The WHO predicts that by 2040, neurodegenerative diseases will be the second leading cause of death after cancer and cardiovascular diseases. These conditions, characterized by the progressive loss of neurons, are worsened by oxidative stress, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and neuroinflammation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has shown promise in treating these diseases by reducing neuroinflammation and improving the biological aging process. Clinical studies have shown that HBOT can enhance cognitive functions in the elderly by increasing cerebral blood flow and promoting the formation of new blood vessels. Male patients with an average age of 68, who exhibited clinical signs of cognitive decline, improved after 30 intermittent oxygen exposures. At the Hyperbaric Center of Ravenna, accredited by the National Health Service (SSN), HBOT is combined with other therapies, such as physiotherapy and pharmacotherapy, to optimize clinical outcomes. The Center collaborates with specialists and research centers in the region to provide patients with personalized treatment plans. This therapy can lead to significant improvements in diseases like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, offering an innovative and personalized therapeutic approach for patients.
Resources needed
The Center’s team includes 61 collaborators, such as doctors, nurses and technical staff. Engaged in multiple research projects with leading institutes and universities, the Center strives to have neurocognitive disorder services covered by the SSN, as currently costs are borne by patients.
Evidence of success
The Center collaborates with 6 Italian universities and treats 1,500 patients annually, providing 50,000 treatments, with improvements seen in 85% of cases. In a study involving 56 patients with mild traumatic brain injuries, 40 sessions of HBOT improved cognitive function, quality of life, and brain activity, as seen in neuropsychological tests and SPECT imaging. A rapidly progressing Alzheimer’s case showed cognitive improvements and increased brain metabolism after 8 weeks of HBOT.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Italian experience with hyperbaric oxygen therapy for neurocognitive disorders offers valuable insights for other European countries where such treatments are less common compared to Israel and the US. The Hyperbaric Center of Ravenna plays a crucial role in this by serving as a training hub for universities (Ancona, Bologna, Pavia, Pisa) and for the EU-funded Erasmus program. The Center is noted for its operational efficiency and advanced technology adoption, which minimize wait times and enhance treatment quality. Its ongoing investment in cutting-edge technology and strong focus on research and innovation are key to its success. By collaborating with European research institutes, the Center develops and refines therapies, contributing significantly to scientific literature. Its success is driven by a commitment to high-quality service, a patient-centered approach, effective leadership, and a clear strategic vision.
Further information
Website
Discover more about CNA Emilia-Romagna
CNA, Confederazione Nazionale dell’Artigianato e della Piccola e Media Impresa, is a Business Association that represents artisans, traders, professionals, self-employed workers, micro and small enterprises, pensioners and citizens. In the Emilia-Romagna Region, CNA is structured in 10 territorial and 234 operational offices, employing 2,562 people and representing more than 150,000 subjects that give rise to a community of about 714,000 people. CNA Emilia-Romagna and ECHAlliance are together partners in the Interreg Europe NOTRE project that aims to improve policy instruments that support innovative new product and service development for SMEs in the field of Silver Economy. In this context, CNA Emilia-Romagna is presenting one of the excellences in healthcare sector of its territory, the Hyperbaric Center of Ravenna (Italy).
