Outcome

This study found that a 20-day course of hyperbaric oxygen treatment at 0.22 MPa significantly improved cognitive function in both Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients. Cognitive improvements measured through MMSE and MoCA scores were observed at a 1-month follow-up for AD patients with aMCI patients showing longer-lasting benefits of up to 6 months. The therapy also enhanced brain glucose metabolism and daily living activities scores.

Introduction

This study explores a new approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Conducted with 53 patients including 42 individuals with Alzheimer’s and 11 with mild cognitive impairment the research involved a 20-day course of HBOT. Each session consisted of breathing oxygen under pressure at 1.2 atmospheres absolute (ATA). The findings revealed significant improvements in cognitive function with AD patients showing better MMSE and MoCA scores at a 1-month follow-up and ADL scores improving up to 3 months after treatment. Mild cognitive impairment patients experienced even more long-term benefits lasting up to 6 months. These results suggest that HBOT could be a promising alternative therapy for AD and aMCI potentially counteracting the effects of hypoxia in the brain. While the initial findings are promising more extensive research is necessary to confirm these benefits and to determine the long-term effects of HBOT on cognitive health.

Results

The study explored the effects of a 20-day hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). HBOT sessions included 20 minutes of oxygen breathing followed by 15 minutes of air and concluding with another 20 minutes of oxygen at a pressure of 1.2 ATA. A total of 53 patients participated with 42 having Alzheimer’s disease and 11 having mild cognitive impairment. The results indicated significant improvements in cognitive function for both groups. Alzheimer’s patients showed notably higher MMSE (Mini-Mental State Exam) and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) scores at a 1-month follow-up with additional positive changes in their ADL (Activities of Daily Living) scores observed at both 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. Patients with MCI experienced not only immediate improvements but also long-term cognitive benefits lasting over a month.

The study concluded that the course of 20 HBOT sessions effectively enhanced cognition and brain glucose metabolism in both AD and MCI patients. These findings underscore the potential of HBOT as an alternative therapeutic approach to ameliorate hypoxic conditions in the brain thereby improving cognitive impairment linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion this study illustrates the potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in enhancing cognitive function among patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). The therapy was conducted at a pressure of 1.2 ATA over 20 days with each session comprising 20 minutes of oxygen breathing 15 minutes of air breathing and another 20 minutes of oxygen breathing under pressure. Patients with AD exhibited significant improvements in cognitive function as evidenced by better Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores at a 1-month follow-up and improved Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scores at both 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. Meanwhile patients with aMCI experienced cognitive benefits lasting up to six months. These results are promising and suggest that HBOT could be an effective alternative treatment for alleviating hypoxia in the brain a factor contributing to AD pathogenesis. The absence of declared conflicts of interest supports the credibility of the study although future studies should also aim to clarify funding sources to ensure transparency.