Memory Loss Treatment: Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Support Cognitive Health?

When we consider our memories, we often think of them as fleeting images. Memory is more than just a record of our past, however. It also shapes our understanding of the present and guides how we move forward. But over time, preserving memories can become challenging. For many, age, injury, or medical conditions can make recalling even everyday information challenging. That’s why exploring effective memory loss treatment options is important. 

Managing memory loss is complex, in part due to the various types of memory—procedural, semantic, episodic, and short-term—that ultimately shape our recollections. Different factors can impact memory function. Perhaps one of the most significant is oxygen. Recent research shows that oxygen, delivered through hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), can play a critical role in supporting memory function and enhancing cognitive resilience.

Memory Loss Treatment Research: Findings on HBOT and Memory Function

Research led by the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research in Israel found oxygen is a rate-limiting factor for memory enhancement even in healthy young subjects. These results indicate that memory function is a continuum that does not reach its full potential when we breathe at normal sea level.

Study Method: Evaluating Oxygen and Memory 

The research group recruited 56 participants between the ages of 20 and 39. They randomly assigned each person either to: 

• An increased oxygen supply using a unique protocol of hyperbaric oxygen (two atmospheres of 100% oxygen with timed fluctuations) or 
• A control group treated with normal air (21% oxygen) at normal atmospheric pressure (1 ATA)

The participants then completed a battery of tests that evaluated their cognitive performance, including the following domains: 

• Information processing speed
• Episodic memory
• Working memory
• Cognitive flexibility
• Attention

Memory Improvements Observed in HBOT Patients

From all the evaluated domains, participants who received the specialized hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) experienced improvement in episodic memory, the type of memory that allows us to recall events from our past. This group demonstrated a better learning curve and higher memory resilience by preserving more words after an interference (an intermediate list of words).

In the study, published in the journal Biomolecules, researchers suggest:

“The understanding that oxygen is a rate–limiting factor for episodic memory even in healthy young adults and the insight that memory can be further enhanced while being in a hyper-oxygenized environment” can be “important for future development of interventional tools that can be used in daily clinical practice.”

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Supports Treatment for Memory Loss 

While age-related cognitive decline is common, the recent research above notes that anyone, no matter their age, can benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). This is promising since various events and progressive conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), high blood pressure, dementia, and the aging process, can reduce oxygen supply to brain tissue.

There are ways to enhance the outcomes of HBOT. The unique HBOT protocol offered at Aviv Clinics involves fluctuating oxygen levels throughout the session. This protocol is the same as the HBOT mechanism used in the study. These oxygen fluctuations, coupled with an array of therapeutic strategies, are proven to: 

• Elevate oxygen levels in the body 
• Regenerate damaged tissue to heal faster
• Provide the energy the brain needs to trigger the healing process

Aviv Clinics’ Specialized HBOT Protocol for Memory Enhancement

The Aviv Medical Program, which can include this unique, specialized HBOT protocol, has had a significant impact on Aviv’s clients struggling with memory challenges. Learn about their journey and success with the Aviv Medical Program.

Patient Success Story: Clarissa Defeats Memory Decline After Brain Injuries

Rodeo roping and penning champion Clarissa Rainey sustained multiple concussions on horseback, then received an additional concussion in a car accident. She experienced memory loss, which made navigating the ins and outs of her career challenging.

Patient Success Stories: Carl & Vickie Eckert Discover Cognitive Vitality

Carl and Vickie Eckert felt their quality of life was not what it should be. Feeling the debilitating effects of age, they both feared they would develop dementia as their parents had. Thanks to the Aviv Medical Program, they are active, healthy, and enjoying all that Florida retirement has to offer.

Considerations for Memory Loss Treatments With HBOT

We understand that seeking treatment is a big decision. Here are a few things to consider as you explore and pursue hyperbaric oxygen therapy for memory challenges: 

• Not all hyperbaric oxygen clinics are the same. It’s critical to do your research to understand each clinic’s methodology. Ensure they have on-site medical professionals certified in hyperbaric medicine, use an evidence-based protocol, and track relevant data throughout your health journey.

• Look at the type of oxygen chambers they provide. Only hard-sided chambers can reach the pressure required for medical treatment. There are two main types of HBOT chambers: monoplace and multiplace. Monoplace chambers are glass or plastic tubes that fit one person, whereas multiplace chambers accommodate multiple clients simultaneously. A multiplace chamber, or suite, offers a more comfortable environment and allows medical professionals to be in the chamber to monitor and care for multiple patients during therapy. 

• Look for a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals who offer comprehensive care and clearly communicate the HBOT process and risks. At Aviv Clinics, our medical team includes physiotherapists, neuropsychologists, nutrition specialists, physicians and others who help set the stage for a successful treatment.

Take the Next Step in Memory Loss Treatment

Diminished quality of life after an accident or a diagnosis of cognitive decline does not have to be permanent, and a decline in memory doesn’t need to define your future. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory challenges, memory loss treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and other interventions could be a game-changer.

Schedule a consultation with Aviv Clinics today to explore personalized treatment options, learn how HBOT can support your memory and cognitive function, and take control of your brain health as you age.

Last Update: November 26, 2025