For many adults over 60, concerns about memory and focus are common. More than half of older individuals report noticing changes in cognitive performance as they age. While this decline is often considered a normal part of aging, new research suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may help maintain and even improve brain function.
Cognitive Benefits of HBOT in Aging Adults
In a randomized controlled clinical trial, 63 healthy adults over 64 years old were assigned either to an HBOT group or a control group for three months. Participants who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cognitive enhancement showed significant improvements compared to those who did not.
The most notable outcomes included:
- Improved attention: Participants in the HBOT group had measurable gains in their ability to concentrate.
- Faster information processing speed: Thinking and reaction times were enhanced, a critical factor in daily tasks and independence.
- Better executive function: Skills like planning, multitasking, and problem-solving improved — functions that typically decline with age.
How HBOT Supports Brain Health
Brain imaging revealed that HBOT participants experienced increases in cerebral blood flow (CBF), particularly in areas linked to attention, motor function, and executive control. Regions such as the frontal gyrus and parietal gyrus showed marked improvements, suggesting that oxygen-rich therapy may support neuroplasticity and healthier brain activity.
By addressing underlying contributors like hypoxia and reduced perfusion, HBOT may offer an innovative pathway to support brain oxygen levels, memory, and cognitive resilience in older adults.
Looking Ahead: HBOT and Healthy Aging
This study highlights the potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for cognitive enhancement in healthy older adults, offering a proactive approach to brain health. While additional research is needed to refine treatment protocols, the findings suggest HBOT could become a valuable option for those looking to maintain focus, memory, and overall cognitive performance as they age.
Check out the PubMed article here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7377835/
