What Researchers Did
Researchers ran a clinical trial with 158 patients with vascular dementia, randomized to receive conventional treatment alone or conventional treatment plus HBOT at 2 ATA for 60 minutes, 5 days per week for 12 weeks.
What They Found
After treatment, MMSE cognitive scores were significantly higher in the HBOT group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Serum levels of Humanin (a neuroprotective mitochondrial peptide) were also significantly higher in the HBOT group and positively correlated with cognitive improvement.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Vascular dementia is one of the most common forms of dementia in Canada, particularly in patients with stroke and cardiovascular disease. This trial suggests 12 weeks of HBOT can improve cognitive function, possibly by boosting protective proteins like Humanin. The results merit replication in Canadian trials.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The trial was conducted in China with a single ethnic population; the 12-week treatment period may not reflect long-term benefit, and blinding details are not reported.