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Brain stimulation has become one of the most acceptable therapeutic approaches in recent years and a powerful tool in the remedy against neurological diseases. Brain stimulation is achieved through the application of electric currents using non‐invasive as well as invasive techniques. Recent technological advancements have evolved into the development of precise devices with capacity to produce well‐controlled and effective brain stimulation. Currently, most used non‐invasive techniques are repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), whereas the most common invasive technique is deep brain stimulation (DBS). In last decade, application of these brain stimulation techniques has not only exploded but also expanded to wide variety of neurological disorders. Therefore, in the current review, we will provide an overview of the potential of both non‐invasive (rTMS and tDCS) and invasive (DBS) brain stimulation techniques in the treatment of such brain diseases.

Background: In the last three decades, the relationship between depression and cognition in geriatric patients has been a popular topic among researchers and clinicians. Clinical and epidemiological research has focused on the identification of risk factors that could be modified in pre-dementia syndromes, at a preclinical and early clinical stage of dementia disorders, with specific attention to the role of depression. The objective of this work was to determine the relationship between depressive disorder and cognitive deterioration in institutionalized older adults. Methods: In this descriptive, correlational study, data were gathered from two nursing homes in the province of Jaen (Spain), from a random sample of 140 older adults (70 nondependent and 70 dependent). The variables were measured using comprehensive geriatric assessment, the Cambridge Cognitive Test (CAMCOG), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: Depression was correlated with cognitive level in the nondependent older adult sample (r =-0.471, p = 0.004). Age was inversely associated with the score obtained in the CAMCOG of the nondependent older adult sample (r =-0.352, p = 0.038). The functional capacity in several activities of daily living was correlated with the score obtained in the CAMCOG in each of the two groups. Depression was more prevalent in the dependent than in the nondependent older adults (82.85 vs. 57.14%). No association was observed between institutionalization time and the score obtained on the cognitive and affective scales (GDS and CAMCOG) in both groups (GDS-nondependent, r =-0.209, p = 0.234; CAMCOG-nondependent, r = 0.007, p = 0.967; GDS-dependent, r = 0.251, p = 0.152; CAMCOG-dependent, r =-0.021, p = 0.907). Conclusion: Depressive symptomatology is associated with cognitive deterioration. Depression is prevalent in institutions that care for older, more dependent adults.

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