Evaluation of isobaric oxygenation for the aged with cognitive impairment: pilot study

The effect of isobaric oxygenation on psychogeriatric subjects, with mild cognitive impairment was assessed in a single-blind controlled pilot study. Three of the 7 subjects were treated with a mixture of 97% oxygen plus 3% carbon dioxide, and 4 treated with compressed air. The oxygen or air was administered during two 1.5 hr sessions daily for fifteen consecutive days. Use of a miner's type mask ensured a closed system which permits the maximal partial pressure of oxygen. Psychologic and clinical observations did not indicate any advantage for the oxygenation therapy. Minimal side effects, which arose only in the oxygen group, may have involved some interactions between CO2 sensitivity and anxiety. Careful differential diagnosis and the control of motivational factors are of major importance in any study of the effects of oxygenation upon symptoms in psychogeriatric patients.