AzTrials
AzTrials

Diabetes MellitusNCT03036254

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Cognition in Diabetic Elderly at High Dementia Risk

A study testing HBOT intervention in people with Diabetes Mellitus, run by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai at 4 sites in 2 countries.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

An urgent need exists to identify effective interventions to arrest or reverse dementia and cognitive loss at its earliest stages. The proposed pilot randomized clinical trial will investigate the short and long-term effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on cognitive functioning, cerebral blood flow, and glucose uptake… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 65 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Diabetes Mellitus
What is being tested?
HBOT intervention
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
155 participants
Where
4 sitesin 2 countries
Study dates
10 Aug 2017to 15 Apr 2024
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 65 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Diagnosis of T2D
  • Diagnosis of MCI
  • > the age of 65
  • Hebrew fluency
  • An informant

Who cannot join

  • Brain disease that affects cognition (e.g. Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia).
  • Stroke
  • Epilepsy
  • Chest pathology incompatible with HBOT
  • Inner ear disease
  • Claustrophobia
Show all 10Show fewer
  • Cholinesterase inhibitors
  • Subjects with an indication for HBOT
  • Counter-indication for MRI or PET
  • Individuals with severe cataracts must have cataract operations before enrolling in the study

Trial locations and contacts

4 sites in 2 countries.

4 sites in 2 countries

United States2 sites
  • University of Wisconsin

    Madison, Wisconsin, 53076

  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

    New York, New York, 10029

Other trials in United States

Israel2 sites
  • Sheba Medical Center

    Ramat Gan

  • Assaf HaRofeh Medical Center

    Tzrifin, 70300

Other trials in Israel

About this study

An urgent need exists to identify effective interventions to arrest or reverse dementia and cognitive loss at its earliest stages. The proposed pilot randomized clinical trial will investigate the short and long-term effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on cognitive functioning, cerebral blood flow, and glucose uptake in diabetic elderly with mild cognitive impairment. and provide the basis for a large-scale multi-center study of hyperbaric oxygen therapy effects on cognition in diabetes. The potential to preserve, or even enhance, cognition in elderly at high risk of cognitive decline and dementia has major implications for the affected individuals and their support systems that bear the social and financial burdens of long-term caregiving.

Read the detailed description

This resubmission responds to "PAR-16-365-Pilot Clinical Trials for the Spectrum of Alzheimer's Disease and Age-related Cognitive Decline (R01)". It will examine the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in improving cognitive functioning in cognitively impaired elderly with diabetes (T2D), who have high risk for dementia. It is a collaboration of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, the University of Wisconsin, the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at Asaf Harofeh Medical Center, Israel-one of the world's largest and busiest hyperbaric units-and the Sheba Medical Center, Israel.

HBOT is a treatment in which oxygen-enriched air (up to 100%) is administered to patients at a pressure above the ambient atmosphere. The combined action of hyperoxia and hyperbaric pressure leads to significant improvements in tissue oxygenation, resulting in cerebrovascular benefits with improved ischemic damage and cerebral blood flow. Recently, the researchers of this group published compelling evidence from clinical trials indicating HBOT neurotherapeutic effects in stroke, with better cognitive function and elevated brain activity in SPECT. New preliminary data suggests potential neurotherapeutic effects of HBOT on T2D elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), showing better cognitive performance and brain activity. The researchers propose a randomized controlled clinical trial examining the short (12 weeks) and long-term (12 months) efficacy of HBOT. The researchers will test hypotheses that HBOT compared to a sham condition improves cognitive function and increases cerebral blood flow and glucose utilization in MCI patients with T2D. Such patients are at high dementia risk and enriched in cerebrovascular disease, and thus have high potential for benefitting from HBOT. Aim 1 examines the potential beneficial effects of HBOT on cognition (with a primary composite measure of executive functions and episodic memory, both affected by T2D). Aim 2 examines effects of HBOT on ischemic injury which will be measured by CBF at the level of capillaries in gray matter (by MRI arterial spin labeling), and in macrovessels (by a novel 4D Flow MRI technology developed by the researchers of this group). Aim 3 focuses on effects of HBOT on cerebral glucose utilization using [F18]FDG-PET. Finally, Aim 4 investigates mediation by the biomarkers, i.e. whether their inclusion in a mediation model will attenuate the effect of HBOT on cognition, suggesting them as underlying mechanisms. This study will be performed in Israel, where there is optimal infrastructure and expertise for all the study components at significantly lower costs. HBOT can be widely deployed in the US so if successful, this pilot study will provide the basis for a multi-center large-scale clinical trial for definitive evidence of its benefits to cognition in T2D patients at high dementia risk. Despite advances in the understanding of risk factors and the pathologic basis for dementia, treatments are of very limited effects. As the proportion of elderly increases, the accelerating prevalence of T2D and dementia amplifies this application's public health impact.

Being tested
HBOT intervention, Sham intervention
Keywords
Diabetes Mellitus, Cognition
Medical subject headings
Diabetes Mellitus

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • HBOT interventionDevice

    Also called Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

    HBOT is a treatment in which oxygen-enriched air (up to 100%) is administered to patients at a pressure.

    HBOT intervention arm - 3 months of HBOT treatment, 9 months observation

    all participants receive HBOT treatment for 3 months at year 2

  • Sham interventionDevice

    Sham was selected as the control condition rather than "usual care" to equate intervention groups with respect to other variables that could influence cognition and functional status, such as a new challenge (completing an activity program), peer socialization, and attention from staff.

Study groups in NCT03036254
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
HBOT interventionExperimentalThe multiplace HBOT unit at Asaf Harofeh. The inside looks like an airplane, with comfortable chairs for 11 subjects and the nurse who stays throughout the session. The HBOT protocol is 90 minutes, 5 times/week, 60 sessions, 100% oxygen at 2 ATA with 5 minute air breaks every 30 minutes.
Receives: Device: HBOT intervention
Sham interventionSham comparatorExcept for pressure, all the conditions of the HBOT intervention are provided in the sham intervention (nurse measures vitals and asks about health before entering the chamber, time in the chamber, number of sessions per week and overall, nurse in the chamber at all times, mask on the face, etc.).
Receives: Device: HBOT intervention; Device: Sham intervention

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Global Cognition Score

    This analysis involves 11 cognitive performance variables, each measuring a specific aspect of cognition. In general, higher scores indicate better performance (Digit Symbol measures processing speed, Semantic Fluency measures verbal fluency, Word Recall Task measures immediate verbal memory, Delayed Word Recall Test measures delayed verbal memory, and Recall Unit measures immediate and delayed story recall), except for two variables (Trail Making Test Part A measures processing speed, Trail Making Test Part B measures cognitive flexibility) that measure time (where higher values indicate worse performance). These variables are standardized using Z-scores, which allow for combining and comparing values across different scales.

    The standardized values (Z-scores) of all 11 measures are averaged to create the composite score. Full range of composite score is -1 to 1. Higher composite Z-score reflects better cognitive performance and more favorable outcomes.

    Measured: baseline, 12, weeks, 6 months and 12 months

  2. Cerebral Blood Flow

    Cerebral blood flow (CBF) via arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI). CBF is defined as the blood volume that flows per unit mass per unit time in brain tissue.

    Measured: baseline, 3 months, and 12 months

  3. Whole Brain SUVr (FDG-PET)

    Measures how actively the brain uses glucose, highlighting areas with abnormal activity that may signal diseases like Alzheimer's. Dimmer areas suggest reduced activity seen in disorders like dementia.

    Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks, 12 months

Secondary outcomes (6)
  1. NIH Computerized Cognitive Test

    The sum z-scores for 3 computer-based tests (not language dependent), developed through NIH; EXAMINER assessing executive abilities: http://examiner.ucsf.edu).

    Early in the study, it became clear that participants-older adults with significant frailty, multiple chronic conditions (average >4 per participant), and high medication burden (mean >5 medications)-were finding the assessment protocol burdensome.

    The protocol already required repeated cognitive testing, MRI, FDG-PET imaging, and other assessments, leading many participants to report fatigue and difficulty concentrating. To prioritize participant well-being, decision made not to add the NIH computerized cognitive tests. The existing paper-and-pencil battery was well-established, sensitive to cognitive changes, and adequately covered executive function and episodic memory.

    The NIH computerized cognitive test was never administered, and no data was collected at any time.

    Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months

  2. Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB)

    Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB), which summarizes impairment in 6 domains (memory, orientation, judgment/problem solving, community affairs, home/hobbies, and personal care) based on subject and informant interviews. Scores in each of these are combined to obtain a composite score ranging from 0 (no symptoms of dementia) through 3 (severe symptoms of dementia).

    Total scale from 0-18. Higher scores indicating worse cognitive status.

    Measured: baseline, 12, weeks, 6 months and 12 months

  3. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)

    This is a 21-item, self-report questionnaire that measures attitudes and symptoms of depression during the last week (i.e. mood, feelings of hopelessness, failure, guilt, self-esteem, etc.). Each question has a set of at least four possible responses, ranging in intensity. Total scale 0-63. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms of depression.

    Measured: baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months

  4. Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living - Prevention Questionnaire (ADL-PI)

    ADL questionnaire Participant

    The ADL-PI was developed, comprising 15 ADL (e.g. managing medications, managing finances) and 5 physical function (e.g. shopping and meal preparation) questions. All responses relate to the 3 months prior to the time of rating.

    Total range 0-30, higher scores indicate greater impairment.

    Measured: baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months

  5. Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Activities of Daily Living - Mild Cognitive Impairment (ADCS-ADL MCI)

    ADL Informant

    This tool is based on caregiver's report to assess participants' abilities to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, walking and self-grooming. All responses should relate to the 4 weeks prior to the time of rating. Full Scale range from 0-53, higher score indicates more impairment for the participant.

    Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months

  6. Total Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)

    Total range 0-30, higher scores indicate better cognitive function.

    Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted30 Jan 2017 (estimated)
  2. Study start10 Aug 2017
  3. Primary completion15 Apr 2024
  4. Study completion15 Apr 2024

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
155 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03036254
Sponsor's protocol ID
GCO 15-0192
Status last verified
Jul 2025
First submitted
25 Jan 2017
Last updated
11 Aug 2025
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
Yes
Individual data sharing
Yes: De-identified MRI and PET scans and cognitive scores will be made available for investigative collaborations. We expect to share these data with a large number of investigators throughout the world.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing HBOT intervention in people with Diabetes Mellitus, run by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai at 4 sites in 2 countries.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Aug 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 4 sites in United States, Israel. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 11 Aug 2025). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Global Cognition Score (time frame: baseline, 12, weeks, 6 months and 12 months). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Aug 2025.

Free account

Keep searching with a free account

You’ve used your 3 free searches for this session. Log in or create a free AzTrials account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in