Medical Hyperbaric Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease

At CNS Center in Chicago, we are dedicated to advancing brain wellness through innovative, research-driven therapies. Among the most exciting developments in neurology is the potential role of medical hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in supporting patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) — particularly by targeting the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a critical structure that protects and nourishes the brain.

The Blood-Brain Barrier: A Key to Understanding Alzheimer’s

Recent research highlights the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as a promising therapeutic target in Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists now recognize that BBB dysfunction occurs early in the disease process, contributing to amyloid accumulation, tau pathology, and neuroinflammation.

When the BBB becomes compromised, harmful molecules can leak into brain tissue while essential nutrients and clearance mechanisms are disrupted. This cascade accelerates the neurodegenerative process that characterizes Alzheimer’s disease.

Strategies that preserve or restore BBB integrity—by modulating transporters, receptors, and genetic factors—are being investigated as potential ways to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s progression.
(Chen et al., Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2023; Alkhalifa et al., IJMS, 2023)

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% medical oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This process increases oxygen delivery throughout the body — including the brain — promoting cellular repair, angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth), and improved circulation.

Emerging studies show that HBOT may directly benefit the vascular and neuroinflammatory pathways involved in Alzheimer’s disease by:

• Improving cerebral blood flow
  
  
• Reducing brain hypoxia
  
  
• Enhancing BBB function
  
  
• Decreasing amyloid burden and neuroinflammation
  
  
• Supporting cognitive performance in both animal models and humans
  
  

In a landmark study, HBOT improved cerebral blood flow and memory performance in elderly patients with cognitive decline, reinforcing its potential to translate from laboratory research to real-world care.
(Shapira et al., Aging, 2021)

Clinical Evidence Supporting HBOT in Alzheimer’s Disease

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that HBOT significantly improved cognitive scores and activities of daily living in patients with Alzheimer’s disease — with a favorable safety profile.
(Lin et al., Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2024)

The pooled results from multiple studies showed measurable improvements in MMSE and ADAS-Cog scores, suggesting that HBOT may help patients maintain independence and quality of life longer.

Mechanistic studies further reveal that HBOT can:

• Activate autophagy-related pathways that clear cellular debris and misfolded proteins
  
  
• Upregulate neurotrophic factors such as BDNF to support neuron survival
  
  
• Modulate oxidative stress and inflammation—key drivers of BBB dysfunction and cognitive decline
  (Li et al., Physiological Research, 2025)
  
  

Targeting the Blood-Brain Barrier: How HBOT May Help

The unique advantage of HBOT lies in its ability to target BBB integrity, which is increasingly viewed as central to Alzheimer’s disease progression. Research suggests HBOT may:

• Reduce vascular inflammation and oxidative stress, stabilizing BBB function
  
  
• Enhance amyloid-beta clearance through improved perfusion and vascular health
  
  
• Promote repair of endothelial cells that maintain barrier strength
  
  
• Support oxygen-dependent enzyme systems essential for neuronal and glial health
  
  

By reinforcing BBB stability, HBOT may not only improve symptoms but also address an upstream driver of Alzheimer’s pathology.

The CNS Center Advantage

At CNS Center, we believe advanced neurological care requires a balance of innovation, compassion, and precision. Under the leadership of Dr. Lenny Cohen, board-certified neurologist and founder of CNS Center, we integrate cutting-edge science into patient-centered treatment.

Our medical-grade hyperbaric chambers offer a unique environment for those exploring HBOT for cognitive health. Features include:

• Medical-grade Perry chambers reaching up to 3.0 ATA pressure
  
  
• Neurologist-designed protocols tailored for cognitive and vascular health
  
  
• Concierge service and flexible scheduling, seven days a week
  
  
• Integration with neurological assessments, TMS, and IV infusions for brain optimization
  
  
• Comprehensive monitoring of cognition, function, and safety throughout treatment
  
  

For Chicago patients and families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, CNS Center provides a scientifically grounded, multidisciplinary approach to slowing cognitive decline and enhancing quality of life.

What to Expect at CNS Center

If you or a loved one are exploring HBOT for Alzheimer’s disease, your journey at CNS Center begins with a personalized evaluation.

1. Neurological Consultation – A comprehensive assessment of memory, vascular health, and cognitive function.
   
   
2. HBOT Suitability Review – Ensuring safe participation through medical screening and baseline testing.
   
   
3. Customized Treatment Plan – HBOT frequency and duration are personalized to your goals and neurologic profile.
   
   
4. Ongoing Progress Tracking – We monitor changes in cognition, daily function, and vascular health metrics.
   
   
5. Integrative Support – Combining HBOT with nutrition, lifestyle optimization, and neurorehabilitation for maximal results.
   
   

The Future of Alzheimer’s Care: Hope Through Innovation

Targeting the blood-brain barrier is one of the most exciting new frontiers in Alzheimer’s research. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a non-invasive, biologically sound approach to improving BBB integrity and brain oxygenation—factors critical to brain longevity and cognitive performance.

While additional large-scale clinical trials are needed, current evidence provides real optimism that HBOT could complement standard Alzheimer’s therapies and contribute to slowing disease progression.

At CNS Center, we are proud to stand at the intersection of science, technology, and compassionate care—helping patients harness the power of oxygen to protect the most vital organ of all: the brain.

Explore HBOT at CNS Center

If you are interested in learning whether medical hyperbaric therapy may benefit you or your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, contact CNS Center in Chicago today. Our team will guide you through evaluation, treatment options, and integration into a comprehensive brain-health program.