CO2 Treatments May Clear Alzheimer's Proteins From The Brain

Key Points:

• Researchers led by Dr. Sephira Ryman from the University of New Mexico presented findings suggesting that intermittent inhalation of higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) may help clear tau protein buildup in the brain, potentially impacting dementia development.
• The study involved 12 participants, including those with mild cognitive impairment, and showed that CO2 exposure appeared to activate the brain’s glymphatic system, improving clearance of tau and increasing blood levels of beta-amyloid, indicating removal from the brain.
• This research builds on earlier work linking CO2 inhalation to enhanced glymphatic clearance of toxic proteins in Parkinson’s disease, suggesting a broader potential for CO2-induced waste removal in neurodegenerative conditions.
• The team noted that breath-centered practices like yoga and tai chi might stimulate similar glymphatic activity, but emphasized that more research is needed to confirm these effects and their impact on cognitive decline.
• Experts caution that while the treatment temporarily enhances protein clearance, it remains unclear whether this will translate into prevention or slowing of dementia progression.