Transcranial Pulse Stimulation: Shockwave Therapy for Alzheimer's?

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease brings many challenges – both for those with the disease and for their family members. Despite the best efforts of medical science, Alzheimer’s disease remains incurable.

However, particularly in recent years, progress has been made in the fight against this condition and its associated symptoms. There are new Alzheimer’s medications and therapies used today aimed at promoting the patient’s mental faculties and preserving these capabilities for as long as possible, thus improving their overall quality of life and ability to function independently.

Storz Medical have created a machine called the Neurolith which aims to alleviate some symptoms of Alzheimer’s and possibly delay cognitive decline. The therapy, called Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS), is completely non-invasive and involves passing high frequency acoustic waves, very similar to the shockwaves used in Storz Medical shockwave therapy devices, through the skull and into the brain to stimulate neural growth factors.

Studies by researchers at the University of Vienna have shown that just six 30-minute treatments over two weeks can improve mild to moderate Alzheimer’s by up to 10 points on the CERAD scale. The CERAD corrected total score (CTS) as the major global outcome parameter for the patients’ cognitive state improved significantly after six 30 minute treatments over two weeks and remained stable over three months. However, further large scale trials and long-term follow-up are required. Patients have seen noticeable and measurable improvements in memory, verbal function and depression.

TPS involves passing short and painless acoustic waves through the patient’s head to stimulate deep cerebral regions of the brain with millimeter accuracy. These waves stimulate neural growth factors and promote the formation of new blood vessels and improved blood circulation.

Lead researcher Dr Roland Beisteiner says:

“For the first time in the world, TPS enables us to penetrate into all areas of the brain by means of an ultrasound pulse delivered directly to the skull in a non-invasive, painless

procedure, during which the patient is fully conscious, and to specifically target particular areas of the brain and stimulate them”

The procedure is painless, non-invasive, involves minimal side effects, and does not require any medications. If the patient is using Alzheimer’s medications such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, the TPS treatment does not interfere with the medication’s effectiveness. 1500 treatments have already been carried out across Europe and 100 Neurolith devices have been delivered to research facilities and clinics worldwide.

Alzheimer’s Clinics, situated within Dyad Medical in Harley Street, London, is the first clinic in the UK to adopt the Neurolith. Treatments are supervised by renowned consultant psychiatrists Dr Mohamed Abdelghani and Dr Maja Elia. Dr Abdelghani is one of the pioneers of neuromodulation treatment modalities in both the NHS and the private sector in the UK.

Hi John,

Hope you are well and thanks for getting in touch.

To answer the specific questions mentioned in your email:

The treatment costs £5,000 for a course of six sessions spread evenly over two weeks.
We make no claims about halting or reversing Alzheimer’s. There is evidence that TPS can initially improve and then slow decline in some cognitive symptoms in individuals with Alzheimer’s, which is a very important distinction.

Here is some information from our team regarding the specifics of use of TPS in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.

Storz Medical have created a machine called the Neurolith which has been shown in multiple studies to initially enhance and potentially mitigate the degeneration of cognitive ability in certain individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The therapy, called Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS), is completely non-invasive and involves passing high frequency acoustic waves through the skull and into the brain to stimulate blood flow and neural growth factors. It can be used in conjunction with any other Alzheimer’s treatment, including medications.

Studies by researchers at the University of Vienna have shown that just six 30-minute treatments over two weeks can improve mild to moderate Alzheimer’s by up to 10 points on the CERAD scale. The CERAD corrected total score (CTS) as the major global outcome parameter for the patients’ cognitive state improved significantly after six 30 minute treatments over two weeks and remained stable over three months. Patients have seen noticeable and measurable improvements in memory, verbal function and depression. Our full list of clinical evidence can be seen here: https://alzheimersclinics.co.uk/neuropulse-clinical-evidence/

Further large scale trials are however required before we can make any bolder claims or treat on a wider scale. One such double-blind and placebo controlled study is currently being prepared for publication within the next couple of months, and more papers are due early next year including one investigating its potential help in Parkinson’s disease.

Although 3300 patients have been treated so far in 132 clinics, hospitals and universities worldwide, London Alzheimer’s Clinics is being very selective about who they treat. Out of many applications we have received, few have been approved for treatment as we have strict eligibility requirements. We are excited about the future of this treatment and hope to bring some relief to the huge number of people in the UK affected by this debilitating disease.

Here are a list of universities who currently own and are testing with the Neurolith device:

· Uni Klink Bonn (Neurologie), Venusberg

· Uni Klinik Düsseldorf-Kempen (Neurologie)

· Akademic Teaching Hospital St. Augustinus Fachkliniken, Düsseldorf-Neuss (2 units in Neurology)

· Uni Klinik (Neuro-Rehabilitation), Leipzig

· University of Trieste/Italy (Neurology)

· University of L’Aquila, Italy (Neurology)

· University of Brazil, São Paulo (2 units in Neurology)

· Hong Kong Prince of Wales/Chinese University (Neurology)

· Hong Kong St. Elisabeth/Hong Kong University (Neurology)

· Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Coming soon: