Outcome

This study demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) significantly improved global cognitive function attention and information processing speed in healthy older adults. This effect is linked to increased cerebral blood flow in specific brain regions. These findings suggest that HBOT can enhance cognitive abilities in aging adults potentially addressing concerns about cognitive decline.

Introduction

As populations age globally concerns about cognitive decline in older adults have escalated impacting more than half of people over sixty. This study explores the potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to address these concerns by enhancing cognitive functions in healthy aging adults. The trial involved 63 participants aged 64 and older divided into HBOT and control groups. Over a three-month period the HBOT group underwent 60 sessions each lasting 90 minutes. The results demonstrated significant improvements in global cognitive function particularly in attention and information processing speed linked to increased cerebral blood flow in specific brain regions. These findings suggest that HBOT can induce cognitive enhancements in healthy older adults potentially mitigating the natural cognitive decline associated with aging.

Results

The study evaluated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on cognitive functions in healthy older adults. Sixty-three participants aged over 64 were randomized into either the HBOT group (33 individuals) or a control group (30 individuals). The therapy involved breathing 100% oxygen at 2 ATA for 90 minutes per session with five-minute air breaks every 20 minutes over 60 daily sessions spanning three months.

Results showed a significant improvement in global cognitive function for the HBOT group compared to the control group (p=0.0017 effect size=0.849). Particularly there were marked enhancements in attention (effect size=0.745) and information processing speed (effect size=0.788). These cognitive improvements were found to correlate with increased cerebral blood flow (CBF). Significant increases in CBF were detected in several brain regions in the HBOT group including the right superior medial frontal gyrus the right and left supplementary motor area the right and left middle frontal gyrus and the right superior parietal gyrus.

These findings suggest that HBOT can significantly enhance cognitive functions such as attention and information processing speed in healthy aging adults. The improvements are linked to regional increases in cerebral blood flow underscoring the therapy’s potential to counteract the typical cognitive declines associated with aging.

Conclusion

In conclusion this study compellingly demonstrates that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can significantly enhance cognitive functions such as attention and information processing speed in healthy older adults. The improvements in cognitive performance were closely associated with increased cerebral blood flow (CBF) in specific brain regions. These findings highlight the potential of HBOT as a therapeutic intervention to counteract age-related cognitive declines. The results suggest that HBOT could play a crucial role in promoting cognitive health in the aging population. Future research should explore the long-term effects and mechanisms of HBOT as well as its efficacy in populations with varying health statuses.