Brain stimulation

For example, in a research setting, electrodes may be positioned more precisely over an area of the brain, and how current is delivered, session length or the number of sessions may differ.

Currently, small, short-term studies show that tDCS may benefit people with:

• Depression: An analysis of 10 randomized trials found some participants were more likely to report fewer symptoms of depression, or remission of depression, after a course of tDCS treatment compared with sham treatment.

• Alzheimer’s disease: A review of seven studies found that tDCS lasting 20 to 40 minutes improved memory and other cognitive measures in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

• ADHD: One randomized trial of 64 adults with ADHD found improved attention after 30 minutes of tDCS daily for a month.

The FDA has not cleared tDCS for any health condition, and it is considered investigational. More research with positive results and reassuring safety data are needed before tDCS gets a thumbs-up from regulators.

That’s probably why some ads for tDCS note in fine print that it is not a medical device and is only for recreational use.

Does tDCS have downsides?

While the FDA assesses tDCS as safe for adults, there are downsides to consider. For example, treatment may cause itching, irritation or small burns at the sites of the electrodes. Some users complain of fatigue or headache.

There are no large, long-term studies of tDCS, so overall safety is uncertain.

Some experts believe at-home use raises many questions, such as how much of the brain beyond targeted areas is affected, what inconsistent approaches to tDCS use might do, and how long changes in the brain — intended or not — could last.

Very limited research has been done in children. So, the consequences for a child’s developing brain aren’t clear.

Finally, tDCS devices can be expensive (several hundred dollars or more) and generally are not covered by health insurance.

The bottom line: It’s not yet clear how tDCS should be used or who is most likely to benefit from it. If you’re interested in pursuing tDCS, understand there’s still a lot we don’t know.

If you’re more skeptical and riskaverse (like me), you may want to wait for more definitive research regarding its benefits and risks — and for now, stick with your morning coffee to clear your mind.

© 2023 by Harvard University.

Housing Communities

District of Columbia

❏ Chevy Chase House (See ads on pages B8, B13)

❏ Knollwood (See ad on page 11)

❏ Vida Senior Residences (See ad on page B6)

Maryland

❏ Brooke Grove (See ads on pages B7, B8, 40)

❏ Cadence Living Olney (See ad on page B4)

❏ Carnegie at Washingtonian Center (See ads on pages 3, B7)

❏ Churchill Senior Living (See ad on page 8)

❏ Covenant Village (See ads on pages B6, B7)

❏ Emerson House (See ads on pages B6, B15)

❏ Grandview, The (See ads on pages B5, B7)

❏ HIP Home Sharing Program (See ad on page B6)

❏ Homecrest House (See ads on pages B7, B12)

❏ Homewood at Frederick (See ad on page 6)

❏ Leggett, The (See ad on page B16)

❏ Park View Bladensburg (See ad on page 30)

❏ Park View Columbia (See ad on page 30)

❏ Park View Emerson (See ad on page 30)

❏ Park View Laurel (See ad on page 30)

❏ Riderwood (See ads on pages 1, B5, B15)

❏ Tribute at Black Hill (See ad on page B13)

Virginia

❏ Ashby Ponds (See ads on pages 1, B5, B8)

❏ Culpepper Garden (See ad on page 11)

❏ Falcons Landing (See ads on pages 9, B15)

❏ Greenspring (See ads on pages 1, B5, B15)

❏ Harmony at Chantilly (See ad on page B2)

❏ Harmony at Spring Hill (See ads on pages B2, B15)

❏ Lockwood House (See ad on page B6)

❏ Sommerset (See ad on page 6)

❏ Sunrise at Silas Burke House (See ad on page 17)

❏ Tribute at One Loudon (See ad on page 15)

❏ Tribute at the Glen (See ad on page 7)

❏ Vinson Hall (See ads on pages B7, B10)

❏ Westminster Canterbury at Chesapeake Bay (See ads on pages B3, B15)

❏ Woodleigh Chase (See ads on pages B5, B8)

Clinical Health Studies

❏ Cardiovascular Disease Research Study (See ad on page 16)

❏ Meditation for Anxiety Study (See article on page 16)

❏ UM Hearing Study (See ad on page 16) Name_________________________________________________