Dementia – the main symptoms of the disease
When talking about dementia, it must be emphasized that it is a disease that occurs in various forms. The most well-known disease is Alzheimer's disease, but seniors can also suffer from vascular dementia. Other variants include Frontoemporal Dementia (FTD) and Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). They share symptoms such as deterioration of mental performance or progressive difficulties in coping with everyday activities. In addition, the personality of patients changes. Short-term memory disorders lead to confusion and often aggression.
As everyone ages, nerve cells atrophy. However, in people with dementia the process is much faster. Additionally, the development of the disease may be caused by environmental factors such as heavy metal contamination. Scientists concluded that hypoxia of brain tissues also affects the health of patients.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as support in the treatment of dementia
The effectiveness of oxytherapy in cleansing the body of toxins is confirmed by a number of studies. Moreover, the method has repeatedly proven to support the treatment of numerous diseases, including neurodegenerative ones. Doctors are increasingly using HBOT to rehabilitate people after brain injuries or other damage to the nervous system.
Oxygen therapy works by intensively saturating tissues with oxygen. During the stay in the chamber, the patient receives an increased dose of oxygen, which travels around the body along with the blood. It nourishes all tissues and organs, stimulates reconstruction processes and heals injuries. What is very important, it stimulates the production of new cells. This applies to every area, including the brain. Hyperbaria reduces inflammation and swelling, improves metabolism in brain tissue and cerebral microcirculation. It affects dormant brain cells and stimulates the activity of the entire organ.
It is worth emphasizing that HBOT is not a cure for dementia. However, it can inhibit its processes and improve the patient's cognitive functions. It will enable him to independently perform even simple activities, which will significantly improve the patient's quality of life.
Dementia and HBOT – future forecasts
According to statistics, people are living longer and longer. As a result, more and more people develop one of the types of dementia. Thus, the disease becomes a real civilization challenge. Researchers are still working on the potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy , but it is already known that the method brings a number of benefits. It can be assumed that in the near future it will become a permanent element of senior therapy.