World’s first EEG study on TPS: How TPS affects Electrical brain networks in Alzheimer’s patients
Alzheimer's disease is a challenging condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It gradually impairs memory, thinking, and other mental abilities, making everyday life difficult for those affected and their loved ones. While there are treatments that help manage the symptoms, scientists are constantly searching for new ways to improve brain function in Alzheimer's patients. One promising approach is a treatment called Transcranial Pulse Stimulation, or TPS.
What is TPS?
TPS is a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle, targeted shockwaves − acoustic pulse waves − to stimulate the brain. The clinical benefits of TPS for Alzheimer's patients are promising and include improvements in overall cognitive performance. Additionally, TPS has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of depression, which is often a concern for those living with Alzheimer’s.
What did the recent study discover?
A recent groundbreaking study led by Prof. Lars Wojtecki and his team explored how TPS affects the brains of Alzheimer's patients. This EEG study, published in the journal GeroScience, is the first in the world to show that TPS can change the way brain networks work in people with Alzheimer's. A total of 10 patients with varying levels of cognitive symptoms − three with mild, five with moderate, and two with severe Alzheimer’s − were treated and observed.
Here’s what they found:
- Brain activity changes: The researchers measured brain activity before and after a single session of TPS using a tool called EEG (electroencephalography), which records electrical signals in the brain. They noticed important changes in how different parts of the brain communicate with each other, especially in areas that control memory and thinking.
- Potential benefits for patients: The changes seen in EEG parameters confirm that TPS enhances cognitive functions like memory, planning, and decision-making. This is exciting news because it offers an add-on therapy for Alzheimer's patients who are looking for ways to maintain or even improve their mental abilities.
Why is this study important?
This study is groundbreaking because it is the first time scientists have seen changes in the brain’s electrical networks after TPS treatment in Alzheimer’s patients. One of the most interesting findings from the study is related to »gamma oscillation« in the brain. These are brain waves that play a crucial role in memory and attention. In this study, Prof. Wojtecki and his team found that TPS increased gamma activity in certain brain areas. This is important because other research has shown that increasing gamma activity can help reduce harmful proteins in the brain, like beta-amyloid, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease.
While research continues, this study marks an important step toward a deeper understanding of how TPS can be used to treat and manage Alzheimer’s disease as an add-on therapy method.
