What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases and totaling approximately 6.2 million Americans. It affects memory and cognitive abilities, eventually becoming so severe individuals are no longer able to converse or react to their environment. There is no cure for the disease, and while pharmaceutical medications can temporarily slow the progression of the disease, round the clock care is eventually needed, and most patients live 4-8 years beyond their initial diagnosis.
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, however, research points to a number of different biological factors. Protein fragments called beta-amyloid build up between nerve cells while tau (a different protein) twist up within the cells. Hypoxia (the absence of sufficient oxygen in bodily tissues) is another contributing factor to developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
A recent study showed that cerebral blood flow was reduced by 10-20% in Alzheimer’s patients with early symptoms. SPECT brain imaging also shows reduced blood flow upwards of 9 years before an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. New osteopathic research points towards impaired glymphatic function and venous flow from the brain, allowing toxins and cellular waste to accumulate and disrupt healthy brain function.
HBOT as a Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment is non-invasive, safe, and without significant side effects. By increasing atmospheric pressure and breathing enriched oxygen, HBOT allows the body and brain to absorb up to 3 times the normal amount of oxygen, improving the oxygen supply to tissues.
A study done in Tel Aviv shows regular HBOT treatment for Alzheimer’s patients have proven to significantly increase cognitive function. Patients with early symptoms who were treated with HBOT saw up a 16.5% increase in cognitive performance and memory. Before and after SPECT brain imaging demonstrated significant improvement in cerebral blood flow. HBOT treatment also increases vascular function, creates new nerve and blood vessels, and reduces amyloid deposits.
Patients treated with HBOT have reported improvement in memory, cognitive function, sleep, motor skills and reduced anxiety and disorientation. Regular and early HBOT therapy can slow or even reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.
The post Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment and it’s benefits for Alzheimer’s Disease first appeared on Hyperbaric Vermont.
The post Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment and it’s benefits for Alzheimer’s Disease appeared first on Hyperbaric Vermont.