NEUROLITH
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation
NEUROLITH Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS®) is a new state of the art .therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease and mild to moderate dementia.
More than 850,000 people in the UK are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia and this number is growing fast thanks to an ageing population as well as other factors. It’s believed that 1 in 3 people born now will develop this disease.
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation is an Alzheimer’s therapy which involves passing short acoustic pulses with an ultrasound frequency range through the patient’s head to stimulate deep cerebral regions of the brain with millimeter accuracy.
TPS induces mechanotransduction, which is when cells convert mechanical stimulus into biochemical signals, stimulating growth factors such as BDNF. This not only improves cerebral blood flow, but also promotes the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and nerve regeneration.
System at a Glance
- BodyTrack® software
- 3D Camera with patient and handpiece position detection
- Calibration probe & tracking glasses with markers
- TPS handpiece with markers – ergonomic design to minimize hand fatigue
-
Applied pulse distribution highlighted in colour with use of personalized MRI data
Quick and effective easy treatments
Current research suggests six 30 minute sessions over 2 weeks may improve Alzheimer’s and mild to moderate dementia by 10 points on the CERAD scale.
Total of 6000 pulses per session
6 sessions of about 30 min within 2 weeks
1 follow-up session every 4 – 6 weeks
45 countries
20,500 patients treated
123,000 treatment sessions
Stimulates Deep Cerebral Regions of the Brain
NEUROLITH® uses Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS®) technology, consisting of short acoustic pulses with an ultrasound frequency range that permits a well-focused stimulation of the brain at a depth of up to 8 cm. NEUROLITH® received medical CE in December 2018.
Improved Cognitive Abilities and Slowed Decline
Studies show that transcranial pulse stimulation may temporarily maintain the cognitive abilities of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, as well as slow decline over time. Data shows that the improvements last for at least 3 months after a course of TPS®. TPS® on average improved cognition by 10 points on the CERAD scale.
Patients and close relatives also reported noticeable improvements in memory and verbal communication, which subsequently and indirectly led to an increase in social interaction. Some patients even reported an improved sense of direction that enabled them to do their daily tasks independently and safely find their way home afterwards.
How Does it Improve Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?
TPS® induces mechanotransduction, stimulating growth factors, primarily VEGF3,4. This not only improves cerebral blood flow, but also promotes the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and nerve regeneration. In addition it causes the release of nitric oxide (NO)5, which leads to direct vasodilation and improved blood circulation. Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS®) enables targeted stimulation of the cerebral regions.
Biological Effects
- Mechanotransduction(6)
- Increase in cell permeability (7)
- Stimulation of mechanosensitive ion channels (6)
- Release of nitric oxide (NO)5, which leads to vasodilation, increased metabolic activity and angiogenesis and has an anti-inflammatory effect
- Stimulation of vascular growth factors (VEGF)(3,4)
- Stimulation of BDNF8
- Migration and differentiation of stem cells (4,6)
Transcranial pulse stimulation stimulates deep cerebral regions, targeting as deep as 8 cm into the brain tissue
Is Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS®) Safe?
Neurolith TPS® is very safe, thanks to the short duration of the TPS® stimulation, heating of the tissue is prevented. TPS® is performed directly through the skull, non-invasively. The patient remains awake during the session in a comfortable seated position. More than 1800 sessions have been performed using the NEUROLITH® TPS system.
The Advantages of TPS®
Pulses stimulate deep cerebral regions of the brain up to 8cm, these are applied directly to the required areas for maximum clinical effectiveness. TPS® has been shown both to significantly improve CERAD test performance and to reduce Beck’s depression index in patients with mild to moderate dementia.
- 30 minutes per session in outpatient clinics
- 6 sessions over 2 weeks
- Painless
- No side effects
- Personalised therapy based on MRI data
- Adjuvant cognitive training not required
- Non-invasive
- No need to shave the hair
- The patient can remain mobile in a comfortable seated position during sessions
- Focused stimulation of deep cerebral regions
- Personalised 3D visualisation of patient’s head
- 3D infrared camera system for precise cerebral tracking
- USB interface for MRI data import
- Patient database
BodyTrack® – Live tracking
The BodyTrack® live tracking technology enables automatic visualisation of the treated regions. Personalised patient MRI data allows specific characteristics of the patient’s brain to be taken into account. Every time the handpiece position changes, the visualisation of the target regions in the loaded MRI scans is automatically updated, energy is then applied exactly where is needed, highlighted in colour for ease of use.
The advantages of the TPS® BodyTrack® software
- Uses the patient’s own personalised MRI data
- Visualisation of MRI data in 3 planes (axial, coronal, sagittal)
- Coloured visualisation of the brain region
- Real-time visualisation of TPS® pulse distribution
- Continuous visualisation and documentation of the energy applied and of treatment progress
The Research
TPS in Alzheimer’s Disease – Pivotal study published in Advance Science
Prof. Beisteiner (Vienna) together with Dr. Lohse-Busch (2019)
Introduction
- Aims to assess feasibility, safety, and efficacy in AD.
Method
- N = 35 AD patients (across two centres).
- 6 sessions within 2 weeks with TPS.
- Neuropsychological scores CERAD, fMRI, safety assessments.
Results & Conclusion
- High treatment tolerability, no major side effects.
- Neuropsychological improvements (CERAD) sustained up to 3 months, especially in memory & verbal function.
- fMRI: Upregulation of memory network correlated with cognitive improvement.
TPS reduces cortical atrophy in Alzheimer’s patients: A follow-up study
Popescu et al., 2021
Introduction
- Investigate effects on cortical atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Method
- N = 17 AD patients (initial 20, 3 excluded).
- 3 sessions per week (2–4 weeks).
- MRI: Pre-/post-therapy analysis of cortical thickness.
- Neuropsychological testing: CERAD Plus battery.
- Analysis: Correlation between neuropsychological improvement and cortical thickness changes.
Results & Conclusion
- Correlation between neuropsychological improvement and increased cortical thickness.
- No global pre-to-post change in cortical thickness at group level.
- Specific regions (e.g., left superior parietal lobule, left precuneus) showed significant improvements.
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation in Alzheimer’s: Long-Term Feasibility and a Multifocal Treatment Approach
Cont et al., 2025
Introduction
- Assessing long-term feasibility, safety, and cognitive effects of TPS in AD.
Method
- Prospective observational study, 1-year follow-up.
- Patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease (aged 59–79).
- 6 sessions of TPS over 2 weeks, with follow-up sessions for 12 months.
- Assessments: ADAS, MMSE, MoCA, and BDI-II.
Results & Conclusion
- Significant improvement after first stimulation cycle; ADAS total: 28.4 → 18.6.
- Stable cognitive scores over 12 months (no decline as expected in AD progression) → improvements most notable in memory, speech, and mood.
- Mood: reduction in depression scores (BDI-II mean 5.5 → 1.2 over one year).
- <1% of sessions had adverse events → TPS considered safe and well-tolerated.
Other TPS Publications
Average of 10 new studies published per year (2022-2025)
Transcranial pulse stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease
Curran, A. R., et al. (2024). CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 30(2), 101–112. https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.14372
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation with Ultrasound in Alzheimer’s Disease—A New Navigated Focal Brain Therapy
Beisteiner, R., et al. (2020). Advanced Science, 7(3), 1902583. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.201902583
Effectiveness Of Transcranial Pulse Stimulation In Alzheimer’s Treatment
Medical University of Vienna. (2018). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03770182. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03770182
Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Pulse Stimulation for Mild to Severe Alzheimer’s Disease
Medical University of Vienna. (2024). PubMed ID: 40009384. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40009384/
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation in Patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Leitner, M., et al. (2023). Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 19(S7), e041481. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.041481
Ultrasound Neuromodulation With Transcranial Pulse Stimulation in Alzheimer Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Beisteiner, R., et al. (2024). JAMA Network Open, 7(2), e245143. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.5143
Non-invasive sound wave brain stimulation with Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) improves neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease
Antón-Toro, L. F., et al. (2024). Brain Stimulation, 17(3), 489–497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2024.02.009
Transcranial Ultrasound Pulse Stimulation Reduces Cortical Atrophy in Alzheimer’s Patients
Matt, E., et al. (2023). Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, 9(1), e12121. https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.12121
First evidence of long-term effects of transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) on the human brain
Beisteiner, R., et al. (2021). Journal of Translational Medicine, 19, 412. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-021-03222-5
TPS as a Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases – Treating the Brain at the Speed of Sound
Beisteiner, R., & Lozano, A. M. (2020). Frontiers in Neurology, 11, 386. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2020.00386
Significant reduction of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms by transcranial pulse stimulation, TPS
Beisteiner, R., et al. (2022). Alzheimer’s & Dementia, 18(S8), e038113. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.038113
Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) improves depression in AD patients
Matt, E., et al. (2022). ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358515620
Pilot clinical and EEG-biomarker results of transcranial pulse stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease
Matt, E., et al. (2022). Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 436, 120221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2022.120221
Transcranial focused ultrasound modulates the activity of primary somatosensory cortex in humans
Legon, W., et al. (2014). Nature Neuroscience, 17(2), 322–329. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn.3620
Image-guided transcranial focused ultrasound stimulates human primary somatosensory cortex
Lee, W., et al. (2015). Scientific Reports, 5, 8743. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep08743
Cognitive Effects and Autonomic Responses to Transcranial Pulsed Current Stimulation
Matsumoto, H., et al. (2014). Experimental Brain Research, 232(11), 3345–3353. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-014-4147-y
Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Enhances Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Expression
Lee, J. Y., et al. (2017). International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(1), 144. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18010144
Transcranial pulse stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease
Chen, X., You, J., Ma, H., Zhou, M., & Huang, C. (2023). CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 30, e14372. https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.14372
Effects of Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) as a potential “add-on” intervention in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Manganotti, P., et al. (2025). Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 142, 108128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.2025.108128
