Expert Meeting on the Neurostimulation Procedure Transcranial Pulse Stimulation on November 18, 2023 in Constance
International Researchers Attest to the High Relevance of TPS in Alzheimer’s Therapy
Due to the global rise in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s dementia, physical brain stimulation techniques are becoming increasingly important alongside conventional pharmaceutical approaches.
One of these methods is Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS), which is performed using the NEUROLITH shock wave system. This device, which is approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, has already shown positive results in clinical research and application in terms of safety and efficacy. TPS, a non-invasive technique, uses focused sound waves to stimulate the brain and shows promising therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative diseases.
On November 18, 62 scientists from 14 countries discussed the latest research findings on TPS in Constance on Lake Constance. The current study situation and future research projects were discussed in order to further investigate the mechanisms of action and long-term effects of TPS.
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease: Positive and dynamically growing data
This meeting of experts in the fields of neuroscience, neurology and psychiatry on the topic of “Transcranial Pulse Stimulation” (TPS) shows the growing interest in this still new form of therapy. The speakers shared the results of studies on TPS in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia and discussed the postulated mechanisms of action such as neuron activation, release of growth factors, vascularization, neurotransmitter changes and improved drug absorption through the TPS-induced opening of the blood-brain barrier.
Case studies have confirmed that TPS can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, improve executive function and reduce depression. The researchers emphasized the need for more extensive studies, including placebo-controlled trials, to further substantiate the efficacy of TPS.
Patient safety is paramount: hardly any side effects in around 10,000 patients
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) has proven to be safe and well tolerated in over 10,000 patients treated for Alzheimer’s dementia. Long-term observations over 12 months also show positive effects in patients who receive regular booster treatments. The few reported side effects such as mild headaches, fatigue or dizziness for a maximum of 1-2 days after treatment are mild and only affect around four percent of patients, without the need for drug interventions.
Practicing doctors who use TPS in their clinics confirm the positive effects of the treatment. They emphasize that patients, their relatives and their social environment usually benefit significantly from the therapy.
TPS as a treatment method for other diseases? The research is encouraging
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is also increasingly being researched for other neurodegenerative and neurophysiological diseases. There is particular interest in Parkinson’s disease, for which intensive studies are already being carried out. Therapy-resistant depression, fatigue, autism and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are also being investigated as areas of application for TPS. Initial pilot studies and observations indicate that TPS could be effective as an additional treatment method for these disorders in order to improve therapy outcomes in general.
TPS and its role in modern neurological-psychiatric medicine: a firm place expected
The participants at the expert meeting in Constance emphasized the increasingly important role of neurostimulation methods, including physical-technical approaches such as Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS). These treatment methods are becoming more and more accepted among experts and are recognized as logical and necessary therapeutic approaches due to their biological effectiveness. Specialist societies are therefore now also calling for faster and more extensive integration of such non-invasive brain stimulation methods into everyday clinical practice.
