What are the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Alzheimer’s?

Learn about this progressive form of dementia and the treatment options available to help those affected 

 

It’s estimated that more than 6 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s dementia, and 1 in 9 people over age 65 have Alzheimer’s. [1]

With such a significant—and growing—number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s, it’s essential to learn what you can about this common form of dementia and the options to mitigate symptoms for those living with it. Continue reading to learn just that, plus the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for Alzheimer’s dementia. 

 

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

As a type of dementia, Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior to a point in which the severity interferes with one’s ability to complete daily tasks. It predominantly affects people aged 65 and older, but can affect those who are younger as early-onset Alzheimer’s. [2]

People with Alzheimer’s live for four to eight years after diagnosis on average after diagnosis, but they can live as long as 20 years, depending on a variety of factors. [2]

 

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?

The main symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss that worsens as the disease progresses, but changes in the brain for those with Alzheimer’s also leads to increasing issues with: 

• Concentrating, thinking, and reasoning
• Ability to make sound judgements and decisions
• Planning and completing familiar tasks like cooking a meal or getting dressed
• Changes in moods and behavior like depression, distrust in others, and changes in sleeping habits [3]

 

What are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease progresses in three stages: mild, moderate, and severe. Every person with Alzheimer’s experiences symptoms and progresses through the stages differently. 

Although the person affected is often able to still function independently, mild Alzheimer’s is characterized by lapses in memory such as forgetting common words, misplacing a valuable item, or difficulty planning or organizing. As the longest lasting stage, people with moderate Alzheimer’s often require care and experience more pronounced symptoms like confusing words, being quick to anger, and acting unexpectedly. Severe Alzheimer’s is the final stage of the disease in which the person is unable to respond to their environment, carry on a conversation, and control their ability to move. [4]

 

What are the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease? 

The risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease include:

• Getting older
• Having a parent or sibling with Alzheimer’s
• Being a woman
• Experiencing cognitive impairment (MCI) or head trauma
• Unhealthy lifestyle and heart health such as lack of exercise, smoking, and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes 
• And more [3]

 

What treatments are available to those with Alzheimer’s disease? 

Although Alzheimer’s disease has no cure, there are medications that can mitigate cognitive and functional decline for people with early Alzheimer’s. They can also temporarily slow the worsening of symptoms and improve quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s. [2]

Besides medication, creating a safe and supportive environment is an essential part of the treatment plan for those with Alzheimer’s disease such as establishing a routine and reducing tasks that require memory. [3]

 

Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy help people with Alzheimer’s disease? 

Research studies on the application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in Alzheimer’s disease are finding increasingly promising results on its efficacy. 

In fact, a study published in 2021 from researchers at Tel Aviv University and Shamir Medical Center even concluded that HBOT could be a new method for slowing the progression, or even preventing the development, of Alzheimer’s disease. The study was conducted on mouse models and found that HBOT can “improve cerebral blood flow and cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.” It also found for the first time that “HBOT can reduce the volume of amyloid plaques in these mouse models, which are one of the main hallmarks found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.” [5] 

 

We’re here to support you.

At Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center, we offer a caring and comfortable environment in which to heal for our patients with all types of conditions from Alzheimer’s dementia and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) to diabetes and cancer. 

Our top priority is ensuring your comfort and care throughout your healing journey at our spa-like medical centers, conveniently located in southwest Orlando and in New Smyrna Beach. 

Our trained, caring team of hyperbaric specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have. We welcome you to contact us today.

 

Sources:

1: Alzheimer’s Association | Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures

2: Alzheimer’s Association | What is Alzheimer’s Disease? 

3: Mayo Clinic | Alzheimer’s disease

4: Alzheimer’s Association | Stages of Alzheimer’s

5: Physics World | Hyperbaric oxygen therapy could slow, or even reverse, Alzheimer’s disease pathology