Can HBOT Fight Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Patients?
A new study from July 2020 has demonstrated for the first time that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can significantly enhance cognitive performance in healthy older adults (1). The study was designed by Professor Shai Efrati, Head of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, who says: "Age-related cognitive and functional decline has become a significant concern in the Western world. Major research efforts around the world are focused on improving the cognitive performance of the so-called 'normal' aging population," said Prof. Efrati. "In our study, for the first time in humans, we have found an effective and safe medical intervention that can address this unwanted consequence of our age-related deterioration" (1).
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% infused oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This enables oxygen to reach every part of the body, where it both repairs damaged cells and encourages new cellular growth (2). At the same time, HBOT promotes circulation and stem cell growth, which reduces inflammation and supports the immune system (2). For decades, HBOT has proven effective for treating a multitude of medical conditions, including traumatic brain injuries, bone infections, and diabetic ulcers (3). Growing evidence is showing HBOT can also not just fight aging, but actually reverse it.
As Professor Efrati explained in his press release: "The occlusion of small blood vessels, similar to the occlusions which may develop in the pipes of an 'aging' home, is a dominant element in the human aging process. This led us to speculate that HBOT may affect brain performance of the aging population. We found that HBOT induced a significant increase in brain blood flow, which correlated with cognitive improvement, confirming our theory. One can conjecture that similar beneficial effect of HBOT can be induced in other organs of the aging body. These will be investigated in our upcoming research” (1). We will be keeping an eye of Efrati’s and others’ research around cognitive function, aging, and more. Check back on this blog for updates as more research is published.
At Holistic Hyperbarics, we treat a variety of conditions. We stay up to date on the latest research, and are happy to speak to you further about this or other studies. If you are seeking treatment for cognitive improvement, we are here to support you. Our state-of-the art spa features knowledgeable staff, a relaxing environment, and comfortable hyperbaric chambers. We’d love to answer your questions about TBI and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Give us a call today.
SOURCES:
1. American Friends of Tel Aviv University. "New hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol can improve cognitive function of older adults: Research published today in peer-reviewed journal Aging." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 15 July 2020, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200715123143.htm.
2. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/pac-20394380.
3. Staff, IHAUSA. “Anti Aging.” International Hyperbarics Association, International Hyperbarics Association, 2020, www.ihausa.org/anti-aging.html.
4. Hadanny, Amir et al. “Cognitive enhancement of healthy older adults using hyperbaric oxygen: a randomized controlled trial.” Aging vol. 12,13 (2020), ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7377835/.