Health · Medical Research · 1 hr ago
Study Finds External Counterpulsation May Help Some People With Early Alzheimer’s
Researchers tested external counterpulsation in people with early Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.
The treatment uses cuffs around the lower body that inflate and deflate in time with the heartbeat to boost blood flow.
In a 12-month trial, 190 participants received the treatment or a lower-pressure sham version, alongside regular cognitive assessments.
Those given the treatment showed gains in memory, attention, language and reasoning, and appeared to manage everyday tasks better.
The improvements continued after treatment ended, but the study was funded by the device maker, and its lead author works for that company.
The findings are promising but not proof that the treatment works, and doctors say further research is needed.
A study found that external counterpulsation (ECP) may improve cognition in people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease.
The 12-month randomized controlled trial involved 190 people and compared ECP with a sham treatment.
Participants who received ECP showed improvements in memory, attention, language, reasoning and everyday tasks.
Doctors say ECP may help by improving blood flow, including blood flow to the brain.
An expert urged caution because the study was funded by the device maker and its lead author works for that company.
- Who
- 190 people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s disease took part in the trial.
- What
- Researchers tested external counterpulsation, a treatment that uses timed compression cuffs, against a sham treatment.
- When
- The study was published on October 30, 2026. The trial lasted 12 months.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Researchers investigated whether ECP could support cognition; doctors say it may do so by improving blood flow to the brain.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Participants underwent cognitive assessments.
Participants underwent further cognitive assessments.
Participants received treatments twice a week through six months.
- Participants
- 190 people with early Alzheimer’s disease
- Trial length
- 12 months
- ECP treatment
- Three to five one-hour sessions weekly for 35 treatments
- Follow-up treatment
- Twice a week through six months
- Publication
- American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias
What people are saying
External counterpulsation is thought to improve blood flow throughout the body, including to the brain
The rationale for ECP makes biological sense: By improving blood flow to the brain, enhancing vascular function, reducing inflammation, and potentially improving the brain's ability to clear toxic proteins, ECP may address a critical and often overlooked piece of the Alzheimer's puzzle