Introduction

Neurodegenerative diseases — including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — are among the most challenging medical conditions. They involve the progressive loss of neurons, leading to memory decline, movement disorders, or loss of function. While there is no cure for these conditions, research suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can play a complementary role in improving brain oxygenation, reducing inflammation, and supporting neuronal survival.

The Challenge of Oxygen Supply in the Brain

The brain is highly dependent on oxygen. Even slight reductions in oxygen availability can accelerate neuronal damage. In many neurodegenerative diseases, reduced blood flow and chronic inflammation worsen the brain’s ability to heal and regenerate. HBOT, by delivering pure oxygen at higher-than-normal pressures, increases oxygen dissolved in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. This makes oxygen more available to damaged or hypoxic (low oxygen) brain regions.

Mechanisms of HBOT in Neurodegenerative Disease

1. Improved Oxygen Delivery: HBOT allows oxygen to reach areas with impaired blood flow, supporting neuronal survival.
2. Reduction of Neuroinflammation: Chronic inflammation plays a central role in neurodegeneration. HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers in the brain.
3. Neuroplasticity and Repair: Studies show HBOT can stimulate  Neurogenesis (growth of new neurons) and enhance brain plasticity, helping compensate for damaged pathways.
4. Stem Cell Mobilisation: HBOT can increase circulating stem cells, which may support the repair of nervous tissue.
5. Mitochondrial Function: HBOT supports energy production in neurons,  counteracting mitochondrial dysfunction — a hallmark of diseases like Parkinson’s and ALS.

Research Evidence

• Alzheimer’s Disease (AD): Harch et al., 2021 (Aging, 13:20935-20951): Patients with Alzheimer’s showed improved memory, attention, and brain metabolism after HBOT measured by PET scans. 
• Parkinson’s Disease (PD): Yan et al., 2015 (Int J Neurosci):
  HBOT improved motor symptoms and protected dopaminergic neurons in animal models. Pilot human studies suggest improved motor scores when HBOT is added to standard therapy.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Perrins et al., 1982 (Lancet): MS patients receiving HBOT showed improvements in bladder control and motor function. More recent studies highlight reduced inflammation and better quality of life in MS patients using HBOT.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Early-stage trials suggest HBOT
  may slow disease progression by reducing oxidative stress and supporting motor neuron function.

Safety and Limitations

HBOT is generally safe when administered under medical supervision. The most
common side effect is ear barotrauma (similar to pressure changes on an aeroplane). However, HBOT is not a cure for neurodegenerative diseases. Instead, it should be considered a complementary therapy that may improve quality of life, slow progression, and enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments.

Conclusion

Neurodegenerative diseases remain one of medicine’s toughest challenges. Yet, evidence suggests that HBOT can improve oxygen delivery, reduce inflammation, and support brain repair mechanisms. While more large-scale trials are needed, early results are promising — offering hope that HBOT can improve quality of life and slow decline in patients with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, and ALS. At Freebreather, we believe in making advanced HBOT chambers available to those who need them most, helping individuals and families explore every possible avenue for better brain health.

Interested in learning more about HBOT for brain health? Explore Freebreather
chambers and discover how oxygen under pressure may support recovery and
resilience in neurodegenerative conditions.