状的最优应用方案仍未达成共识。本病例报告针对一名78岁、患有轻度神经认知障碍、慢性疼痛及抑郁相关症状的老年女性患者，评估了两个为期15天的经颅直流电刺激疗程的神经调节治疗效果。结果显示，患者的认知与执行功能整体得到显著改善，同时抑郁与慢性疼痛症状均有所缓解。上述结果凸显了经颅直流电刺激作为一种安全有效的神经调节临床工具，在老年患者康复治疗中的应用潜力。