News from NeuroEM

In this Health Moonshot Update, we dive into one of the most fascinating innovation stories in health tech. Our guest is Chuck Papageorgiou, CEO of NeuroEM Therapeutics, a company that’s part of StartUp Health’s Alzheimer’s Moonshot Community and is making waves with a radically different approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease — using radio waves.

What started as a research study to prove that cell phones cause brain cancer led to an unexpected breakthrough: the very same radio frequencies used in phones appeared to improve brain health in mice with Alzheimer’s. The discovery sparked a scientific journey that has since included promising human trials, FDA Breakthrough Device designation, partnerships, and progress towards bringing this non-invasive, affordable, at-home therapy to millions.

Papageorgiou shares how NeuroEM’s wearable headset is helping untangle the brain’s toxic proteins, the science behind this counterintuitive tech, and why the impact could rival — or even surpass — that of current Alzheimer’s drugs.

If you’re looking for an inspiring story about accidental genius ideas, bold leadership, and breakthrough innovation in brain health, this one’s a must-watch.

Breakthrough Alzheimer's Treatment

🧠 NeuroEM Therapeutics developed a non-invasive, non-drug treatment for Alzheimer's using radio frequency TEMT (transcranial electromagnetic stimulation) to break down toxic accumulations around neurons.

🔬 In an internal study, four out of five patients experienced significant improvement, with one 90-year-old scoring in the high 90s on a cognitive test after being diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer's at 86.

Innovative Technology

💡 The treatment involves wearing a shower cap-like device with antennas for one hour, twice daily, over six to nine months to dissolve toxic accumulations and allow the brain to flush them out through the glymphatic system.

📡 Short bursts of energy at a specific frequency spectrum reduce cognition, increase ATP production, rebalance cytokines, and reduce inflammation.

Regulatory Progress

🏆 NeuroEM Therapeutics has received FDA breakthrough device designation and a non-significant risk status, enabling a larger study with up to 1,000 patients.

🚀 The company is pursuing a dual path: developing a wellness device for general brain health within 18 months and a full clinical designation in three to four years.

Market Potential

📊 The device is being tested in real-life dementia care environments at scale, providing valuable data from actual users outside controlled clinical trials.

🤝 A partnership with a medical organization will enable a clinical trial with a national health organization outside the US, demonstrating market validation and revenue potential.