Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2024;101(1):13-30.
doi: 10.3233/JAD-240711.

Effects of Intermittent Hypoxia Protocols on Cognitive Performance and Brain Health in Older Adults Across Cognitive States: A Systematic Literature Review

Ayoub Boulares  1 , Aurélien Pichon  1 , Corentin Faucher  1 , Nicola Luigi Bragazzi  2   3   4   5 , Olivier Dupuy  1   6
Affiliations

Effects of Intermittent Hypoxia Protocols on Cognitive Performance and Brain Health in Older Adults Across Cognitive States: A Systematic Literature Review

Ayoub Boulares et al. J Alzheimers Dis. 2024.

Abstract

Background: The rise in the aging population highlights the need to address cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) protocols show promise in enhancing cognitive abilities and brain health.

Objective: This review evaluates IH protocols' benefits on cognition and brain health in older adults, regardless of cognitive status.

Methods: A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) and two registers, covering records from inception to May 2024 (PROSPERO: CRD42023462177). Inclusion criteria were: 1) original research with quantitative details; 2) studies involving older adults, with or without cognitive impairment; 3) studies including IH protocols; 4) articles analyzing cognition and brain health in older adults.

Results: Seven studies and five registered trials met the criteria. Findings indicate that Intermittent Hypoxia Training (IHT) and Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Training (IHHT) improved cognitive functions and brain health. Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure (IHE) improved cerebral tissue oxygen saturation, middle cerebral arterial flow velocity, and cerebral vascular conductance, particularly in cognitively impaired populations. IHT and IHHT had no significant effect on BDNF levels. There is a lack of studies on IHHE in older adults with and without cognitive impairment.

Conclusions: IH protocols may benefit cognition regardless of cognitive status. IHT and IHE positively affect cerebral outcomes, with all protocols having limited effects on BDNF levels. Future research should standardize IH protocols, investigate long-term cognitive effects, and explore neuroprotective biomarkers. Combining these protocols with physical exercise across diverse populations could refine interventions and guide targeted therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Aging; Alzheimer’s disease; cognitive impairment; cognitive performance; intermittent hypoxia; mild cognitive impairment; older adults; physical exercise.

PubMed Disclaimer

Publication types