Hyperbaric Treatments an Alternative for Dementia

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. There is ongoing research into its potential benefits for various medical conditions, including dementia.

We were recently joined on our podcast by Priscilla Romans, RN of Graithcare (www.graithcare.com), a patient advocacy company, to discuss this alternative treatment strategy and studies that have been done.

Here’s how it might help:

1. Increased oxygen delivery to the brain: HBOT involves breathing oxygen at higher pressures, which can increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood.
2. Reduced inflammation: HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation in various conditions. Inflammation in the brain is thought to contribute to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Stimulation of neurogenesis: Some research suggests that HBOT may stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and promote neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons) in the brain.
4. Improved mitochondrial function: Improving mitochondrial (energy-producing organelles) function might help protect brain cells from damage and support overall brain health.

It’s important to note that while HBOT shows promise as a potential therapy for dementia, more research is needed to fully understand its effects, optimal dosing, and long-term outcomes.