6 Future Trends in Healthcare for Patients

As healthcare rapidly evolves, patients must keep abreast of these shifts. Doing so activates your role in driving better health outcomes for yourself and your loved ones. 

COVID-19 showed how technology can benefit patients during the pandemic. The medical community in Dubai is leveraging those takeaways to elevate patient care. 

Additionally, individuals want to take more ownership of their health through the convenience of personalized, educational, and digital care. 

Look out for these six future trends in healthcare throughout 2023 as more healthcare providers take steps to meet patient needs. 

1. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) 

COVID-19 showed how critical technology could benefit patients and elevate care. One way to achieve this has been through remote patient monitoring (RPM).

In 2022, RPM tools (e.g., wearable devices, pulse oximeters, blood glucose meters, and heart monitors) were valued at $53.6 billion. This value is projected to reach “USD 175.2 billion by 2027.” 

When “74% of all deaths globally” are attributed to at least one chronic disease, a physician’s ability to remotely manage health conditions is key to preventing hospitalizations—remote patient monitoring (RPM) can reduce “the number of ER visits and hospitalizations.” 

2. Health Literacy 

With more doctors and patients remotely managing conditions, healthcare organizations are providing digital platforms that offer personalized educational experiences—experiences that address each patient’s health literacy level (in their preferred language and reading level).

As more providers anticipate higher patient volume (from individuals who delayed or avoided medical care during the pandemic and from the return of medical tourism), you’ll see more educational materials at each touchpoint of your care journey.

Don’t hesitate to discuss literacy levels with your doctor to ensure you feel confident and comfortable navigating your health journey.

3. Mindfulness Products 

Wellness has taken center stage since 2020, with mindfulness coming to the forefront as an in-demand component:

• McKinsey reports “mindfulness has gained mainstream consumer acceptance relatively recently” among patients. Half of the survey respondents expressed that they wish more mindfulness products and services were available.
• Medical research indicates mindfulnesses exercises such as meditation can reduce “cognitive decline” and “perceived stress.” 

Don’t be surprised to see more providers offering holistic care. For example, healthcare organizations may consider partnering with mindfulness apps or providing products that offer mental health benefits. 

4. Data Analytics 

Objective data is critical to seeing how you’re progressing and what additional steps you and your physician need to take. 

More doctors are tracking and sharing with their patients the data that reports: 

• Interaction with educational materials 
• Treatment and communication gaps that need addressing for better outcomes
• Patient progress along a personalized treatment plan
• Actionable steps a patient takes to manage their health (remotely or in-clinic)

Data transparency helps the provider and the patient understand how a condition is progressing and what can be done to elevate treatment. 

5. Advanced Imaging 

The development of new technologies has brought on better ways to treat patients. One prime example is advanced imaging and neuroscience. 

Advancements in radiography give medical professionals the tools to perform in-depth assessments of the brain upon a stroke. Advanced imaging may include: 

• 3T MRI with DTI (diffusion tensor imaging)
• SPECT scan with new AI analysis methods

These imaging technologies help providers map a personalized recovery plan and track recovery in post-treatment assessments. 

Comprehensive medical programs, such as the one at the Aviv Medical Program, rely on these advanced imaging and neuroscience tools to earn long-term results for stroke patients. 

6. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) 

Oxygen is the lifeblood of our health. As we age, body oxygen levels decrease, leading to infamous age-related decline. While most of these shifts are often thought to be irreversible, research says otherwise. 

Studies indicate hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help: 

• “Reverse biological aging” by slowing down the growth of cells and protein structures responsible for the aging process.
• “Reverse the main activators of Alzheimer’s disease”

At Aviv Clinics, our unique HBOT program entails fluctuating oxygen levels, which triggers the body’s self-regeneration capabilities.

“By treating vascular dysfunction, we’re mapping out the path toward Alzheimer’s prevention. More research is underway to further demonstrate how HBOT can improve cognitive function and become an influential tool in the imperative fight against the disease.” -Dr. Shai Efrati, Aviv Clinics

Learn More about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Aviv Clinics Dubai, brought to you by DP World, is here to elevate your healthcare journey, offering the world’s most advanced Hyperbaric Oxygen Program. 

Our diverse community of patients has achieved significant health milestones thanks to a multidisciplinary approach that can include: 

• In-depth review of health history
• Comprehensive physical exam
• Highly advanced MRI, DTI, and SPECT scans
• Neurological and neurocognitive tests
• Body composition analysis
• Cellular performance analysis
• A detailed report of our assessment findings 
• Unique Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol
• Cognitive training
• Physical training
• Dietary coaching
• A post-treatment report of your improvements and recommendations for future progress

Our unique medical approach centers on research to provide high-quality care that produces lasting improvements in mental and physical performance. Areas of improvements include:

• Memory
• Concentration
• Information Processing Speed
• Emotional Health
• Stamina
• Energy
• Mobility
• Independence
• Quality of Life
• Sexual Performance (Men)
• Sleep

Benefits of our program also  include:

• Stem cells proliferation– the building blocks of tissue rejuvenation – to multiply and migrate
• Lengthen the telomeres – the protective caps at the end of each strand of DNA
• Reduce senescent cells – known to contribute to many age-related diseases
• Increase mitochondrial function – the power plant in each of our cells

If you’ve experienced cognitive or physical decline due to aging or disease, we may be able to help.
To learn more about the Aviv Medical Program, contact the Aviv Clinic.

 

Meditation and Brain Health: Benefits Backed by Science

 

The COVID-19 virus has left us all more stressed than ever before, but there’s one group of people that the pandemic has hit especially hard: older adults. A recent poll conducted by the National Poll on Healthy Aging interviewed 2,000 adults from the ages of 50 to 80. More than half (56%) of the participants reported struggling with feelings of isolation during the pandemic, a dramatic increase from 27% in the 2018 poll.

Long hours spent indoors away from family and friends can have us all feeling low, and the stress and loneliness can wreak havoc on your mental health. That’s why many older adults are turning to the practice of mindfulness meditation to cope with stressful feelings during the pandemic.

Just like washing your hands to get rid of germs, meditation is an excellent way to help cleanse your mind of troublesome thoughts, and practicing mindfulness can do more than just help you relax. Taking a few minutes out of your day to ground yourself in the present moment is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your mental health, and the benefits are backed by science.

The science-based Aviv Medical Program is centered on the innovative hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cognitive and physical training, plus nutrition coaching. Supportive wellness practices, such as meditation, help to create a truly holistic approach to enhancing cognitive and physical performance.

 

 

What is meditation? The art of mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation is the art of being present in the here and now.
It’s about taking a few minutes every day to clear your mind of distressing thoughts and engaging with what’s right in front of you.

Think of it as a workout for your brain. In the same way that you might lift weights to keep your body strong, meditation is a way to train your mind and increase your focus and awareness. It’s not a spiritual practice or a mystical art; it’s a learned skill and anyone can learn to meditate, regardless of age.

 

5 Benefits of meditation backed by science

There are several proven benefits to meditating regularly. Numerous studies have shown that mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga can improve all sorts of mental health problems. From easing anxiety and depression to stalling memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients, here are our top 5 benefits of meditation.

 

1. Slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Although many people dismiss lapses in memory recall as a side effect of growing older, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest memory loss is a natural side-effect of aging. On the contrary, forgetting valuable memories doesn’t have to be the new normal for older adults.

Meditation has been proven to improve memory recall in adults in as little as eight weeks. Research also shows promising results in the use of mindfulness to slow the progression of cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Patients who practiced mindfulness exercises reported reductions in cognitive decline and stress levels, and overall improvements to their quality of life.

Mindfulness isn’t only beneficial for those diagnosed with cognitive conditions, either. Studies have also shown that caregivers of those with cognitive impairments can benefit from the stress reduction of practicing meditation. In other words, everyone can benefit from the boost to cognitive centers of the brain.

 

2. Improves focus and keeps your brain sharp

Practicing mindfulness can keep your brain active and in good shape, no matter how good your memory is. You don’t have to be a seasoned expert. Even beginners can reap the benefits of mindfulness meditation.

In one study, participants who listened to a 10-minute meditation tape experienced increased attention spans and focus when completing a test compared to those who didn’t meditate beforehand. One researcher further confirmed that people who meditate regularly consistently perform better on focus-related tasks. The same study also found that meditation calms the areas of the brain associated with mind-wandering and spontaneous thoughts, helping you stay focused on what you are doing in the present.

 

3. Combats insomnia

Getting a good night’s rest is more important than ever for seniors and older adults. Sleep is the vital period when our minds cleanse themselves of harmful waste. Yet current research estimates 10-30% of people are affected by chronic insomnia, with older adults showing more susceptibility to sleep disturbances.

A randomized trial found that mindfulness meditation significantly improved sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults. The lowered stress levels provided by meditation helps clear your mind from troubling thoughts, which can make sleep come easier. If you have trouble sleeping at night, turn off your screens and try meditating for a few minutes before bed.

 

4. Fights anxiety

Although everyone worries from time to time, harboring too much stress in your body can be unhealthy. According to researchers, anywhere from 3-14% of all older adults meet the diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder. Unchecked anxiety and stress can worsen health conditions like fibromyalgia and lead to other mental health problems like depression.

If you want to take control of your anxious thoughts, meditation may be the solution. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and reduce stress levels, helping you clear your mind of fears and worries.

 

5. Improves depression and overall mood

Loneliness was already a common problem among older adults and retirees, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made it worse. Going out in public and visiting your family isn’t an option for many older adults, and the isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness and despair

Practicing mindfulness can help you manage these difficult emotions and improve your overall mood. Studies have shown that mindfulness training reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation, helping participants be happier in the present moment.

Mindfulness training has been shown to help reduce feelings of depression in adults. Those who practiced meditation therapy reported fewer symptoms of depression compared to their counterparts who didn’t meditate at all. Practicing mindfulness every day reminds you not to stress over every little thing, helping you stay calmer and more in control of your emotions.

 

How to start a mindfulness meditation practice

You don’t need any special equipment or training to get started. All you need is a comfortable place to sit and the willingness to give it a try. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

1. Find a quiet space where you can relax, free from distractions.
If you’re inside, make sure that all televisions and electronic devices are turned off.

2. Sit in a comfortable position and breathe gently.

3. Pay attention to each inhale and exhale.

4. Focus on all the sensations of your body as you breathe.

5. Release any tensions you may be holding until you are completely relaxed.

6. Continue to breathe in and out as you focus on your body’s inner sensations.

7. If your mind wanders, that’s ok. Just re-focus on your breathing and start again.

8. Keep going for 5-10 minutes or as long as you’d like to meditate.

Try to meditate at the same time every day to establish a routine. If you don’t want to sit in silence, you can find guided sessions via apps on your smart devices, or you can play some calming music to help you focus. For added benefits, try meditating outside on the porch or in a garden. Doing your daily session in nature can calm you even further, helping you make the most of your mindfulness practice.

 

The bottom line

Mindfulness meditation is one of the most positive things you can do for your mental health and emotional well-being. It doesn’t take long to do, either. Having a simple routine to keep your mind in-shape can show benefits across all areas of your life. From improving memory recall to lowering stress levels and improving your sleep, practicing meditation can keep you more engaged in the present moment, helping you stay happy and calm during the best years of your life.

Aviv Clinics delivers a highly effective, science-based treatment protocol to enhance brain performance and improve symptoms of conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, fibromyalgia, Lyme, and dementia. The Aviv Medical Program’s intensive treatment protocol uses hyperbaric oxygen therapy and takes a holistic approach that includes brain training to achieve optimal results. Based on over a decade of research and development, the Aviv Medical Program is customized to your needs.

Breakthrough Study Show Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments Helps Stop Biological Aging

A landmark study from researchers in Israel has found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) improves two key biological signs of aging in humans – the first study to ever make this finding. The research shows it’s possible to target the aging process at the basic cellular-biological level. This breakthrough in biology of aging research provides scientists a new foundation for investigating ways to slow the aging process.

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Aging, the study involved patients aged 64 and older who went through a series of HBOT treatments. Blood tests taken over the course of the study showed hyperbaric oxygen treatment improved two common signs of biological aging – a shortening of telomeres on chromosomes and the accumulation of senescent cells.

The significance of this is difficult to overstate. Telomeres are nucleotide sequences that protect the ends of chromosomes from deterioration or fusion with other chromosomes. A shortening in their length of about 20 to 40 bases per year is associated with serious life-threatening illnesses. Stopping and reversing telomere shortening has long been considered a key to slowing biological aging.

Senescent cells inhibit cell proliferation. The accumulation of senescence cells contributes to age-associated conditions and illnesses. Eliminating them can improve those conditions and illnesses, according to past animal studies.

 

 

The “Holy Grail” of the Biology of Aging

The new study is part of an ongoing comprehensive aging research program in Israel. A previous study, released earlier in 2020, showed that HBOT also improves cognitive function.

“After dedicating our HBOT research to exploring its impact on the areas of brain functionality and age-related cognitive decline, we have now uncovered for the first time in humans HBOT’s biological effects at the cellular level in healthy aging adults,” Dr. Shai Efrati, director of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center and a co-author on the study, said in a news release.

Efrati called telomere shortening “the ‘Holy Grail’ of the biology of aging” and noted that researchers are exploring many pharmacological and environmental interventions in the hope of enabling telomere elongation.

“The significant improvement of telomere length shown during and after these unique HBOT protocols provides the scientific community with a new foundation of understanding that aging can, indeed, be targeted and reversed at the basic cellular-biological level,” said Efrati, who also holds an associate professor position at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine and the Sagol School of Neuroscience at Tel Aviv University.

 

How The Study Was Conducted

Efrati co-authored the study with Dr. Amir Hadanny, Chief Medical Research Officer of The Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research. The two focused on testing the impact of HBOT on telomere length and senescent cell concentrations in a non-pathological, aging adult population.

Efrati and Hadanny conducted the prospective trial with 35 healthy, independent adults. None of the patients made any changes to their lifestyle, diet or medication during the study. Each received 60 daily HBOT sessions over the course of 90 days.

Whole blood samples were collected before treatment and again at the 30^th and 60^th session. Their blood was checked again one to two weeks following the last HBOT session to assess peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs) telomere length and senescence.

The study found that certain HBOT protocols induced regenerative effects.
Some telomeres increased by more than 20% in length, while senescent cells decreased in number by as much as 37%.

Dr. Hadanny said the pioneering study has

“opened the door for further research on the prolonged cellular impact of HBOT to reverse the aging process.” 

He said that up until the study, only lifestyle modifications and intense exercise showed the ability to slow telomere length shortening.

“What is remarkable to note in our study is that in just three months of HBOT, we were able to achieve such significant telomere elongation – at rates far beyond any of the current available interventions or lifestyle modifications,” said Dr. Hadanny.

Dr. Efrati is medical advisor to Aviv Scientific LTD, which offers HBOT treatments, cognitive and physical training and nutritional coaching to enhance brain and body performance at the at the Aviv Clinics, JLT, Dubai U.A.E.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation, contact the clinic.