Investigating the Efficacy and Mechanisms of Individualized tACS Targeting Anhedonia in Late-Life Depression

This project aims to explore effective treatment strategies and mechanisms of action for personalized transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) targeting anhedonia in late-life depression (LLD). Late-life depression has a high prevalence, with 70% of patients exhibiting symptoms of anhedonia, which is . Current pharmacological treatments face challenges such as poor response rates and significant side effects, creating an urgent need for novel intervention strategies. As a non-invasive neurostimulation technique, tACS can improve depressive symptoms by modulating brain oscillatory activity; however, personalized treatment protocols and mechanisms specifically targeting anhedonia in LLD remain unclear. By optimizing tACS parameters, validating clinical efficacy, and elucidating the underlying neural mechanisms, this project will fill a research gap in this field. The findings will not only provide safe and effective non-pharmacological treatment options for patients with geriatric depression, thereby reducing suicide risk, but will also advance the application of tACS technology in precision medicine for mental disorders, holding significant clinical value and social implications.