Address Alzheimer's Disease with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
As a neurological disorder, Alzheimer's Disease mainly affects a person’s memory, thinking, and behaviour, leading to cognitive decline that interferes with daily activities. As symptoms worsen over time, they can leave the individual struggling with self-care.
To ease the symptoms or for “proactive prevention management” of Alzheimer’s, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has been shown to be a potential way to increase oxygen flow to brain tissue, improving cognitive functioning, reducing inflammation, and promoting brain cell repair. By supporting brain activity, it can not only help enhance memory and cognition but also overall brain health, offering relief for both patients and their caregivers. At Cellregen, we can supply the right HBOT chamber to help you or your loved ones with their Alzheimer’s management in Australia.
What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease?
Alzheimer’s Disease presents itself with symptoms that differ depending on the stage the illness is in. In early stages, one may experience mild forgetfulness, confusion about time and place, and difficulty with tasks they once performed effortlessly. As it advances, the symptoms become more pronounced, with memory loss interfering with daily activities, such as forgetting recent conversations or important events. People may also find it increasingly difficult to plan or solve problems, like paying bills or following a recipe.
Patients often face challenges with basic tasks like driving or using household appliances. Disorientation and confusion about time, dates, and places may also become more frequent. The person may struggle with speaking or writing, finding it hard to remember words or follow a conversation. As cognitive decline increases, one may withdraw from social activities and work, as remembering or engaging with others becomes more difficult.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Can Improve Symptoms
Emerging research has shown promising results regarding the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in managing Alzheimer’s disease. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber, which increases the oxygen levels in the brain and promotes healing.
In addition to regular Alzheimer’s treatment in Australia, HBOT can improve cerebral blood flow and cognitive performance in older adults with significant memory loss. The therapy increases the blood flow to critical brain areas, enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, which are vital for brain function. Not only that, but the therapy has also shown to improve cognitive functions in healthy individuals.
Studies using fluorodeoxyglucose brain positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scans have further revealed that HBOT can help in reversing the reductions in brain glucose metabolism commonly seen in patients with Alzheimer's. This suggests oxygen therapy might restore energy production in brain cells, which could help slow the disease’s progression.