Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treats CTE by increasing atmospheric pressure, simulating being underwater. This allows blood to behave like a gas, enabling oxygen to bypass blockages and reduce inflammation in the brain. This same effect is achieved through deep-sea diving, which is used as a treatment in Europe.
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The guest connects the public safety crisis of mass shootings to untreated brain injuries in military veterans. Citing that 31% of mass shooters are veterans, he argues the issue is a neurological condition (CTE) causing them to act erratically, not a moral or ideological failing. Treating brain inflammation could be a key preventative measure.
Recognizing that severe myotonic dystrophy involves CNS impairment, Arthex deliberately invested in a lipid conjugation delivery system for its RNA therapeutic. This strategic choice was made specifically to cross the blood-brain barrier, enabling the treatment of both muscular and neurological symptoms of the disease.
Despite evidence of its effectiveness for conditions like CTE, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is not widely used due to its high cost and lack of insurance coverage. A full treatment course can exceed $12,000, making it inaccessible for most patients, including veterans and former athletes who need it most.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) presents with symptoms that overlap with many other conditions. Doctors may not connect symptoms to past head trauma without a detailed patient history, mistaking CTE for metabolic issues like diabetes or psychological conditions like PTSD, especially in military veterans.
Alzheimer's can be understood as a vascular disease rooted in nitric oxide deficiency. This decline impairs blood flow, glucose uptake, and inflammation regulation in the brain. Therefore, strategies to restore nitric oxide address the physiological root causes of the disease, not just the symptoms like plaque buildup.
Unlike sedatives like Ambien, a new class of medication (DORAs) works by dialing down the brain's wakefulness chemical (orexin). This allows for naturalistic sleep that is functionally beneficial, proven to increase the brain's cleansing of beta amyloid and tau protein, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Methylene blue, an old dye used for malaria, is a powerful but overlooked nootropic. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and helps mitochondria move fuel more efficiently, boosting brain energy. Its effectiveness is proven by its ability to dye the brain and heart blue at autopsy.
A key challenge in treating CTE is that individuals with the condition, such as athletes and veterans, often lack self-awareness of their cognitive and behavioral changes. They can recognize symptoms in others but not themselves. This makes it essential for family and friends to identify out-of-character behavior and guide them toward help.
For those without sauna access, a hot bath can be an effective substitute. Studies show a 20-minute immersion from the shoulders down in 104°F (40°C) water robustly activates heat shock proteins and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), mimicking the physiological benefits of sauna use for brain health and muscle preservation.
There is a stark contrast in sports medicine between treating physical injuries and brain injuries. While a muscle strain has a defined recovery plan like ice and compression, a concussion often receives minimal intervention beyond rest. This leaves brain inflammation untreated, potentially leading to long-term conditions like CTE.