Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Address TBI and Concussion
Head injuries are much more common than one might think. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an estimated 1.7 million Americans sustain a TBI each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there were over 64,000 TBI-related deaths in 2020, which equates to more than 175 brain injury-related deaths every day.
Those most affected include adolescents aged 15-19 and adults older than 65. Among seniors, falls are the most common cause of TBIs—a pervasive problem that can be mitigated with a few key strategies.
Yet, despite how pervasive TBIs are, many people don’t realize when they’re experiencing the “traumatic” incident. At one time, a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), which many know simply as a concussion, was actually thought to be a benign event. With much research, experts now know that even small, repeated injuries to the brain can have significant effects. These injuries can contribute to adverse neuropsychological outcomes—both acutely and long-term.
For example, in the moment, a concussion might cause dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, and vomiting. But over time, that same injury or repeated injuries may contribute to ongoing symptoms, such as chronic headaches, trouble concentrating or thinking clearly, memory problems, poor sleep, depression, anxiety, and irritability. Some people may not even connect an injury that happened years ago with their current symptoms, which can make it difficult to properly diagnose a TBI or post-concussion syndrome.
Unfortunately, the incidence of TBI and concussion persists. Per the Brain Injury Association of America, cumulative evidence shows that an estimated 5.3 million men, women, and children are living with a permanent TBI-related disability in the U.S. today.
Yet, does it have to be “permanent”?
HBOT’s Role in Relieving TBI Symptoms
Dedicated research into brain healing reveals a therapy that produces positive results in cases of TBI and post-concussion syndrome. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has historically been accepted as an effective treatment for medical issues like wound healing, severe infections, and decompression sickness. For some time, HBOT had not been explored much beyond those applications.
However, research in the last two decades reveals that HBOT, in combination with certain cognitive, nutritional, and physiological protocols, is able to repair areas of the brain that have been damaged due to TBI and concussion, as well as stroke, post-traumatic stress disorder, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and other neurological conditions.
What Results Can Individuals Expect?
To understand how HBOT works to address TBI and post-concussion damage, it’s important to know what changes occur in the brain during those injuries. Structural damage indicates a physical impact on the brain, such as bleeding. Metabolic damage is present when the brain’s cells are affected.
Traditional scans like CT and MRI may not be able to detect metabolic damage, especially if an injury occurred years ago. More advanced scans—like functional MRI and SPECT—are better able to identify areas of the brain that may be producing chronic post-concussion symptoms.
Applying HBOT and the unique protocols of the Aviv Medical Program yields multiple changes in the brain:
- New blood vessel formation (angiogenesis)
- New and stronger neural connections
- Stem cell production
These neural, vascular, and cellular changes contribute to cognitive improvements in memory, executive function, attention, processing speed, and spatial memory. Individuals with brain-based motor skill challenges also benefit from this comprehensive therapy.
Elements of the Aviv Medical Program also include cognitive therapy, strength and physical training, and nutritional coaching. The physiological and nutritional aspects of Aviv Clinics’ customized protocol elicit enhancements such as greater aerobic fitness, higher energy levels, improved sleep, and reduced pain. Overall, individuals report a significant improvement in their quality of life after completing the program
Bottom Line
If you’ve ever been in a car accident, fallen off a horse, or had “your bell rung” playing sports, you may have experienced a brain injury that could still be impacting your health. The Aviv Medical Program can help ease your symptoms.
If you or a loved one suspects a TBI or concussion has left lingering symptoms, contact us to learn more about how investing 90 days into treatment could change the rest of your life.
Brain Fog After COVID-19: Why It Happens and What You Can Do
According to multiple studies, those with long COVID-19 experience a variety of symptoms that may include brain fog.
Not only do these reports shed light on how the COVID-19 virus can impact our cognition, but they also illuminate the fact that anyone—no matter their COVID-19 history—can experience persistent brain fog.
If you feel you’ve had brain fog after COVID-19, the Aviv Clinics team is here to help you navigate through that. Stay educated with this essential guide to give yourself the best chance at getting back to optimal health.
As you’re reading through this, keep in mind:
- Each person has a unique experience with COVID-19. Therefore, speaking with a doctor is a critical first step to diagnosing long COVID.
- Per the CDC, several alternative terms are used to reference long COVID, such as post-COVID, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID, and chronic COVID.
What Is Brain Fog?
Brain fog is a term that describes slow or sluggish thinking. Someone with brain fog may experience confusion, forgetfulness, and/or a lack of mental clarity.
We all experience brain fog from time to time. Perhaps you didn’t get enough sleep the night before, took an antihistamine, or had a cold that made you feel unfocused or disoriented. In cases like these, you can simply rest and feel like yourself in no time.
But sometimes, individuals experience brain fog that lingers even beyond six months after having COVID. This has been one of the main symptoms of post-COVID.
Is Brain Fog a Symptom of Long COVID?
Yes, brain fog is a common symptom of long COVID—the CDC lists brain fog under its neurological symptoms. Brain fog from COVID-19 doesn’t necessarily need to manifest on a substantial level; it can be subtle. One study notes participants who didn’t notice their brain fog still performed poorly on attention and memory tasks.
Why Does COVID-19 Cause Brain Fog?
Stanford Medicine researchers note brain fog from COVID-19 emulates the same cognitive issues caused by cancer chemotherapy (“chemo brain”). In both cases, excessive inflammation damages the brain cells and processes.
Aviv physician Dr. Mohammed Elamir, MD, FACP, further explains there is a link between:
- Where the COVID-19 virus attacks the brain
- How that impacted location in the brain affects long COVID symptoms
There are four main ways COVID-19 can attack the brain:
- Direct brain invasion: The virus travels through the nose and into the insula—which oversees memory and executive function through its connection with the prefrontal cortex.
- Blood vessel injury: The COVID-19 virus may harm blood vessels that feed blood to the brain.
- Dysregulated immune response: Damaged blood vessels caused by COVID-19 can slow down the growth of cells, impacting the brain’s immune response.
- Cellular dysfunction: COVID-19 can trigger cell damage. This slows down the body’s response rate to infection, leading to high inflammatory conditions.
Is My Brain Fog Related to COVID-19?
If you notice your cognition has not been the same since your COVID-19 infection, we recommend speaking with a physician. Your body and health background are entirely unique from other people’s. Therefore, it’s important to discuss your lingering symptoms with a healthcare professional to assess whether your brain fog is indeed due to long COVID.
The certified physicians at Aviv Clinics assess the following four areas to diagnose long COVID. Walking through these four areas enables your physician to provide the holistic approach your health deserves.
- Physical symptoms: Fatigue, cough, loss of taste or smell, labored breathing, joint or muscle pain, etc.
- Cognitive and psychological symptoms: Brain fog, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, headaches, etc.
- Lung symptoms: Shortness of breath, chest pain/tightness, etc.
- Cardiac symptoms: Heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure, decline in oxygen saturation, etc.
How Can You Minimize Post-COVID Brain Fog?
Minimizing post-COVID brain fog involves engaging in activities known to improve memory and thought processes. These activities may include:
- Exercising
- Getting adequate sleep
- Eating a well-balanced diet
Addressing Long COVID Symptoms
Multiple studies reveal, as part of a comprehensive treatment program, hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) may help in mitigating long COVID symptoms. From clinical and qualitative evaluations of HBOT patients, researchers conclude there is hope that HBOT can address some of the common symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog.
Aviv Clinics’ team of certified physicians takes a three-step approach to their long COVID treatment:
- In-depth medical assessment: Conducting comprehensive testing (physical, cognitive, and neurological) and brain imaging
- Tailored treatment program: Creating a customized treatment plan based on your test results
- Post-treatment assessment: Administering second round of testing to unveil findings/progress
Learn more about Aviv’s long COVID approach.
How Long Does Post-COVID Brain Fog Last?
As everyone’s bodies are different, there is no set time limit to COVID-19 brain fog. Some research studies indicate that most patients recover within six to nine months, with others experiencing brain fog for two years or more.
Dr. Mohammed Elamir, MD, FACP, says how long it takes for brain fog to go away depends on how invasive the virus is in your body:
“[…] the amount of real estate that those microvascular changes are occupying will probably dictate how long [symptoms] will last.”
The Bottom Line
Brain fog from COVID-19 can be difficult to live with. If you or a loved one suspects COVID-19 has left lingering cognitive issues, contact Aviv Clinics. Our team will offer the resources you need to learn more about how our team of physicians treats long COVID symptoms. Feeling your best cognitively and physically starts with us.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Options for Stroke Recovery
Stroke Recovery
Stroke prevalence has spurred scientists to develop more effective stroke recovery therapies, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
Recovery from an ischemic or TIA (“mini stroke”) may not be guaranteed, but this much is clear: people who receive timely and effective treatment recover with fewer post-stroke effects.
Unfortunately, timely treatment is not always attainable:
- Stroke is a “leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of serious disability for adults.”
- “More than half of stroke survivors age 65 and older” experience reduced mobility, relegating some individuals to a wheelchair for the remainder of their lives. Many struggle with cognitive function, speech difficulties, and visual impairments as well.
Thankfully, advanced rehabilitation programs exist, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) options and other therapies. The experts at Aviv Clinics discuss these key details below.
What Happens to the Brain during a Stroke?
When a stroke strikes, it immediately starts killing brain cells due to loss of blood flow. As many as two million brain cells die each minute the stroke goes untreated. Other cells become injured but don’t necessarily die off. Neurologists often describe them as being “stunned”.
Still, a significant part of the brain’s real estate comes under attack. The combined damage from injured and necrotic (dead) brain cells results in both immediate and long-term symptoms such as:
- Limb weakness or paralysis
- Slurred speech
- Vision complications
- Balance issues.
Nothing can be done about the dead brain cells, which is why timely intervention is so critical. However, a growing body of research indicates that HBOT can help repair the injured cells, even years after the initial stroke
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a type of therapy that uses pressurized chambers to allow individuals to breathe in 100% pure oxygen.
In the hyperbaric suites at Aviv Clinics, the air is pressurized in the HBOT chamber to above atmospheric levels. This environment increases oxygen levels in the body to about 17 times higher than normal, allowing oxygen to be delivered even to damaged cells, such as those injured by stroke.
How Does HBOT Help with the Post-Stroke Recovery Process?
The unique HBOT protocol at Aviv Clinics uses a scientifically validated process in which oxygen levels are fluctuated throughout the HBOT session. When the mask is on, oxygen levels are very high. But, when the mask is off, the body is deceived into sensing a state of “low” oxygen because of the rapid decline.
This fluctuation triggers the body into repair and regeneration mode, which in turn:
- Stimulates stem cell proliferation
- Improves injured cell health
- Builds new blood vessels, optimizing blood flow
- Grows new connections in the brain
In the past, growing those new connections was inconceivable. Scientists previously believed that once neurons were destroyed, they could never rebound. Research has since disproved that notion.
What Benefits Can Stroke Survivors Achieve with HBOT?
Several studies have proven the benefits of using HBOT in post-stroke recovery. Repair mechanisms in the brain, prompted by HBOT, result in:
- Regained speech and reading capabilities
- Restored motor function, even with paresis
- Return to independence in performing daily activities
The Aviv Medical Program
When combined with the exercise, personalized nutrition, and extensive assessments that are part of the Aviv Medical Program, the outcomes become even more impressive:
- Some Aviv clients progress from using wheelchairs to walking on their own or with an assistive device.
- Clients who lost their ability to speak make immense recovery strides.
- Many report that the biggest benefit is simply not being a “burden” on their loved ones.
Our post-stroke program remains focused on research and incorporates a holistic and personalized approach that can include the following:
- In-depth review of health history
- Comprehensive physical exam
- Highly advanced brain imaging scans
- Neurological and neurocognitive tests
- Body composition analysis
- A detailed report of our assessment findings
- Cognitive training
- Physical training
- Dietary coaching
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
- A post-treatment report of your improvements and recommendations for future progress
Learn more about the program>>
Even if a person has no visible effects after having a stroke, the brain has still been damaged—and they are at a higher risk for a subsequent stroke. HBOT, through the Aviv Medical Program, can help mitigate that risk by improving the flow of blood to brain tissue and potentially prevent future strokes from occurring.
How Soon after a Stroke Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Be Administered?
Aviv Clinics recommends a 3-6 month wait after a stroke before beginning the Aviv Medical Program protocols. This allows for the brain’s natural healing progression to take hold.
The sooner stroke survivors act after the post-acute stage, the better. The research our scientists have done indicates a strong cohort from the one-month point to four years post-stroke.
That said, there’s really no limit on how long after a stroke individuals can participate in the program. We’ve seen success in clients who were as many as 10 years into their stroke recovery.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Most people see improvement from the Aviv Medical Program within the 8-12 weeks of therapy and medically verifiable results by the end of their treatment.
But keep in mind, no one-size-fits-all approach exists. You’ll receive your own unique therapy plan, so outcomes and timelines vary. Our ability to quantify your health plan is ultimately what delivers results.
For reference, here is a general overview of what our program looks like:
- Step 1: Assessment—A comprehensive set of neurocognitive, physical, and genomic assessments.
- Step 2: Treatment—Based on the assessment, we develop a customized routine that can include hyperbaric oxygen sessions with other types of personalized training/therapies. These may take place over 12 weeks.
- Step 3: Analysis—Our team uses advanced analytics to assess your program’s efficacy, and make the necessary adjustments.
- Step 4: Follow up—The Aviv Clinics team will offer ongoing monitoring and engagement post-treatment to help maintain your results.
Keren Trabelsi Finds Hope after Her Stroke
“[Treatment at Aviv is] like driving a Ferrari on the road to recovery versus driving like an old beaten-up car….”
Former Aviv Clinics client Keren underwent an ischemic stroke. This caused cognitive issues and paralysis on the left side of her body. Daily tasks grew more difficult, which left her feeling defeated.
Fortunately, Keren found the Aviv Medical Program. Aviv Clinics provided a personalized treatment plan encompassing many of the therapies we outlined earlier.
Thirteen months later, Keren can walk comfortably, type with her left hand again, and engage in a myriad of activities (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, etc.) she couldn’t participate in after her stroke.
The Bottom Line
Stroke survivors no longer need to feel like life is over due to debilitating cognitive and physical impairments. The Aviv Medical Program is rooted in extensive scientific research and has been instrumental in helping stroke survivors thrive well into their golden years.
Contact us to learn more about the Aviv Medical Program and how it can benefit you or a loved one.
Schedule a free consultation>>
Choosing the Right Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Program for You
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has become available for more health conditions to help extend healthspan, improve physical performance, and manage cognitive decline. As more facilities providing HBOT open, different types of HBOT technology and treatment protocols have appeared. It has become increasingly important to understand the differences and identify the option best able to meet your health goals and needs.
What are the types of hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers?
There are two types of hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers: multiplace and monoplace chambers.
Multiplace chambers are large, modern, comfortable rooms that feature cushioned seating. They are designed much like a first class airplane seat, with personal entertainment tablets. Aviv Clinics clients receive their HBOT treatments in spacious multiplace chambers that allow them to sit comfortably and engage in brain training during the course of the session.
Aviv Clinics – Multiplace chamber HBOT suite
Monoplace chambers are rigid glass or plastic tubes that are meant for one person. Patients must use them lying down. Most clinics use monoplace chambers. People who are claustrophobic in small spaces might find them confining. People sometimes associate them with hospital burn units, wound care facilities, or MRI machines. They are sometimes even referred to as “Michael Jackson” tubes because the singer reportedly used this method from time to time.
What treatment program is used for HBOT?
HBOT treatment programs can range widely, so it is important to understand which protocol best fits your health goals. Some facilities offer single, spa-like experiences, while others provide basic HBOT for a few sessions to address specific issues. On the other end of the spectrum are comprehensive, research-backed programs, such as the Aviv Medical Program, that address issues such as mild cognitive decline, stroke, Lyme disease, PTSD and fibromyalgia.
Basic hyperbaric oxygen therapy for specific issues, such as gangrene, non-healing wounds, infections, and “the bends” experienced by some divers, has been used for decades. For these conditions, the number of HBOT treatments can be as few as one or two sessions.
A comprehensive HBOT treatment protocol, like the Aviv Medical Program, addresses issues that affect your healthspan and physical and mental performance. It differs not only because of the length—every client does at least 60, two-hour HBOT “dives” throughout the 12-week program—but also because it encompasses more than just hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Clients receive individualized exercise and nutrition coaching, as well as regular check-ins with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, physiologists, nutritionists, neuropsychologists, and other health professionals.
Be aware of clinics that offer unclear treatment protocols. Some of these facilities promote their services as more of a spa-like experience, with no standardized treatment plans or science-backed evidence to support their claims.
Is the HBOT program backed by research?
Review whether the facility you are considering has developed its treatment protocols based on scientific, peer-reviewed research. Every treatment you choose has the ability to affect your body positively or negatively, so doing your research and choosing a reputable clinic is paramount.
The pressure and length of treatments, as well as the oxygen dosage used in Aviv’s HBOT treatments, are the result of over a decade of peer-reviewed scientific research. This comprehensive protocol has been shown to maximize the body’s own regenerative power. It is a unique, proprietary system of modulated oxygen exposure that is only offered by Aviv Clinics.
What type of expert/clinician support is available?
An important consideration when choosing your hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic is the type of expert support available to provide treatment and guidance. The best treatment protocols include a multidisciplinary team.
At Aviv Clinics, clients have access to an expert clinician team that includes physicians, physiologists, psychologists, and nutritionists throughout the 12-week program. The team continues to stay in contact with clients even after the treatment course to ensure they continue their progress. Subsequent six-month follow-up assessments are also part of the program and help clients continue to track their progress.
What assessments are performed?
Tracking progress from the start of the treatment course is needed to confirm whether your health goals were reached. Some clinics include scanning and diagnostic assessments as part of their offerings.
Aviv Clinics offers the industry’s most comprehensive battery of cognitive and physical tests to set a baseline for each client at the start. The Aviv Medical Program assessments include:
- In-depth medical intakes performed by our expert clinical team, including physicians, neuropsychologists, physiologists, physical therapists, and nutritionists
- Full battery of computerized cognitive testing that includes evaluation of your memory, focus, information processing speed, attention, and executive function
- Extensive blood tests
- Advanced MRI brain imaging protocols (anatomical, perfusion, microstructure)
- CPET – a heart and lung performance test to measure how the body produces energy with and without oxygen
- Body composition analysis, including gait, balance, and overall motor functions
- Full genetic sequencing
- Cellular performance tests including a stem cell count and assessment of aging biomarkers such as telomeres, which help to calculate your true biological age
The assessments are repeated at the end of the program. This allows our team to provide clients with a full report, summarizing progress throughout the program, and providing the data and analysis necessary to move forward with health and wellness goals.
Will there be medical support during the HBOT session?
Having professional oversight and support during your HBOT treatment is a critical consideration. At facilities that use small, monoplace tubes, clients are typically monitored through cameras.
At Aviv Clinics, a nurse is present inside the HBOT suite to support clients and ensure appropriate treatment during all hyperbaric dives. A trained technician also monitors the session from outside of the chamber. A physician is on site at all times during treatments as safety is Aviv’s top priority.
Is a comprehensive progress report provided?
Many condition-specific or other facilities work on a session-to-session basis. Even if a long-term recovery plan is the purpose, they may only track progress per HBOT treatment.
Aviv Clinics takes a holistic approach by providing all-encompassing and in-depth reports. After clients complete the Aviv Medical Program, the clinician team provides a detailed before-and-after cognitive and physiological analysis, showing their markers of improvement. Clients review their progress, one-on-one with the physician, who explains and interprets the data, and provides next steps.
The Bottom Line
An HBOT treatment protocol that is backed by research, supported by a multidisciplinary and caring clinician team, and a full range of assessments to show progress are all important considerations for choosing the right HBOT clinic to meet your health goals.
The Aviv Medical Program is rooted in extensive scientific research and trials conducted on HBOT treatment for a variety of conditions, including reversing the signs of biological aging, mild cognitive decline (MCI), post-stroke recovery, Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Lyme disease, and Fibromyalgia.
Contact Aviv Clinics to learn more about the Aviv Medical Program and how it can benefit you.
Life After a Diagnosis of Cognitive Decline: What Now?
Whether you have received a diagnosis of mild cognitive decline, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease, exploring the possible causes is the first step in moving forward.
Symptoms like forgetting where you have placed your glasses, frequently asking the same question, or failing to recognize familiar people may have led you to seek medical attention. Perhaps your family noticed changes in your mood or personality and urged you to see a doctor. Being evaluated and having a diagnosis may be initially disconcerting and stressful, but how you proceed from here will determine your best outcome.
Often, what may be causing the cognitive issues is something controllable and treatable such as high blood pressure, high blood sugars, stress, anxiety, medications, or drug and alcohol use. No matter what is behind the decline, the key is addressing those things that can be controlled and treated, and then choosing a healthier lifestyle going forward.
What is cognitive decline?
Cognitive impairment is when a person has trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions that affect their everyday life. It can range from mild to severe, escalating to the point where the person loses the ability to comprehend, write, or speak. At that stage, a person can no longer live independently.
Age is the greatest risk factor for cognitive impairment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 16 million people in the United States are living with cognitive impairment. An estimated 5.1 million Americans aged 65 and older currently have Alzheimer’s disease, the most well-known form of cognitive impairment; this number may rise to 13.2 million by 2050, the CDC reports.
Next steps
Stress and anxiety will most certainly follow on the heels of a diagnosis. Learning to cope in healthy ways will be crucial because stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms of cognitive decline. You may be tempted to isolate because you fear being embarrassed by your condition or want to hide your frustration when you are challenged to remember. However, do not shy away from being challenged. Do just the opposite.
Interact even more and engage in things that bring you joy. How you proceed after diagnosis could slow the progression or alter the trajectory of the disease.
Here are six things to do immediately no matter the diagnosis:
- Eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, good proteins and healthy fats, and limit those foods that contain saturated fats like butter and cheese. Some examples of brain-beneficial foods include coffee, blueberries, nuts, dark chocolate, and fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines. Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which the brain uses to build brain and nerve cells, and are essential for learning new things and storing memories.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes, five times a week. Whenever you exercise, you are pumping more blood to your brain tissues, and with that comes a lot of oxygen and other nutrients vital for the brain’s functioning. Walking or swimming are great ways to get oxygen-rich blood pumping to the brain.
- Challenge your brain daily with activities that keep it stimulated like doing puzzles, taking quizzes, and reading content you enjoy. They help exercise the brain, enhance creativity, improve problem solving, and may slow memory decline.
- Get adequate sleep. Stay away from things that may overstimulate your body like tea or coffee before bedtime. Put down your phone or computer a couple of hours before bedtime so you can decompress naturally and slowly. Sleep allows your body to cleanse the brain of toxins and waste. Getting enough is essential.
- Find a good support system. It will be critical to build a good support system now that you have received a diagnosis. Whether it is a spouse, a friend, a family member, or a support group, having a connection with someone who cares about you and knows what you’re going through can keep you from feeling alone.
- Manage stress. Self-medicating with drugs and alcohol will only worsen the symptoms of cognitive decline. Instead, try journaling, prayer, meditation, exercise, or whatever works to calm your inner spirit and reduce your stress load.
The prognosis
In some people, mild cognitive impairment can be reversed or remain stable, especially if it is linked to a medication. For others with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, the outlook can be harder to swallow since both are progressive conditions, and symptoms will eventually worsen. However, making lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercising may slow the rate of progression.
The bottom line
Maintaining healthy lifestyle choices, including proper nutrition, exercise, social and cognitive activities, and adequate sleep, may help prevent or delay cognitive decline. For those who receive a diagnosis, the best approach moving forward is to cherish every moment of clarity, enjoy every day you are gifted, and maintain as many healthy choices as possible to slow down the disease.
As leaders in brain performance, the experts at Aviv Clinics understand the impact that a diagnosis of cognitive decline can have. The scientifically proven protocols of the Aviv Medical Program are designed to maintain your cognitive health and even improve the early biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.
Contact us to schedule a free phone consultation with a client ambassador and learn more about how the Aviv Medical Program can help optimize your brain health and performance.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improves Blood Circulation
Blood circulation is one of the most important functions in our bodies.
Without the circulation system, the brain, heart and other vital organs couldn’t receive the oxygen we need to function properly and survive. Good circulation keeps your mind sharp, your heart strong, and can even give your complexion a youthful flush. It is absolutely vital to staying strong, healthy and energetic throughout your life.
However, the aging process can slow the flow of blood throughout the body. This can cause all manner of health problems and leave you feeling tired, sluggish and weak. Fortunately, there are ways to combat poor circulation caused by the aging process. An innovative treatment protocol based on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been clinically proven to improve the flow of blood throughout the body, and can even promote the creation of new blood vessels in the brain and other vital organs.
So how does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work to improve blood flow?
How Aging Affects Blood Circulation
As we age, the number of blood vessels in our body naturally decreases. Blood vessels are a critical part of the circulation system through which our organs receive oxygen to work properly. As smaller, tinier blood vessels naturally die off, organs no longer receive as much oxygen as they once did.
For the brain, losing circulation and not getting enough oxygen can mean losing cognitive function. You may experience brain fog or memory problems. It can be small things, such as struggling to remember where you put your keys, to more extensive neurological problems like vascular dementia.
But it’s not just the brain that’s affected by poor circulation. A lack of blood flow can affect every part of the body.
In men, a lack of blood flow can lead to erectile dysfunction or other problems with sexual health. Poor circulation can also lead to tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, muscle cramps, or swelling and pain in the limbs. It can leave you feeling sluggish and sleepy, or even leave your skin dry and discolored due to the lack of oxygen.
So how can you combat the restricted blood flow caused by aging?
Three Ways Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Help
HBOT improves circulation
At one time, scientists believed that the blood vessels lost to aging were gone forever. New research has revealed otherwise. Studies have demonstrated that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can directly improve blood flow. During an HBOT session, patients breathe 100% oxygen in a high-pressure environment, like the cutting-edge HBOT suite at Aviv Clinics.
If the HBOT is delivered using a specific protocol, the increased levels of oxygen in the body can promote a process called “angiogenesis”. Angiogenesis is the growth of new capillary blood vessels in the body. This process increases blood flow in the body, helping deliver vital oxygen to organs that have been slowed by age. Angiogenesis can rejuvenate and repair your body, and the scientifically proven benefits are promising.
HBOT helps enhance cognitive health
Because angiogenesis rebuilds blood vessels, it directly promotes improved circulation in all parts of the body. In the brain, improved circulation means better cognitive function.
HBOT was shown to directly benefit the cognitive performance of patients who had all suffered a stroke 3-36 months before the research study and had at least one motor dysfunction. Patients who received a two-month protocol of HBOT treatment experienced significant improvements to their neurological functions. In some of the most dramatic results, patients regained their ability to speak, their ability to read and write, and some even regained function in paretic limbs.
It’s not just stroke patients that can benefit from angiogenesis. More studies reveal how increased blood flow in the brain can improve the lives of healthy older adults. SPECT imaging scans of patient’s brains before and after HBOT treatment reveal significant improvements to cerebral blood flow and improved function in different areas of the brain.
The results? These improvements directly correlate to increased attention spans, higher information processing speed, and improved executive function.
HBOT benefits overall wellness
The angiogenesis brought on by HBOT can help more than just your brain. Angiogenesis can benefit your entire body. Having good circulation can increase energy levels and leave you feeling more youthful and active. You may find yourself up for more vigorous physical activities outside…or even behind closed doors! HBOT has been shown to help male patients that suffer from erectile dysfunction.
In this study, thirty men who suffered from ED saw significant positive outcomes thanks to the increased blood flow from angiogenesis. The men, who averaged around 59 years of age, all reported greater overall sexual satisfaction after undergoing HBOT. Women can also benefit from improved circulation, since female arousal and sexual satisfaction depend on proper blood flow.
Other benefits of having good circulation can include faster wound healing and more youthful-looking skin, since angiogenesis promotes tissue regeneration. Good blood flow affects every aspect of your life, keeping you healthy and strong. Undergoing HBOT programs, like those at Aviv Clinics, can directly promote good circulation throughout the whole body.
The Unique HBOT Protocol at Aviv Clinics
While HBOT can produce amazing results on its own, it’s only half the battle. At Aviv Clinics, we emphasize the importance of treating the whole body. Having a poor diet and living a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to poor circulation and worsen the effects of aging. In order for the benefits of HBOT to last, healthy diet and exercise regimens must be followed. Think of it as doing maintenance on a car after undergoing an extensive series of repairs. We want you to be able to enjoy the benefits of your treatment for years to come. This is why our clients are supported by a multidisciplinary team of professionals from all areas of expertise.
The Aviv Clinics 12-week program begins with an in-depth analysis of your current physical state carried out by our team of experts. We use the extensive data collected during this time to formulate a customized treatment plan based on your biggest areas of concern. You’ll be paired with a dietician and a physiologist who will formulate custom diet and exercise regimens tailor-made to your goals. You’ll learn all about the importance of proper nutrition and how to promote good circulation. By the end of the twelve weeks, you’ll be well-equipped with the tools you need to keep the benefits of good circulation throughout your life. But our relationship with you doesn’t end after twelve weeks are up.
We’ll keep in touch with you even after the program has ended. Every six months, you’ll be invited back to our clinic for a day of physical assessment to monitor your progress. You’ll be able to see exactly how far you’ve come since you began. And you’ll understand exactly how good circulation can benefit every aspect of your life.
Contact us to learn more about the Aviv Medical Program and how it can benefit you!
Rehabilitation Options, Including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), for Stroke Patients
Strokes are “a leading cause of serious long-term disability” in the United States. Given that “87% of all strokes are ischemic” or caused by artery or vein blockage, it makes sense that most patients suffer long-term functional impairments.
These impairments can range from paralysis, speech difficulties, and sensory issues to a host of other cognitive dysfunctions. Additionally, many stroke patients have had a stroke before—“nearly 1 in 4” survivors have suffered at least one stroke previously.
Rest assured, multiple rehabilitation options are available for stroke patients, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). We dive into the key details below.
Remember that each person’s medical condition and background are entirely unique. Thus, speaking with a physician about treatment options is essential to getting back to optimal health.
What Are the 3 Common Stroke Relief Options?
Stroke relief generally entails working with a diverse medical team of physicians, nurses, and therapists. This support team may recommend one or more of the following options:
- Speech therapy: Stroke patients can experience speech challenges, ranging from slurred world to significant difficulties with oral communication or understanding people (aphasia). This is due to damage to the “left side of the brain that controls speech and language.” Cases like this often merit speech therapy.
Patients work with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to relearn techniques such as:
- Controlling mouth and throat muscles to speak more clearly and adequately swallow
- Participating in cognitive language exercises to restore communication and comprehension skills
Research illustrates early speech intervention with aphasia patients “had a massive increase in their ability to communicate at 12 and 26 weeks after their stroke.” Patients could speak better and exhibited less difficulty finding and using the right words.
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist (PT) engages patients in movement exercises to help them reacquire motor skills. PTs generally help stroke patients relearn activities such as walking, sitting, standing, and switching from one movement to another.
Medical experts believe consistent PT lowers “risks of hospital readmission within a month after discharge” because it helps patients:
- Restore movement and accomplish tasks
- Plan for the next step of post-acute care (e.g., patient rehab facility, skilled nursing facility, or home care assistance)
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists help patients carry out everyday activities. They aim to help stroke patients live as independently as they can. OTs work with post-stroke patients to assess how the stroke has affected their lifestyle.
For those who have difficulties dressing, cooking, or bathing, the OT will find solutions to help carry out these activities of daily living to the best of their ability. These statistics outline the importance of OT in the recovery process.
- One study of Medicare claims data found that “Rehabilitation services including physical therapy and occupational therapy play important roles in promoting functional recovery and preventing deconditioning during acute hospitalizations.” However, “Only 61% of patients with ischemic stroke received both physical therapy and occupational therapy services in the acute setting.”
One study notes that patients who participated in OT programs focused on impairment and basic living activities “progressed to more advanced activities over time (e.g., less bed mobility, more home management).”
The Groundbreaking Therapeutic Approach of HBOT
An up-and-coming therapy for long-term stroke recovery that has shown promise in clinical research is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). HBOT has clear indications of brain-cell rehabilitation in patients suffering from post-stroke disabilities.
HBOT and its apparent benefits for post-stroke patients were studied and reviewed in an article published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One:
- The participants were exposed to a unique protocol, including daily HBOT sessions over two months. All the patients showed improved neurological functioning, indicating “that HBOT can lead to significant neurological improvements in post stroke patients even at chronic late stages.”
- Noticeable recovery included “regained speech (almost fluent) and reading capabilities.” Even in patients with less dramatic results, everyday tasks like bathing and dressing became possible unaided by the end of the treatment period.
- Patients were further assessed using brain metabolism imaging (SPECT scans) to examine brain activity during the HBOT treatment. “The SPECT after HBOT demonstrated the disappearance of the perfusion lesions.”
- The study indicated a link between oxygen and stroke—“increasing the plasma oxygen concentration with hyperbaric oxygenation is a potent means of delivering to the brain sufficient oxygen for tissue repair.”
Not only did the study determine significant improvements in patients treated with HBOT, it crucially found that the progression occurred in patients even many months after the stroke event.
The study’s objective was to “evaluate the effects of HBOT started in the late-chronic phase after the acute stroke.” All the patients experienced strokes between six and 36 months prior to the HBOT treatment.
The Aviv Medical Program: The Road to a Better Life
Backed by over a decade of research, the Aviv Medical Program can include HBOT, along with cognitive training, dietary coaching, and physical performance training to help you recover even long after a stroke.
The program aims to offer patients a customized, coordinated, and multidisciplinary health plan to address their specific goals. As the aging process affects every person differently, each Aviv Clinics plan is individualized based on a patient’s post-stroke recovery needs.
Here’s how our process works:
- Assessment: Our dedicated team will conduct a thorough assessment to gain a holistic understanding of your health and craft a personalized health plan.
- Treatment: Under the supervision of Aviv’s medical staff, the treatment plan will entail a variety of health programs that are meant to get you on the road to recovery.
- Analysis: We will track data on how your treatment plan is progressing and make the necessary adjustments along the way.
- Follow-up: Upon conclusion of the treatment, our team will continue to follow up on your progress via an Aviv wearable device. This will allow us to send you reports on your health and performance.
Keren’s Inspiring Story
A holistic treatment plan that addresses the mind and body is key to successful recovery. Former Aviv Clinics patient Keren Trabelsi is a true testament to this fact.
Businesswoman and mother Keren Trabelsi suffered an ischemic stroke, causing paralysis on the left side of her body. Also, cognitive issues made daily tasks difficult, which did not make her feel as capable as she had been before. She sought the help of Aviv Clinics.
Now, 13 months later, she can walk comfortably, type with her left hand again, and engage in cognitive activities (i.e., crossword puzzles, Sudoku, etc.).
“[ Aviv Clinics is] like driving a Ferrari on the road to recovery versus driving like an old beaten-up car….”
Watch her post-stroke recovery story.
Stay current on our client success stories to learn more about what the Aviv Medical Program can help you achieve.
Is the Aviv Medical Program Right for You?
If you’ve been experiencing cognitive or physical challenges since your stroke, the Aviv Medical Program may be able to help. We have treated thousands of patients suffering from various conditions, enhancing their quality of life.
We encourage you to speak with one of our licensed medical staff to see if it’s right for you, as each person’s body, medical history, and circumstances differ. Our staff will take the time to understand your health history, symptoms, and goals. This process will help us determine whether the Aviv protocol is a good fit.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Improving physical and cognitive performance does not happen overnight. The Aviv Medical Program requires time and careful compliance to achieve success.
HBOT sessions take approximately two hours daily, five days a week, for 8-12 weeks. However, this timeline may vary across patients. Our clients see members of the Aviv healthcare team for additional therapies or coaching (e.g., cognitive training, dietary coaching, and physical performance training) multiple times each week.
Learn More about Post-Stroke Recovery
If you need help finding a stroke recovery plan, contact Aviv Clinics. Our diverse team of medical professionals is experienced in crafting customized treatment plans that have brought significant and fulfilling results for our patients.
Improving your quality of life begins here.
New Study Shows HBOT Can Reverse the Main Activators of Alzheimer’s Disease and Help Prevent Memory Loss
A groundbreaking new study has brought scientists one step closer to preventing and curing age-related cognitive decline, especially related to early stages of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
This landmark study, published in Aging on September 9th, is part of an ongoing program researching age-related cognitive decline. Conducted by the Sagol School of Neuroscience in Tel Aviv and Tel Aviv University, the study marks the first time that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)—a non-pharmaceutical method—has proven effective in reversing the main activators and early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
HBOT is a form of oxygen therapy that involves administering 100% pure oxygen to a patient in a pressurized environment. HBOT has been used for decades to treat other conditions, such as non-healing ischemic wounds, but for the first time, it also has shown promise as a potential treatment for reverse the main activators and early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and treat brain and cognitive problems.
A treatment based on this unique protocol is now available at Aviv Clinics Dubai.
Aging and reduced blood flow
The brain is an incredibly complex organism home to a vast network of nerve cells (neurons) that depend on oxygen to thrive. As we age, the number of blood vessels in our brain naturally begins to decline. This causes reduced blood flow to the brain, which in turn causes the brain to receive less oxygen. This decreased blood flow is also known as vascular dysfunction, and it’s a known precursor to Alzheimer’s disease, along with amyloid plaques.
What is an amyloid plaque?
Amyloid plaques are hard, insoluble clusters of proteins formed in the spaces between neurons. They’re formed from beta amyloids—microscopic protein fragments produced by certain cells in the body. In the brain, beta amyloids are found in the fluid between neurons, and a healthy brain usually flushes them out without consequence. However, just like plaque can accumulate on your teeth if you don’t clean them regularly, the same thing can happen in your brain.
As the brain ages, it’s more susceptible to forming amyloid plaques in its blood vessel walls. Once an amyloid plaque forms it can damage the neurons in the brain, ultimately resulting in neuronal death. These plaques are thought to contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and the cognitive decline associated with it.
For years, scientists have wondered whether or not it’s even possible to dissolve or shrink amyloid plaques. The groundbreaking new study proves for the first time that a unique protocol of HBOT can both reverse amyloid plaques and prevent them from forming in the first place.
How HBOT can reverse amyloid plaques
Study researchers initially used HBOT with mice to understand the effect it has on amyloid plaques. In this first part of the study, researchers delivered HBOT to a group of mice whose brains contained amyloid plaques. The mice received two 60 minute HBOT sessions a day, five days a week for four weeks. The researchers discovered that HBOT significantly reduced the amyloid burden in the mice’s brains, decreasing amyloid plaques by over 30% and shrinking plaques by nearly 19%.
HBOT was also shown to prevent the formation of new amyloid plaques, and the mice exhibited improved performance on cognitive tasks when compared to the control group, giving us evidence that HBOT improved their cognitive functions.
The mice-based study gave promising new evidence that HBOT can be used as both a treatment and a preventative measure for Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers then sought to use the same protocol with human subjects.
The human test group consisted of six patients around age 70, all suffering from mild cognitive impairment. After receiving 60 daily HBOT sessions over a three-month period, the patients saw significant improvements to their cognitive functions, including better memory recall, concentration, and response times.
The researchers theorize that this is due to HBOT’s ability to increase blood flow in the brain. When the brain receives more blood, it receives more oxygen. And when the brain receives more oxygen, it can function at its full capacity.
What this means going forward
The study gives us hope that HBOT can be used as a viable drug-free and non-invasive method to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease, bringing us one step closer to preventing and even repairing memory loss and mild cognitive impairment.
“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,” affirms Dr. Shai Efrati, one of the investigators conducting the study.
Dr. Efrati is also a medical advisor to Aviv Clinics in The Villages, Florida, which is the only location in the United States to offer the specific HBOT protocol used in this remarkable study. The Aviv Medical Program uses comprehensive testing and assessments before, during, and after the treatment protocol to track progress and provide multidisciplinary clinical team support.
For more information about the Aviv Medical Program, HBOT treatment, and how it may help your brain health, please contact us.
To read the study published in Journal Aging – click here.
What is aphasia? All about the neurological language disorder
No matter how old we are, we all just want to be heard and understood. For most of us, communicating is as simple as opening our mouths and saying what we mean. But for people with speech and language conditions like aphasia, communicating even simple ideas is a daily struggle.
More than two million Americans suffer from aphasia, including one-third of all stroke victims. Yet more than 80% of people have never heard of it. Aphasia can impair a person’s speech, understanding, and ability to express themselves. The condition is often misunderstood because of the lack of public awareness; ultimately, those who suffer from it face unfair stigmatization and isolation from society.
Fortunately, people who suffer from aphasia may find relief through various treatment options. Here’s what you need to know about aphasia and how to manage it.
What is aphasia?
Aphasia is a language disorder that impairs a person’s ability to communicate. It’s caused by damage occurring to one or more parts of the brain that process language. Some people with aphasia may have a hard time understanding the speech of others, as though everyone around them is speaking in riddles. Others may understand speech perfectly fine, but have difficulty linking more than a few words together. Some people may forget certain words or use them incorrectly, or they may be able to understand what a word means, but cannot repeat it.
Aphasia can also affect a person’s ability to read and write, which can make communicating even more frustrating for patients and caregivers alike.
It’s important to note that aphasia does NOT affect intelligence. Someone who suffers from aphasia is exactly the same person they were before the condition set in. They are still capable of coming up with complex thoughts and ideas; they simply struggle to express those ideas through language.
What causes Aphasia?
The most common cause of aphasia is stroke, especially in older adults. Strokes that affect the left side of the brain are more likely to result in aphasia because the parts of the brain that control language are primarily located on the left side. Aphasia also can be brought on by traumatic brain injuries, tumors, infections, or neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Types of aphasia
Experts typically divide aphasia into a few broad categories with different subtypes branching off the main groups. People may be affected in different ways, depending on which part of the brain was affected and the extent of the damage.
Fluent aphasia
Also known as Wernicke’s Aphasia, fluent aphasia is caused by damage to the brain’s temporal lobe. It impacts a person’s ability to understand spoken words and construct meaningful sentences. A person with Wernicke’s aphasia will usually speak in long, winding sentences that don’t make sense. They may use words in an incorrect context or even use nonsense words that have no meaning.
People with this type of aphasia don’t often realize that their sentences don’t make any sense, and they usually have a hard time understanding the speech of others.
Non-fluent aphasia
Non-fluent aphasia, or Broca’s aphasia, is caused by damage to the frontal lobe. This is the most common type of aphasia and is usually associated with strokes. Non-fluent aphasia doesn’t always impact a person’s ability to understand the speech of others, but it does impact a person’s ability to express themselves properly.
Someone with Broca’s aphasia will usually speak in short, fragmented sentences and omit
words like “is” and “the”.
It’s usually easy to understand what a person with non-fluent aphasia wants to say, but people who suffer from it often become frustrated by their inability to form a proper sentence.
Global aphasia
Global aphasia is the most severe form of aphasia and is caused by damage to multiple areas of the brain. People with global aphasia often exhibit symptoms of both Weirneke’s and Broca’s aphasia. They can understand little to no spoken language, speak very few words, and cannot read or write.
Global aphasia often appears immediately after suffering a stroke or brain trauma. Symptoms can improve rapidly in the first few months, depending on the severity of the damage.
Primary progressive aphasia
Instead of being caused by a traumatic incident like a stroke, primary progressive aphasia, or PPA is caused by neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease, which cause brain tissue to deteriorate.
A person with PPA will experience a progressive loss of their speech and language abilities as the condition advances. Early symptoms of PPA include difficulty finding the right word, mispronouncing words, difficulty understanding conversations, and problems with reading and writing.
There’s still a lot to learn about this particular sub-type of aphasia, and more research is needed to gain a better understanding of exactly how it progresses.
How do doctors diagnose aphasia?
After suffering a stroke or other brain trauma, your doctor will typically perform a series of imaging scans like an MRI or CT scan to determine what part of your brain was affected and how extensive the damage is. They may also perform a series of tests to assess your level of language capacity, which may include:
- Naming common objects
- Engaging in conversation
- Repeating words and sentences
- Reading and writing
- Following basic instructions
If your doctor suspects aphasia, you’ll typically be referred to a speech-language pathologist for a more extensive assessment.
Is aphasia treatable?
There is currently no cure for aphasia, but it is possible for certain individuals to regain at least some of their speech and language capabilities, depending on the severity of the damage. Aphasia affects everyone differently, so every patient needs a customized therapy approach to suit their unique needs.
Speech therapy is currently one of the most effective treatment strategies for aphasia patients. In a typical therapy session, aphasia patients will work with a speech-language pathologist to increase their ability to speak and communicate. Aphasia patients may also learn how to communicate through gesturing and drawing.
It’s also common for speech therapists to encourage a patient’s loved ones to get involved in group therapy sessions. Going through speech therapy with your family by your side can inspire progress, which means that recovering from aphasia is a family affair.
When should I see my doctor about speech issues?
We all stumble over words every now and then. So-called “brain farts” can happen to everyone, young or old, and are usually no cause for concern. But if you’re experiencing more extensive speech issues that are beginning to impact your quality of life, it may be time to talk to a doctor.
Early-stage symptoms of primary progressive aphasia include:
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- Difficulty finding the right word
- Mixing up words or using words incorrectly
- Trouble understanding simple conversations and words
- Difficulty reading, writing and spelling
Remember that aphasia can sometimes be caused by a more severe condition, like Alzheimer’s Disease or a brain tumor, so be sure to report any symptoms to your doctor.
How can I prevent aphasia?
Since aphasia is most commonly caused by strokes, taking action to prevent strokes can also prevent aphasia. Eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, maintaining low stress levels and getting plenty of sleep all work to reduce your risk of strokes. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key for preventing almost any health condition, so remember to always take care of your body.
Conclusion
While aphasia is a frustrating condition, with enough time, effort and support it is possible for a patient to improve their ability to express themselves. People with aphasia can still lead happy and fulfilling lives alongside those they love. All it takes is time, patience, and a willingness to try.
Anti-Aging Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Shown to Reverse Aging Biomarkers in Humans
A landmark study in Israel has found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can reverse two key biological signs of aging in humans—the first study to ever make this finding.
Published in the peer-reviewed journal Aging, the study shows that it is possible to target and reverse the aging process at the basic cellular-biological level.
This breakthrough in the biology of aging provides scientists with a new foundation for investigating ways to slow the aging process. Learn more about the empirically validated anti-aging effects HBOT can have.
The 2 Key Biological Signs of Aging
Two common signs of biological aging are:
- Shortening of telomeres on our chromosomes: Telomeres are like the hardened ends of shoelaces. They protect the ends of chromosomes from deterioration. As we age, our telomeres naturally shorten, but a yearly decrease of their length by 20–40 bases is associated with serious illnesses.
- Accumulation of senescent cells: Senescent cells are cells that are still alive, but have stopped multiplying. Over time, these cells can accumulate in the body and their increase contributes to age-associated conditions.
In the groundbreaking study, patients aged 64 and older underwent a series of unique HBOT anti-aging programs. Multiple blood tests conducted during the study showed “HBOT may induce significant senolytic effects including significantly increasing telomere length and clearance of senescent cells in the aging populations.”
The “Holy Grail” of the Biology of Aging
A different study released in 2020 showed that HBOT also improves cognitive functions of memory and processing speed, among other areas.
The studies have been conducted over a decade of research and caused Dr. Shai Efrati—the study’s co-author—to develop a unique medical program available at Aviv Clinics.
According to Efrati, director of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at the Shamir Medical Center in Israel:
“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.”
Efrati called telomere shortening “the ‘Holy Grail’ of the biology of aging” and developed the Aviv Medical Program based upon the results testing, study, and research.
“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.”
Study Findings on Anti-Aging Effects of HBOT
- “Telomeres length of T helper, T cytotoxic, natural killer and B cells increased significantly by over 20% following HBOT”
- “There was a significant decrease in the number of senescent T helpers by -37.30%±33.04 post-HBOT.”
According to Dr. Amir Hadanny (co-author of the study) the pioneering study has:
“Opened the door for further research on the prolonged cellular impact of HBOT to reverse the aging process. In just three months of HBOT, we were able to achieve such significant telomere elongation—at rates far beyond any of the currently available interventions or lifestyle modifications.”
There is also the potential for HBOT to be used as an anti-aging mechanism for skin care. HBOT may serve as “an important component in skin rejuvenation, treatment of photoaging skin, and improvement in skin complexions.”
Notable Individuals Who Have Pursued HBOT
Due to the impressive data-backed results, many notable individuals have decided to pursue HBOT themselves:
- Michael Phelps: 28-time Olympic medalist used hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help with his recovery from training. The high-altitude conditions and boosted levels of oxygen have aided in helping Phelps bounce back from his workouts and continue to win medals throughout his 24-year career.
- Justin Bieber: Having been diagnosed with Lyme Disease and dealt with drug abuse, the pop star regularly uses hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Bieber, who also mentioned he struggles with anxiety and depression, notes that HBOT helps alleviate his stress levels.
- Alon Day: The demands of professional racing are high, with reaction times measured in fractions of a second. Watch three-time NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champ Alon Day explain how the treatments offered by the Aviv Medical Program ensure he meets the sport’s high demands — both mental and physical.
- Watch video here
The Aviv Medical Program: What We Offer
The unique HBOT protocol from the extensive research outlined earlier is available in the United States only at Aviv Clinics. The Aviv Medical Program may include a combination of:
- In-depth review of health history
- Comprehensive physical exam
- Highly advanced brain imaging scans
- Neurological and neurocognitive tests
- Body composition analysis
- A detailed report of our assessment findings
- Cognitive training
- Physical training
- Dietary coaching
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
- A post-program report of your improvements and recommendations for future progress
Each patient undergoes extensive assessments and evaluations before, during, and after their HBOT sessions to monitor and analyze progress.
Here’s What Our Clients Have to Say
Aviv Clinic’s clients are a testament to the benefits our program offers. We’ll let these reviews speak for themselves:
- “I can’t thank the team at Aviv enough for helping me feel better than I have in over twenty years. I have more energy, more focus and live a healthier and more fulfilling life. Your support and encouragement has made a total difference in my life. Thank you for all you do.”
—Barbara Christoph
- “My wife and I took the program together and had an amazing experience. Both of us are healthier and happier than before and are continuing on with what the program showed us. An amazing staff led by leading edge doctors who are second to none. I recommend this program to anyone suffering from the ailments of aging and loss of cognition.”
—Andy Smith
- “My goal for attending the Avivprogram was healthy aging. I also wanted to manage stress better, address chronic back issues, gain weight and improve cognitively…I have experienced several unanticipated and unintentional benefits of the Aviv program: I have reduced my alcohol consumption. Never having been one to turn down a glass (or two) of wine, I just don’t have the desire to drink as much; My skin seems smoother and more supple. I am told I look younger and that is always nice to hear; I have made incredible friendships through the Aviv program and met some celebrity athletes and renowned physicians. I am particularly grateful to an orthopedic surgeon I met who was also participating in the Aviv program that helped me focus my attention on managing my osteoporosis.”
—Zizi MacKinnon