Telomere length serves as a biological clock to determine our lifespan.  Every year, our telomeres (the ends of our DNA) get shorter until they finally shorten to a length that leads to our mortality. Over the past few decades, researchers and drug companies have focused (and invested substantial capital) on this  key biological determinant (telomere length) in the hopes of being able to stop and reverse the aging process. Since many age-related diseases (like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and Alzheimer’s) are also linked to shortened telmeres, it is easy to see why so many drug and nutritional companies have been working hard on finding a cure to stop and reverse the shortening of telomeres. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has already been demonstrated in clinical studies to help the aging population by reducing the signs of aging and age-related diseases. In 2006, a landmark study showed an 800% increase in stem cell mobilization from a course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This gave us a much better understanding of the physiological benefits of this procedure in relation to the aging process. Today we have even more information as a second landmark study has been published on the effects of hyperbaric  therapy in regards to telomere length. In this study, a 3 month course of hyperbaric therapy produced a profound increase in telomere length by 20% - 38%. (This is higher than any other intervention currently available). The hyperbaric protocol used to produce these benefits included 60 hyperbaric sessions (each at 90 minute sessions at 2.0 ATA  with 3 air breaks). This exciting new study will surely lead to many more telomere-based studies in the field of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and further help to advance our knowledge of this therapy.  <View Full Study in the JOURNAL OF AGING> Due to the significance of this study, it has quickly been picked up by many news associations like the following:

• <view in the Independent>
• <view in yahoo news>
• <view in the telegraph>
• <view in aljazeera>
• <view in Science alert>
• <view in Neuroscience news>

Read Less

A 14 day course of hyperbaric pretreatment for 14 days (once a day at 2.5 ATA) improved mitochondrial morphology and significantly increased the levels of ATP. This study shows a “restoration of mitochondrial function” and helping to improve cellular energy levels. <view study> Read Less

Bone loss is a common problem seen in the aging population, mainly due to disuse. This is also a seen in astronauts, patients that are on extended bed rests, and in people leading a sedentary lifestyle. Disuse-induced Bone Loss is can lead to osteoporosis and higher risks of bone fractures. When bones are more frequently subjected to mechanical loads (i.e. weight-bearing exercise), bones adapt by increasing in bone mass. The opposite occurs when the bones are not regularly exposed to mechanical loads leading to a loss of bone mass and increased risk of fracture. In this study, a 10 day course of mild hyperbaric therapy (1.3 ATA) was shown to protect and counter disuse-induced bone loss while helping to enhance new bone formation. <view study> Read Less

This study found that hyperbaric oxygen treatment has a protective effect on early cognitive function, especially memory in rats with mild cognitive impairment <view study> Read Less

A total of 53 patients (42 with Alzheimers disease and 11 mild cognitive impairment) were treated with a 20 day course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Each hyperbaric session consisted of 3 sequential parts; first, 20 minutes of oxygen breathing, followed by 15 minutes of breathing air, and finally 20 minutes of breathing oxygen under pressure at 1.2 ATA. Results — One course (20 sessions) of hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly improved cognition in both Alzheimer patients and patient with Mild Cognitive impairment, with the latter having more long term benefits (> 1 month). These results are very promising for Alzheimer patients, and suggest that it is possible that multiple courses might be the solution for giving significantly longer benefits to AD patients. More research is still needed <view study> Read Less