Outcome

This literature review provides strong support for the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). By analyzing various clinical and experimental studies conducted over four decades the review highlights the potential of HBOT to alleviate AD symptoms and improve cognitive function.

Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly manifesting primarily through cognitive decline and memory loss. Despite extensive research there is no definitive cure for this degenerative condition. This literature review explores the potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a novel treatment for AD examining clinical and experimental studies conducted from 1980 to 2021. By analyzing 391 full-text articles from databases such as ScienceDirect and PubMed the review investigates how HBOT can alleviate AD symptoms through various molecular and physiological mechanisms. Findings suggest that typical HBOT pressures ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 ATA are effective in improving cognitive function and overall brain health. The review advocates for the integration of HBOT as a promising therapeutic intervention for AD while also emphasizing the need for further research to develop standardized treatment protocols that ensure long-term cognitive benefits for patients.

Results

The literature review analyzed the findings from 391 full-text articles sourced from ScienceDirect and PubMed spanning four decades from 1980 to 2021. The studies reviewed various clinical and experimental scenarios involving the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) a major cause of dementia characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss.

Key findings from the review highlight HBOT’s effectiveness in improving cognitive function and mitigating symptoms of AD. Molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying AD were observed to show improvement with HBOT particularly in addressing issues such as diminished cerebral blood flow and increased hypoxia—conditions that contribute significantly to the neurodegenerative process in AD.

The therapy protocols across different studies varied although they typically employed pressures ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA). Despite this variability consistent improvements in cognitive functions were reported. Experimental studies often showed that HBOT could ameliorate the pathological features associated with AD including inflammation and oxidative stress.

The cumulative evidence supports HBOT as a promising therapeutic intervention for Alzheimer’s disease providing an alternative to existing treatment methods. The review emphasizes that while current data are compelling further research is essential to establish a standardized treatment protocol. Such standardization would aid in sustaining the cognitive benefits observed and ultimately improve the quality of life for AD patients.

Overall this comprehensive review underscores the potential of HBOT in managing and possibly slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease advocating for continued investigation into optimal treatment regimens to maximize long-term cognitive health benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion this literature review underscores the promising potential of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as an effective therapeutic intervention for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Spanning four decades of clinical and experimental research the studies collectively indicate that HBOT can significantly enhance cognitive function and alleviate symptoms associated with AD. The findings suggest that HBOT’s ability to address key pathological features such as reduced cerebral blood flow and increased hypoxia which are critical in the progression of AD positions it as a viable alternative to current treatment methods.

The significance of these results lies in the potential of HBOT to provide substantial improvements in the quality of life for individuals with AD. However the review also highlights the necessity for further research to establish standardized long-term treatment protocols that can consistently maintain cognitive health in AD patients. Future studies should focus on refining the optimal HBOT pressures duration and frequency to ensure sustained cognitive benefits and to better understand the mechanisms through which HBOT exerts its therapeutic effects. The positive outcomes demonstrated in this review pave the way for ongoing research efforts to optimize HBOT and integrate it into broader clinical practice for the management of Alzheimer’s disease.