Cryostimulation of whole body as a possible supportive biological approach in mild cognitive impairments

Abstract

Background

Limitations of available treatment methods of dementia imply constant need to search for new, supplementary therapy strategies. There is a consensus that vascular lesions, oxidative stress, inflammatory processes and abnormal neurotransmission are associated with dementia. Due to the anti-inflammatory (modification of pro-inflammatory cytokines concentration), antioxidative effect of cryogenic temperatures as well as the hormonal and lipid changes, they may play an important role in preventing or inhibiting pathophysiological processes.

Aim

To assess the influence of whole-body cryostimulation on cognitive functions of patients with MCI.

Methods

RCT design is used to examine the influence of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) on people with mild cognitive impairments (MCI) with the evaluation of psychometric, somatic and laboratory parameters. Participants undergo 10 sessions each day of 2–3 min of WBC in experimental group (−110 till −160 °C) and placebo (−20 °C). The CDR, MoCA, TYM, DemTect and SLUMS scales are used among others at baseline and follow-up. Preliminary data of 7 volunteers (n = 7, 49–79 years old) were presented. Results on Fig. 1.

Discussion

Among obtained psychometric results show that all, except of one, patients significantly improved their scores after WBC. That is a very promising feedback for future evaluation of WBC effectiveness in prevention of dementia in patients with MCI.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Fig. 1