Dementia

HBOT, TMS & Cranial Adjusting: A tri-fold approach to Help your Loved Ones with Dementia in our Los Gatos Office

The combination of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and cranial adjusting presents a promising therapeutic approach for our people with dementia.  Evidence suggests the complementary effects in improving cognitive function and addressing the underlying pathology of dementia.  We have the latest TMS machine, a hard-shell hyperbaric chamber and Dr Adam Fields performing cranial adjusting on site in our Los Gatos facility.

HBOT enhances oxygen delivery to brain tissues through increased atmospheric pressure, addressing cerebral hypoxia or lack of oxygen to the brain—a condition associated with neurodegeneration. The following benefits have been scientifically documented:

Improved Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF):

A study from Tel Aviv University found that 60 sessions of HBOT over 90 days increased CBF by 16–23% in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This improved oxygenation alleviated vascular dysfunction, a significant contributor to Alzheimer’s pathology.​ https://neuronewsinternational.com/study-indicates-efficacy-of-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-in-reversing-key-alzheimers-activators/

Reduction of Amyloid Plaques:

HBOT was shown to clear existing amyloid plaques and prevent the formation of new deposits. This mechanism targets Alzheimer’s disease at its core, reducing cognitive decline associated with these protein accumulations​.

American Friends of Tel Aviv University. (2024, February 25). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverses hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. American Friends of Tel Aviv University. https://www.aftau.org/news_item/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-reverses-hallmarks-of-alzheimers-disease-and-dementia/

Cognitive Improvements:

Patients undergoing HBOT demonstrated significant enhancements in memory, attention, and processing speed. This suggests HBOT’s potential in reversing early-stage cognitive impairments​.

American Friends of Tel Aviv University. (2024, February 25). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverses the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. American Friends of Tel Aviv University. https://www.aftau.org/news_item/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-reverses-hallmarks-of-alzheimers-disease-and-dementia/

TMS uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate neuronal activity, with evidence indicating its effectiveness in:

Enhancing synaptic plasticity and cortical excitability, particularly in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a region critical for memory and executive function​.

Mendelsohn, A. R., & Larrick, J. W. (2022). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverses cognitive decline in an Alzheimer’s mouse model. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14, 980998. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.980998

Improving global cognition and memory in dementia patients, as demonstrated in studies using repetitive high-frequency TMS​.

Goldberg, T. E., Gabel, E. R., & Fields, B. (2022). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverses cognitive decline in an Alzheimer’s mouse model. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14, 980998. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.980998

Offering the combination of HBOT and TMS is an exciting way to leverage their complementary mechanisms:

HBOT Priming the Brain: HBOT improves the metabolic environment by increasing oxygenation and reducing inflammation, creating a receptive foundation for TMS to stimulate neural circuits effectively.

Neurogenesis and Neural Repair: HBOT-induced vascular regeneration and TMS-driven neuroplasticity could jointly support long-term cognitive recovery​. Frontiers, NeuroNews International, American Friends of Tel Aviv University

Safety and Efficacy: Both therapies have demonstrated favorable safety profiles and measurable cognitive benefits in dementia patients, making them viable for combined clinical applications​. Frontiers​, NeuroNews International, American Friends of Tel Aviv University

Cranial adjusting done by Dr Fields is done in two ways. He uses endonasal balloons, inserts them at prescribed depths and locations in the nose and inflates precise amounts to gently mobilize the cranial bones. There is, also, manual cranial adjusting that is done with his hands which search the cranial sutures for fixations and mobilize them. Here, the aim is to improve brain function by addressing structural imbalances in the cranial bones and enhancing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).  Cranial bones retain some capacity for movement as adults, and optimizing their alignment can influence overall neurological health.  

Brain Function:

Enhanced Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow:

Proper cranial alignment can support the flow of CSF, a vital fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord while removing metabolic waste. Your brain does not have a lymphatic system for waste removal like the rest of your body. It relies on the blood flow in between your cells feeding waste products like amyloid proteins into the CSF and the CSF then takes the waste into the blood and out of the cranial vault.  This mostly takes place when we sleep.  Improved CSF circulation enhances nutrient delivery and waste removal, promoting brain health.  The oxygen delivery that HBOT brings is enhanced with the synergistic effects of cranial adjusting. 

Nervous System Regulation:

By addressing tension or restrictions in cranial structures, cranial adjusting may reduce stress on the central nervous system. This can promote a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, improving overall brain function and mental clarity.  When our sympathetic tone is high we are in a fight-or-flight state and this lowers cognitive function, as the body prioritizes immediate survival responses over complex thinking,

Improved Blood Flow:

Misalignments in cranial bones might restrict blood flow to or from the brain. Correcting these issues can enhance oxygenation and nutrient delivery to neural tissues, supporting cognitive and emotional well-being.  This piggy backs on the effects of TMS and HBOT.

Nasal Breathing:

Endonasal Cranial Adjusting by Dr Fields paired with Myotape around the mouth can help restore mouth breathing and eliminate snoring and sleep apnea.  Nasal breathing has significant impacts on cognitive function due to its unique physiological effects on oxygen delivery, brainwave modulation, and nervous system regulation. Here are the key ways nasal breathing supports brain health and cognition:

Your nasal passages also produce nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates blood vessels, improving cerebral blood flow. 
This does not happen with mouth breathers.

Enhances oxygen delivery to brain tissues, which is critical for optimal cognitive function and energy production. Wei, Z., Fu, J., Liang, H., Liu, M., Ye, X., & Zhong, P. (2022). The therapeutic efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation in managing Alzheimer’s disease: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.980998​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

​, Efrati, S., & Hadanny, A. (2020, November 19). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverses hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. American Friends of Tel Aviv University. Retrieved December 11, 2024, from https://www.aftau.org/news_item/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-reverses-hallmarks-of-alzheimers-disease-and-dementia/

Slow, controlled nasal breathing activates the prefrontal cortex, the brain area responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, attention, and emotional regulation. This connection has been highlighted in studies showing improved cognitive performance during tasks involving conscious breathing techniques​. Nasal breathing also increase alpha brainwave states which are associated with heightened cognitive clarity.

Nasal breathing influences the oscillations of brainwaves, particularly during focused or meditative states:

The Hippocampus is activated with nasal breathing. Studies show that breathing through the nose can improve memory recall and spatial navigation by enhancing hippocampal function​. MDPI, Frontiers.

Evidence Supporting Cranial Adjusting

Scientific research on cranial adjusting is limited but growing:

A 2018 review in Frontiers in Neuroscience highlighted the potential role of cranial manipulation in enhancing CSF flow and reducing neuroinflammation, suggesting possible applications for conditions like migraines and chronic pain disorders​

American Friends of Tel Aviv University. (2020, November 19). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverses hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Retrieved from https://www.aftau.org/news_item/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-reverses-hallmarks-of-alzheimers-disease-and-dementia/

Case studies have shown improvements in symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and chronic fatigue following cranial osteopathy, potentially linked to better nervous system regulation and reduced stress​

NeuroNews International. (2021, September 16). Study indicates efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in reversing Alzheimer’s activators. Retrieved from https://neuronewsinternational.com/study-indicates-efficacy-of-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-in-reversing-key-alzheimers-activators/

Preliminary studies on Craniosacral Therapy have reported benefits for conditions like autism spectrum disorders and PTSD, although further research is needed to confirm these findings.

A Comprehensive Approach to Help You and Your Loved Ones

HBOT, TMS and Endonasal Cranial Adjusting are powerful tools for addressing cognitive decline, with synergistic effects when combined.  

Along with this, you will be guided through specific dietary and supplement options for gut and neurological support. Let’s book an appointment today and let’s start helping you.