Vascular Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Treatment with EECP
Disease in the brain vessels can contribute to memory and movement problems. EECP is a non-surgical circulation support that can be added to medication. The first controlled results in Alzheimer's are promising; in Parkinson's the evidence is very limited.
- Non-Surgical
- 35 Sessions
- Painless
Briefly
Supports treatment in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease related to blocked brain vessels and helps reduce symptoms.
It does not replace neurological medication; it is considered in addition to your neurologist's plan.
In early-stage Alzheimer's, a sham-controlled study showed benefit in daily living and in one memory test.
In Parkinson's, we have not read any controlled study. The overall level of evidence is limited.
How Do Vessels Affect Memory and Movement?
The brain is one of the organs that needs the most blood and oxygen in the body. Disease in the large and small brain vessels can impair the nourishment of nerve cells. This can accompany the symptoms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Memory centers
In Alzheimer's, the first areas affected are those related to memory. Forgetfulness and difficulty finding one's way are among the early signs.
Small brain vessels
High blood pressure and diabetes wear down the small vessels of the brain. This damage can be seen on MRI as white matter changes.
Neck vessels
Most of the blood going to the brain passes through the carotid arteries. Narrowing here can reduce brain circulation.
Hover over or tap the cards: the related area is highlighted in the image.
Heart
When the heart pumps insufficiently, blood going to the brain can also decrease. For this reason, heart and brain health are addressed together; a heart assessment is also done before treatment.
arterial stiffness
Atherosclerosis progresses in the brain just as it does throughout the body. The risk factors are the same for the heart and the brain.
Walking and balance
In Parkinson's, steps become shorter and balance can be impaired. In vascular forms, walking in particular can be affected.
Brain Circulation: Before and With EECP
The comparison below simply shows the circulation support targeted with EECP. The effect varies from person to person; progress is monitored with memory tests and daily living scales.
Vascular burden
- Narrowing and hardening in the brain vessels
- Forgetfulness, attention and movement problems
- Difficulty with daily tasks
Supported brain circulation
- Flow stimulus to the inner vessel lining
- Neurological medication continues unchanged
- Progress is monitored with tests
This is a schematic illustration. EECP does not eliminate Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
How Does EECP Support Brain Circulation?
During treatment you lie down and rest. The device monitors your heart rhythm with an ECG and controls the cuffs accordingly.
Cuffs inflate
While the heart relaxes, the cuffs on the calves, thighs and buttocks inflate in sequence: first the calves, then the thighs and buttocks.
Blood flow increases
The pressure that rises while the heart relaxes speeds up flow in the vessels. The increased flow stimulates the inner vessel lining in a way similar to exercise.
The heart's workload decreases
The pressure is released just before the heart contracts, so the heart pumps more easily. This cycle repeats with every heartbeat.
Memory and daily living are monitored
Memory tests and daily living scales before and after the course are compared. The assessment is done together with your neurologist.
What Has Been Reported in Studies?
The response varies from person to person. The following are the gains that are targeted and have been reported in studies.
Daily living skills
In patients with early-stage Alzheimer's, the daily living score progressed better than with sham treatment.
Memory and thinking test
In the same study, significant improvement was seen in a memory and thinking test at weeks 12–24.
Duration of the effect
Although the treatment ended at month 6, the benefit lasted until week 52.
Well-tolerated treatment
In the 190-patient study, EECP was well tolerated.
Cognitive decline after stroke
In a retrospective study, memory tests improved more in patients who had EECP added.
Parkinson's
In a small uncontrolled study reported in an expert opinion, symptoms decreased in most patients.
Who Is It Suitable For, and Who Is It Not?
First, the neurological diagnosis and stage are clarified; brain MRI and vessel assessment are reviewed. The decision on EECP is made together with your neurologist and our cardiologist. The patient's ability to cooperate with the sessions is also assessed.
✓May be suitable for
- Patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer's
- Patients in whom vascular changes have been found on brain MRI
- Parkinson's patients followed by their neurologist in whom circulation support is being considered
- Patients with controlled blood pressure who have developed memory and attention problems after a stroke
✕Not suitable for
- Aneurysm in a brain vessel
- Patients too restless to lie still throughout the session
- Severe aortic valve insufficiency
- Aortic aneurysm
- Active deep vein thrombosis or vein inflammation
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- severe arrhythmia
- Marked bleeding tendency and pregnancy
How Does the Treatment Process Work?
Blood pressure and pulse are checked before every session. Memory tests are repeated before and after the course; the results are reviewed with our cardiologist and your neurologist. Family members can stay with the patient during the first sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and EECP
Does EECP treat Alzheimer's?
It does not eliminate the disease. In a sham-controlled study of 190 patients with early-stage Alzheimer's, better results were obtained in daily living and in one memory test. This promising finding needs to be confirmed by other studies.
Is there evidence for Parkinson's?
The evidence in Parkinson's is very limited. Apart from a small uncontrolled study reported in an expert opinion, we have not read any controlled study.
What does "vascular" mean?
It describes situations in which disease of the brain's vessels contributes to memory or movement problems. To understand this, a brain MRI and vessel assessment are done.
At which stage is it more meaningful?
The randomized study examined patients at the mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's stages. Its effect at advanced stages is unknown. For this reason, early assessment is important.
Should I stop my medications?
No. You continue your Alzheimer's and Parkinson's medications as your neurologist recommends; EECP does not replace medication. Only your doctor decides on changes to medication.
How many sessions are needed?
The standard course is 35 sessions: 5 days a week, 60 minutes per session. In the Alzheimer's study, after 35 sessions, two sessions per week were continued until the sixth month.
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Contact us for a free preliminary assessment
If someone close to you has memory or movement problems and you are curious about EECP, contact us. Let's evaluate the neurology reports, medication list and MRI results together. If EECP is not suitable, we will say so clearly.
- Non-Surgical
- Painless
- Physician-Supervised
- Nicosia and Morphou