Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) for Alzheimer’s Disease at PYONG Rehabilitation Penthouse

Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that uses pulsed ultrasound waves delivered to specific brain regions without surgery or general anesthesia. Each session typically lasts about 30–45 minutes. Current evidence suggests that TPS may temporarily improve memory, attention, and mood in some Alzheimer’s patients when used as part of a holistic care plan and closely monitored by a physician. It is an appealing option for those seeking a non-surgical approach to complement brain recovery.

At PYONG Rehabilitation Penthouse Clinic (11th Floor, Gaysorn Tower, BTS Chidlom), you will receive assessment and goal-setting from a Rehabilitation Medicine physician in coordination with a multidisciplinary team (Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, Clinical Psychologists, Dietitians) to create a personalized plan, ensuring safety at every step in a convenient, central location. (tps-neuro.com)

What is TPS?

TPS (Transcranial Pulse Stimulation) is a technology that stimulates the brain using very short pulsed ultrasound waves transmitted through the skull to specific target areas of the brain. The unique characteristic of TPS is its use of “short, rhythmic pulses” instead of continuous waves. This minimizes heat generation in brain tissue and allows the treating physician to map the stimulation path based on the patient’s individual brain images (e.g., MRI). During the procedure, the client can sit or lie down comfortably, requires no anesthesia, and can return home immediately afterward.

In Alzheimer’s patients, reports indicate that cognitive and memory test scores may temporarily improve after an initial course of TPS. Some treatment plans use periodic TPS “booster” sessions to maintain the effect. However, the outcome of TPS depends on the severity of the disease, the underlying brain structure, and the overall complementary rehabilitation program (e.g., memory training, ADLs, nutrition, sleep hygiene). (PMC, Wiley Online Library, MDPI)

Why Choose TPS at PYONG Rehabilitation?

Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is an advanced, non-invasive medical technology specifically designed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in the mild-to-moderate stages. PYONG Rehabilitation Penthouse is one of the few leading medical facilities in Thailand to offer this technology, using the most modern and internationally recognized TPS device from Switzerland, which is certified for use in Alzheimer’s patients.

The TPS device used at PYONG Rehabilitation utilizes acoustic pulses that focus to a depth of up to 8 cm within the brain, which is deeper than most non-invasive brain stimulation methods.

BodyTrack® System: The system links to MRI data and tracks the position in real-time, allowing the physician to know exactly where the waves are being delivered. This makes the TPS device at PYONG Rehabilitation more precise and shortens the treatment time compared to other methods, taking only about 30 minutes per session.
Low Energy Pulses: It uses low energy pulses (), preventing heat generation in the tissue, minimizing risks, and increasing patient comfort.
Physician-led Care: A Rehabilitation Medicine physician directs every step, from assessment and protocol selection to actual progress monitoring.
Integrated Multidisciplinary Team: The neuro-geriatric team (Penthouse Clinic) integrates TPS with programs for memory/ADL training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, and sleep hygiene.
Objective Monitoring: Utilizes individual brain imaging (MRI) and standardized tests to provide clear, measurable indicators for follow-up.
Convenient Location: Central Bangkok at Gaysorn Tower (11th Floor, next to BTS Chidlom) makes travel easy for family caregivers.

Our goal is “an improved quality of life for the patient and their family.”

How TPS Works

TPS employs mechanotransduction—the mechanical stimulation of the nervous system—from the short pulsed ultrasound waves, which influences the function of neural networks related to memory and attention. TPS may promote microcirculation and brain plasticity. During the procedure, the client only feels the movement of the applicator and cool gel on the scalp. There are no incisions or needles. The treatment steps include:

Physician Assessment and Memory Testing (MoCA/MMSE/ADAS-Cog).
Target Planning based on the client’s brain MRI images.
Brain Stimulation with TPS at various points, totaling approximately 6,000 pulses/session, taking about 30–45 minutes.
Returning Home and scheduling the next treatment as per the program.

A common TPS treatment plan involves receiving at least 6 sessions within 2 weeks. After this initial course, periodic booster stimulation every 4–6 weeks may be advised to maintain results. However, the physician will adjust the plan based on the individual’s symptoms and response (other protocols, such as 10 sessions in 5 weeks, may also be used). (tps-neuro.com, Frontiers, PubMed)

Conditions Suitable for TPS

Mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (with caregiver involvement).
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) with memory/attention issues.
Individuals experiencing frequent misplacing of objects, difficulty finding things, or trouble managing multi-step tasks.
Individuals with reduced attention span or who are easily confused in new environments.
Those with depression/anxiety co-occurring with cognitive impairment (physician assessment required). (PMC)
Those seeking a non-surgical option to supplement brain care.
Those who have not responded well to certain treatments or tolerate medication side effects poorly (under physician’s care).
Those desiring an integrated recovery program that includes memory/ADL training and nutritional support.

Academic Evidence for TPS

Preliminary studies report that cognitive test scores of participants improved after the initial TPS treatment course and were sustained for a period, along with signs of increased function in memory networks shown on fMRI, with no severe harm observed in study participants. (PMC)
Research reports improved cognitive outcomes after TPS stimulation in some Alzheimer’s patients (treatment protocols vary individually). (JAMA Network)

Conclusion: TPS is a promising technology, but it should be used in conjunction with standard care and holistic rehabilitation under the supervision of a specialized Rehabilitation Medicine physician.

How Often Should TPS Be Performed?

The general treatment guideline starts with 6 sessions within 2 weeks (at least 48 hours apart), with each session lasting about 30–45 minutes. After the initial course, some patients may be recommended booster sessions every 4–6 weeks to help maintain the results. Alternative plans, such as 10 sessions in 5 weeks, are also used by different centers based on experience and patient characteristics.

Crucially, the frequency and number of sessions will be adjusted by the physician after evaluating the baseline data (cognitive scores, MRI images, comorbidities, current medications, and family goals) and the patient’s actual response during treatment. There is no one-size-fits-all plan. Our team will regularly review results and integrate memory/ADL training with the caregiver to maximize the outcomes for the patient’s quality of life. (tps-neuro.com, Frontiers, PubMed)

Expected Results

Short-term (Within the first 1–2 weeks after starting treatment): Some patients report feeling “clearer/more focused/slightly better mood.” (PMC)

Long-term (4–6 weeks and beyond): Some studies report higher cognitive scores (e.g., ADAS-Cog) after the initial course, which may be sustained with periodic booster stimulation. However, Alzheimer’s is a degenerative disease, so holistic rehabilitation and continuous monitoring are essential. (MDPI, PMC)

Contraindications and Safety Precautions

Current data indicates that side effects from TPS are typically mild and temporary, such as headache, fatigue, dizziness, or skin irritation from the gel, with no severe harm found in most reports. However, there are significant contraindications, including: metal/implants or a brain pacemaker in the head, blood clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia), thromboembolism, tumors in the treatment area, and corticosteroid use within 6 weeks prior to treatment. Additionally, a recent MRI image is required to safely plan the stimulation targets. Every case will always undergo medical history taking, physical examination, and screening by a physician beforehand. (PMC, tps-neuro.com)

Cost

The cost will be determined by the physician’s assessment of the treatment plan to align with the severity of symptoms, MRI findings, and the family’s treatment goals. Generally, the cost for the assessment and TPS treatment administered by the physician and expert team is approximately 5,000–10,000 Baht per session.