SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The Gatot Subroto Army Central Hospital (RSPAD) has officially introduced the Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) device, a breakthrough treatment for neurological disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Andrie Gunawan, Sp.N, F-NR, a neurologist at RSPAD, stated that this is the first TPS device available in an Indonesian hospital and is now operational at the hospital’s Cerebrovascular Center. 

"This is an innovation that we will offer at RSPAD, namely Transcranial Pulse Stimulation, which is far superior compared to the previous technology, TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)," said Andrie during the press conference at RSPAD Gatot Subroto, Jakarta, on Monday, as quoted on Antara.

TPS operates using shock waves, allowing it to penetrate up to 8 cm deep into the brain—compared to only 3 cm with TMS. The device triggers biochemical changes that promote neurorestoration in just 20-30 minutes per session. 

This process stimulates angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and improves blood flow to the brain, helping to alleviate symptoms of neurological disorders.

"Compared to the previous device, TMS, TPS can reach a depth of 8 centimeters, while TMS only reaches 3 centimeters. Another advantage is that it does not cause heat on the scalp. So, indirectly, it does not cause pain after the procedure, reducing risks with very low energy and very low wave emissions," explained Andrie as quoted on Antara. 

He emphasized that TPS is painless, with minimal heat emission, making it a safe option for patients. Unlike TMS, TPS does not generate heat on the scalp, which eliminates discomfort and reduces risks associated with high-energy waves.

"Patients undergoing TPS therapy are those experiencing neurobehavioral disorders, memory problems, behavioral and cognitive issues, as well as elderly patients diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s," said Andrie as quoted on Antara. 

Patients undergo an initial assessment by the neurobehavioral division before receiving six therapy sessions over two weeks. After that, follow-up sessions are conducted once a month for 11 months. The effectiveness of the treatment is evaluated at three-month, six-month, and one-year intervals to assess improvements in cognitive function, behavior, and memory.

"It is also possible that the TPS device could be used to treat other neurological disorders, not just memory issues but also speech function and motor function, which are common problems in stroke patients," he added as quoted on Antara.

Bruno Rebejac, Regional Director of Sales at Storz Medical (Switzerland), highlighted the aging population in Southeast Asia and the rising dementia risk (5-7%) as key reasons for introducing TPS in Indonesia. 

"We want Storz Medical to play a role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. So, with Transcranial Pulse Stimulation, we are very confident that this will provide many clinical benefits, not only for patients but also for their caregivers," said Bruno as quoted on Antara. 

He emphasized that Storz Medical aims to support Alzheimer’s treatment globally.

With TPS now available at RSPAD Gatot Subroto, the hospital aims to enhance neurological care, offering advanced treatment options for memory disorders, speech delays, motor impairments, and behavioral conditions—with a primary focus on dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas