Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Loss
Back to Conditions PageAlzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease accounts for 60-80% of the total number of dementia cases. It is a disease that worsens over time due to complex changes in the brain after cell damage. The brain cells die because the amyloid plaque and tangles block signals the brain is trying to send. This process causes inflammation and cell death. Research has shown that chronic inflammation can lead to significant tissue damage resulting in memory loss, cognitive decline, and the inability to recognize familiar people and places.
Key factors with Alzheimer’s Disease
Inflammation
Decreased blood flow to the brain
Oxygen radical formation
The Role of HBOT in Alzheimer’s Disease
HBOT is a clinical treatment where the patient breathes 100% oxygen in a pressurized hyperbaric oxygen chamber. At pressures greater than normal, the body can incorporate more oxygen into blood cells, blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids. The increased oxygen absorption experienced during HBOT boosts stem cell circulation by 800% and enhances the body’s ability to heal itself. Known effects of HBOT include reduced inflammation, promotion of the growth of new blood vessels, inducing production of new neurons in the brain, repair of damaged tissues, and suppression of oxygen radicals due to its ability to increase the activity and number of oxygen radical-fighting enzymes. The reduction of inflammation allows for an increase of healthy blood flow to the brain. Research has shown that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy resulted in a decrease in microglia around the amyloid plaques, fewer proinflammatory cytokines, reduced hypoxia levels, reduced number of amyloid plaques, and improvement in cognitive and anxiety like behaviors.
QEEG & Neurofeedback Therapy (NFB)
A Quantitative EEG shows us electrical activity of the brain. We will be able to see if inflammation is present, if there are any areas of hyper- or hypoactivity, and any areas of disconnect within the Delta, Theta, Alpha, and Beta brain waves. Neurofeedback Therapy works directly with the brain, allowing us to focus on the area(s) of the brain most affected while at the same time bringing the entire brain back into balance. Research studies have shown that patients with Alzheimer’s Disease who have had NFB had an improvement in orientation and memory and a stabilization of cognitive functions.
In the News
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Alzheimer’s Disease
Molecular and Therapeutic Aspects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Neurological Conditions
*Information gathered from the research articles and sources above
Therapies at Oxford Recovery Center
Click on the links below to learn about the therapies offered at Oxford Recovery Center
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Physical Therapy and Suit Therapy
QEEG/Neurofeedback with Real-time Brain Imaging
