Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Cognitive Impairment Resulting from Neurological Disorders: Mechanisms of Action and Application Advances.

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is a common and disabling consequence of various neurological disorders. Due to its high prevalence, high conversion rate, and significant burden, it has increasingly become a major challenge for aging societies worldwide. Existing treatment strategies have limited efficacy in halting disease progression, making effective intervention strategies urgently needed. As a non-invasive physical therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) exerts its effects by increasing arterial oxygen partial pressure and improving tissue oxygenation. Historically widely used for treating carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness, HBOT has recently demonstrated potential in alleviating symptoms of neurological disorders. Mechanistically, HBOT modulates the hypoxic microenvironment, promotes angiogenesis, restores neurovascular integrity, enhances neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, and reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. This paper systematically reviews the mechanisms of action, application progress, and existing limitations of HBOT in neurological disorders causing cognitive impairment. As a promising therapeutic modality, HBOT holds the potential to overcome current treatment limitations and become a key component of comprehensive neurological rehabilitation strategies.