Methods and systems for altering cognitive performance

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for improving cognitive performance. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for cognitive training under hyperbaric conditions.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for improving cognitive performance. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for cognitive training under hyperbaric conditions.

[0002] The following references are considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter. [1] Vadas et al., Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience 2017, 11, 25 [2] Gill et al., J Appl Physiol 2014, 117(4), 406-412 [3] Ergen et al., Clin Neurophysiol 2017, 128(4), 579-588 [4] Yu et al., Clin Neurophysiol 2015, 126(11), 2058-2067 [5] Komiyama et al., Sci Rep 2017, 7(1), 10,000 [6] Su et al., Zhonghua Yu Fang 2016, 50(7), 600-604 [7] Bayer et al., Adv Gerontol 2017, 30(2), 255-261 [8] Malle et al., Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2016, 87(1), 3-12 [9] Goodwin et al., Neuroimage 2009, 47(2), 573-580

[10] Chung et al., Physiol Meas 2007, 28(4), 389-396

[11] Scholey et al., Physiol Behav 1999, 67(5), 783-789

[12] Scholey et al., Psychopharmacology 1998, 140(1), 123-126

[13] Tennstedt et al., J Aging Health 2013, 25(8), 3S-20S

[14] Ball et al., JAMA 2002, 288(18), 2271-2281

[15] Noice et al., J Aging Health 2004, 16(4), 562-585

[16] Neely et al., J Gerontol B 1995, 50(3), 134-140

[17] Unverzagt et al., J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2009, 13(6), 953-960

[18] Willis et al., JAMA 2006, 296(23), 2805-2814

[19] Wolinsky et al., J Gerontol A 2006, 61(12), 1324-1329

[0003] Identification of the above references herein should not be inferred as meaning that they are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed invention. [Background technology]

[0004] Hyperbaric therapy has been known for many years for a variety of conditions, including treating the effects of decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning, treating arterial gas embolism, and promoting skin growth in burn patients. Such therapy is typically performed by placing the patient in a chamber, where a controlled increase in pressure can be achieved. In some treatment protocols, patients are also exposed to an oxygen-enriched environment during hyperbaric therapy [1-12]. Cognitive training under ambient conditions has been shown to improve cognitive function in patients suffering from various cognitive disorders [13-19]. To date, due to the strict constraints imposed on hyperbaric therapy conditions (typically performed in narrow, tubular chambers with little room for patients to move and / or where the oxygen-enriched environment prevents the insertion of electrical devices), the effects of additional therapeutic routes performed during hyperbaric therapy, such as cognitive training, have not yet been investigated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for altering (e.g., improving) cognitive function by combining hyperbaric exposure in an oxygen-rich environment with cognitive training conducted in a hyperbaric chamber. Such combined treatments aim to alter cognitive function with long-term effects, i.e., to obtain and maintain such changes after the treatment is administered (i.e., to maintain the therapeutic effects on cognitive function obtained by the treatment for at least a period of time after the treatment is administered).

[0006] Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for altering the cognitive performance of a subject, comprising treating the subject through one or more treatment cycles, each treatment cycle comprising exposing the subject to a hyperbaric and oxygen-enriched environment and performing at least one cognitive training task during the exposure.

[0007] In some embodiments, combining exposure to hyperbaric conditions and an oxygen-rich environment with at least one cognitive training task performed during said exposure results in a synergistic effect on alterations in cognitive performance.

[0008] In the context of the present disclosure, the term "alter" (or any linguistic variation thereof) is intended to encompass the induction of at least one desired effect on or resulting from a subject's cognitive ability. Thus, treating a subject with the methods disclosed herein can induce, enhance, improve, prevent, or reduce at least one effect related to cognitive ability, either by treatment itself or by inducing a related mechanism that leads to changes in cognitive ability. This term also encompasses improving undesirable symptoms associated with cognitive impairment, preventing the onset of such symptoms before they occur, slowing the progression of cognitive impairment, slowing the worsening of symptoms associated with cognitive impairment, slowing irreversible damage caused by the progressive chronic phase of cognitive impairment, delaying the onset of the above-mentioned progressive phase, reducing the severity of cognitive impairment, improving recovery from brain damage, improving normal cognitive function, or a combination of two or more of the above.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method improves or enhances cognitive ability in a subject.

[0010] In other embodiments, the method reduces or prevents at least one symptom associated with at least one cognitive impairment.

[0011] In yet other embodiments, the method increases the subject's suitability to perform cognitive training and / or to complete said set of one or more treatment cycles.

[0012] The term cognitive ability (or cognitive function, as used interchangeably in this disclosure) is meant to encompass mental or intellectual processes, including perception, thinking, reasoning, memory, sensation, imagination, etc., that enable a subject to perform a specified mental task. Exemplary, non-limiting cognitive functions are verbal memory, non-verbal memory, immediate memory, delayed memory, information processing speed, attention, executive function, motor function, vision, multitasking, visuospatial awareness, verbal expression, navigation, intelligence, working memory, task switching, response inhibition, psychomotor speed, verbal fluency, object naming, vocabulary identification, etc.

[0013] The methods of the present disclosure involve exposing the subject to be treated to hyperbaric and oxygen-rich conditions (hyperbaric oxygen therapy - HBOT) during which at least one cognitive task is performed by the subject.

[0014] A hyperbaric state refers to a subject being exposed to a pressurized environment, i.e., an environment in which pressures exceeding standard atmospheric pressure (>1 atmosphere) are present. Such a hyperbaric state can be achieved by utilizing a hyperbaric chamber, which is a chamber that allows for a controlled increase in pressure while the subject is present therein. Such a hyperbaric chamber can be suitable, for example, to accommodate a single subject or to accommodate two or more subjects simultaneously.

[0015] In some embodiments, the hyperbaric condition comprises exposing the subject to a pressure between about 1.1 atmospheres absolute (ATA) and about 3.2 ATA, hi other embodiments, the hyperbaric condition comprises exposing the subject to a pressure between about 1.2 ATA and about 3 ATA.

[0016] As the pressure increases, the subject is exposed to an oxygen-enriched environment, which in some embodiments comprises between about 22% and 100% oxygen by volume. In other embodiments, the oxygen-enriched environment comprises between about 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98%, or even 100% oxygen by volume. In some other embodiments, the oxygen-enriched environment comprises between about 30% and about 100%, between about 40% and about 100%, between 50% and 100%, or even between 60% and 100% by volume.

[0017] In other embodiments, the oxygen-enriched environment comprises about 21% oxygen by volume provided above atmospheric pressure.

[0018] The oxygen-enriched environment can be provided throughout the entire volume of the hyperbaric chamber, or can be applied individually to each subject within the chamber, for example, via a personal mask, hood, cannula, or the like.

[0019] In some embodiments, the level of oxygen in the oxygen-enriched environment is maintained constant throughout the treatment cycle.

[0020] In other embodiments, the exposure to the oxygen-enriched environment is intermittent. In such embodiments, the exposure to the oxygen-enriched environment is administered for a defined period of time, with intervals during which lower oxygen levels (e.g., 21% oxygen by volume or ambient air) are administered. Such intervals may be, for example, between about 10 seconds and 30 minutes between administrations of the oxygen-enriched environment. In some embodiments, the intervals are between about 1 minute and about 10 minutes.

[0021] According to some embodiments, each treatment cycle comprises a total (elapsed) time of exposure to the oxygen-enriched environment of between about 1 and 200 minutes. In other embodiments, the total time of exposure may be between about 10 and 180 minutes, between about 10 and 160 minutes, between about 10 and 140 minutes, or even between about 10 and 120 minutes. In some other embodiments, the total time of exposure may be between about 20 and 200 minutes, between about 30 and 180 minutes, between about 40 and 160 minutes, between about 50 and 140 minutes, or even between about 60 and 120 minutes.

[0022] During exposure to hyperbaric and hyperoxia (and sometimes during periods of exposure to oxygen-rich environments), at least one cognitive training task is performed by the subject.In some embodiments, the at least one cognitive training task is one or more tasks selected from the following: reaction time, dual decision-making, sustained attention, divided attention, selective attention, working memory, long-term memory, reasoning, auditory processing, verbal memory task, non-verbal memory task, immediate memory task, delayed memory task, information processing speed task, attention task, executive function task, motor task, visual perception task, multitasking assignment, visual-spatial task, language task, navigation task, intelligence task, working memory task, task switching, response inhibition task, psychomotor speed task, language function task (fluency / naming / vocabulary), etc., and combinations thereof.Cognitive training or cognitive task is performed by any suitable means, for example, by interacting with an operator, interacting with a dedicated device or tool, performing a predetermined test or assignment, etc.

[0023] This method is typically performed for at least two treatment cycles, and in some embodiments, between 5 and 120 cycles. Cycles can be performed daily (i.e., one cycle per day). Alternatively, treatment cycles can be performed every two, three, four, five, or six days, weekly, biweekly, etc. As will be apparent to the practitioner, the methods disclosed herein also include any sequential sequence of treatment cycles, such as multi-day cycles followed by several days of rest (e.g., a five-day cycle followed by two days of rest). Note that the number of cycles may vary depending on the desired level of cognitive correction and / or the subject's medical / cognitive history or condition.

[0024] In some embodiments, the treatment conditions (i.e., pressure, volume % oxygen, type of cognitive training task, etc.) are the same in each treatment cycle. In other embodiments, the treatment conditions vary from cycle to cycle. Note that in further embodiments, the treatment conditions may vary depending on the subject's condition and level of change in cognitive ability. For example, several cycles can be performed with a given set of conditions, followed by several cycles with a different set of treatment conditions.

[0025] Each treatment cycle is performed for a duration of about 1 minute to 200 minutes, according to some embodiments.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the method further comprises assessing the subject's cognitive performance prior to the exposure to a treatment condition to obtain a first cognitive performance score. In further embodiments, the method further comprises assessing the subject's cognitive performance after the exposure to a treatment condition to obtain a second cognitive performance score. By comparing the first score and the second score (or applying an appropriate algorithm to the first and second scores), a subject evaluation / assessment score can be obtained to determine the subject's progress. The assessment of cognitive performance can be performed at any time during a treatment cycle. In some embodiments, the assessment score for a given treatment cycle (or after a sequence of several cycles) is compared to one or more of, for example, a baseline score, an ongoing score during the treatment cycle, a relative score for the same age group, etc., to determine the treatment condition for one or more subsequent treatment cycles.

[0027] The term score is meant to refer to a relevant measurable or assessable value, i.e., quantitative or qualitative, that allows for the assessment of a subject's cognitive ability.

[0028] The method further includes a compression step prior to the treatment cycle, which is typically performed at a speed between about 0.1 m / min and about 2 m / min. The method also includes a decompression step after the treatment cycle, which is typically performed at a decompression speed between about 0.1 m / min and about 2 m / min.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least one treatment cycle further comprises at least one physical training task performed under said hyperbaric conditions and in an oxygen-rich environment. The physical training may be any suitable physical training known per se, such as, for example, cycling, walking, power walking, running, jumping, weightlifting, hand cycling, etc. It is noted that in the context of the present disclosure, physical training may be utilized in addition to cognitive training to obtain modification of one or more cognitive functions.

[0030] The subject is typically a human, either an adult or a child (child refers to a subject under 18 years of age). The subject may be healthy, suffer from one or more cognitive disorders or injuries, or have a history of brain injury. In some embodiments, the subject has a history of brain injury, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), ischemia, hemorrhagic injury, traumatic injury, anoxia, hypoxia, injury due to metabolic disorders, injury due to toxic exposure, and infection. In other embodiments, the subject suffers from a neurodegenerative disease, dementia, or mild cognitive impairment. In some other embodiments, the subject suffers from age-related cognitive decline. In further embodiments, the subject suffers from cerebral palsy. In yet other embodiments, the subject suffers from abnormal development. According to still some other embodiments, the subject is healthy. According to further embodiments, the subject may or may not have been previously diagnosed with a disorder. According to yet other embodiments, the subject is a professional athlete (i.e., the treatment is tailored to improve the athlete's cognitive and mental performance, rather than the athlete's physical performance).

[0031] The present disclosure also provides systems for operating the methods described herein. Accordingly, in another aspect, systems are provided for use in the methods of the present disclosure.

[0032] A further aspect of the present disclosure is a system for operating the methods described herein, the system including at least one hyperbaric chamber configured to accommodate at least one subject and apply a hyperbaric state to the subject, at least one controllable oxygen administration unit configured to enable the formation of an oxygen-enriched environment within the chamber and / or to subject the subject to said oxygen-enriched environment, and at least one means of cognitive training within the chamber configured to enable the subject to perform at least one cognitive training task.

[0033] In the context of this disclosure, the term hyperbaric chamber is meant to encompass a single-location chamber (i.e., for the occupancy of a single user) or a multi-location chamber (for the occupancy of one or more users), where the chamber may be unitary or divided into subchambers or processing zones, where the conditions applied to one subchamber or zone may be the same as or different from the conditions in another subchamber or zone.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the hyperbaric chamber further comprises at least one compression sub-chamber, at least one training sub-chamber, and at least one decompression sub-chamber, wherein the compression sub-chamber, the training sub-chamber, and the decompression sub-chamber are linked to one another to allow a subject to move between them, e.g., the sub-chambers are integral with one another.

[0035] In some embodiments, the hyperbaric chamber is configured to accommodate a single subject to be treated.

[0036] In other embodiments, the hyperbaric chamber is configured to accommodate two or more subjects to be treated simultaneously therein, and in such embodiments, the at least one controllable oxygen administration unit is configured to administer a controllable oxygen-enriched environment to each subject and / or to administer different oxygen-enriched environments to each subject.

[0037] The at least one means of cognitive training, according to some embodiments, is configured to allow each subject to independently perform at least one cognitive training task, and the at least one means of cognitive training is configured to allow each subject to perform a different cognitive training task and / or independently from other subjects in the chamber.

[0038] The system further includes at least one means of physical training within the chamber configured to enable the subject to perform at least one physical training task.

[0039] In some embodiments, the system further includes at least one monitoring unit for monitoring at least one physical parameter of the subject (e.g., heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, glucose level, various markers and / or electrolytes, etc.) The monitored physical parameter is used, by some embodiments, to determine (at least in part) the status in one or more subsequent treatment cycles.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the system further comprises at least one controller for operating and controlling the system.

[0041] The system also includes one or more communication means within the chamber to allow the treatment subject and an operator outside the chamber to communicate with each other during a treatment session.

[0042] The system also includes one or more entertainment and / or interactive means / units, such as a music player, a television screen, a computer interface, etc.

[0043] As used herein, the term about is meant to encompass ±10% deviation from a specifically stated value for parameters such as time, pressure, volume % and the like.

[0044] Whenever a numerical range is given herein, it is meant to include any recited number (fractional or integer) within the range given. The phrases "range between" a first number and a second number and "range from" a first number to a second number are used interchangeably herein and are meant to include the first and second numbers and all fractional and integer numbers therebetween.

[0045] It should be noted that certain features described in the present disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination, or as suitable in other described embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] In order to better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system suitable for carrying out the methods described herein, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] In the following description, the invention is illustrated in some detail with reference to specific embodiments of systems for carrying out the methods described herein, which description, as stated, is in its full scope exemplary and non-limiting of the present disclosure.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram of an exemplary system of the present disclosure is shown. System 100 includes a hyperbaric chamber 102 that includes multiple stations 104 (three stations in this specific, non-limiting example). Each of stations 104 is configured to accommodate a subject to be treated. A station may be, for example, a sitting, standing, or lying position. Once the subject is accommodated, the station allows the subject to be exposed to a hyperbaric condition, allowing the subject to perform at least one cognitive training task. Each station 104 also includes a means (not shown) for providing the subject with an oxygen-rich environment (i.e., an atmosphere having an oxygen concentration greater than 21% by volume), such as an oxygen mask, hood, cannula, etc. The oxygen supply means is connected to a controllable oxygen source 108 via supply line 109, allowing control of the oxygen level, exposure duration, oxygen exposure profile / therapy, etc. for each station 104, collectively or independently of each other. In some configurations, the system further provides an air source 110 linked to each station via a supply line 111, allowing exposure of the subject to an air atmosphere (i.e., non-pressurized air at approximately 21% oxygen by volume) during oxygen-enriched atmosphere exposure periods depending on the required treatment regimen.

[0049] Each station 104 is associated with at least one cognitive training means 106, allowing the subject to perform at least one cognitive training task. In the case of an electronic / digital training means, the cognitive training means 106 may be linked via line 113 (which may be wired or wireless) to a control system 112. The control system 112 may provide and manipulate each subject's cognitive training assignments, collect data from the subjects, and sometimes analyze the data received from the subjects to adjust the cognitive training tasks performed by the subjects.

[0050] Although not shown in FIG. 1 , as previously mentioned, the system may further include additional features such as a monitoring unit, an entertainment module, and physical training means. While the system is shown in this particular example as including one hyperbaric chamber, it is contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure that the system may include multiple connected chambers or subchambers, allowing for free transition of subjects between them while maintaining a hyperbaric state within the system. Each such subchamber may be dedicated to a different type of training or activity, for example, performed under hyperbaric and oxygen-rich conditions. [Example]

[0051] Example 1: Cognitive Training Comparison Protocol 1 Cognitive training will be performed during exposure to a hyperbaric, oxygen-rich environment with the goal of improving and / or enhancing cognitive performance. The synergistic effects of cognitive training performed during hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) will be evaluated between HBOT sessions and compared with cognitive training without HBOT.

[0052] Subjects receiving treatment are patients with age-related functional decline between the ages of 60 and 74. Subject screening (inclusion criteria) - Score at least one standard deviation (SD) below the mean in at least one cognitive domain as measured using a computerized cognitive assessment (e.g., Neurotrax or other appropriate assessment tool).

[0053] Three groups were tested, each containing 10 patients, according to the following grouping: 1. Group 1: HBOT with cognitive training in a chamber (60 cycles, i.e., one cycle per day for a maximum of 60 days) 2. Group 2 (Control 1): HBOT with cognitive training tasks outside the chamber (60 cycles performed daily) 3. Group 3 (control 2): ​​cognitive training task only (60 cycles per day)

[0054] Treatment parameters: Pressure in the chamber: 2 ATA Oxygen level: 100% Total time: 120 minutes per treatment cycle Oxygen Net Time: 90 minutes per cycle ●Maintaining an oxygen-rich environment using a mask Total number of cycles: 60 Number of cycles per week: 5 Decompression speed: 1m / min Compression rate: 1m / min Air Break: 5-minute air breaks (21% oxygen) every 20 minutes of oxygen-enriched environment administration Duration of cognitive training task: 25 minutes per cycle

[0055] cognitive training At least one cognitive task selected from (but not limited to): o Memory (verbal, nonverbal, immediate, delayed) Information processing speed o Caution Executive functions Motor Vision Multitasking Navigation Intelligence Working memory Task switching o Response inhibition o Psychomotor speed Language function (fluency / naming / vocabulary) o Response time o double decision Sustained attention oDivided attention Selective attention o Reasoning Auditory processing

[0056] Memory scores and / or information processing speed scores are determined before and after each treatment cycle using a cognitive assessment tool (e.g., Neurotrax, BrainHQ, or other appropriate assessment tool).

[0057] Example 2: Cognitive Training Comparison Protocol 2 Cognitive training will be performed during exposure to a hyperbaric, oxygen-rich environment with the goal of improving and / or enhancing cognitive performance. The synergistic effects of cognitive training performed during hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) will be evaluated between HBOT sessions and compared with cognitive training without HBOT.

[0058] Subjects receiving treatment are brain injury (stroke / TBI) patients aged 40-55. Subject screening (inclusion criteria) - Score at least one standard deviation (SD) below the mean in at least one cognitive domain as measured using a computerized cognitive assessment (e.g., Neurotrax, or other appropriate assessment tool).

[0059] Two groups of five patients each will be tested according to the following groups: 1. Group 1: HBOT with cognitive training in a chamber (60 cycles, e.g., one cycle per day for 60 days) 2. Group 2 (Control 1): HBOT with cognitive training outside the chamber (60 cycles, performed daily) 3. Group 3 (control 2): ​​cognitive training tasks only (60 cycles performed daily), or both groups perform 40–60 sessions of cognitive training without HBOT before being divided into groups 1 and 2.

[0060] Treatment parameters: Pressure in the chamber: 2 ATA Oxygen level: 100% Total time: 120 minutes per treatment cycle Oxygen Net Time: 90 minutes per cycle ●Maintaining an oxygen-rich environment using a mask Total number of cycles: 60 Number of cycles per week: 5 Decompression speed: 1m / min Compression rate: 1m / min Air Break: 5-minute air breaks (21% oxygen) every 20 minutes of administration to an oxygen-rich environment Duration of cognitive training task: 20 minutes per cycle

[0061] Exemplary cognitive training o Memory (verbal, nonverbal, immediate, delayed) Information processing speed

[0062] Memory scores and / or information processing speed scores will be determined before and after each treatment cycle by BRAINHQ (every 5 cycles), Neurotrax (after 60 cycles), or other appropriate assessment tool.

Claims

1. 1. A system for altering a cognitive ability of a subject, comprising: altering the cognitive performance by treating the subject through one or more treatment cycles, each treatment cycle including exposing the subject to a hyperbaric and oxygen-enriched environment and performing at least one cognitive training task during said exposing; The system comprises: at least one hyperbaric chamber configured to accommodate two or more subjects and to apply a hyperbaric condition to the subjects, the hyperbaric chamber including a plurality of stations, each of the plurality of stations configured to accommodate a subject to be treated therein simultaneously; at least one controllable oxygen administration unit configured to enable the creation of an oxygen-enriched environment within the chamber and / or to administer said oxygen-enriched environment to the subject, said at least one controllable oxygen administration unit configured to administer said oxygen-enriched environment for defined periods of time together with intervals during said treatment cycle for administering a low oxygen level for defined periods of time; at least one means of cognitive training included in each of the plurality of stations within the chamber configured to enable a subject to perform at least one cognitive training task, the at least one means of cognitive training including a dedicated device or tool configured for the subject to interact with during the cognitive training; Including, the controllable oxygen administration unit includes a plurality of oxygen supply means for providing the oxygen-enriched environment to the subject, the oxygen supply means being connected via supply lines to a controllable oxygen source, thereby enabling control of oxygen level, exposure duration, and / or oxygen exposure profile / therapy for each of the plurality of stations independently of one another; the controllable oxygen administration unit further includes an air source linked to each of the plurality of stations via an air supply line to enable exposure of the subject to an air atmosphere during an oxygen-enriched atmosphere exposure period; the oxygen supply means is selected from a personal mask, a hood, and a cannula; The system is configured to provide an assessment of cognitive performance during the treatment cycle by providing an ongoing assessment score for the subject during the treatment cycle. A system characterized by:

2. 10. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

10. A system comprising at least one physical training means within said chamber configured to enable a subject to perform at least one physical training task.

3. 10. The system of claim 1 further comprising: A system comprising at least one monitoring unit for monitoring at least one physical parameter of a subject.

4. 10. The system of claim 1 further comprising: A system comprising at least one controller for operating and controlling said system.

5. 10. The system of claim 1, 10. The system, wherein the at least one means of cognitive training is configured to enable each subject to independently perform at least one cognitive training task.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the cognitive training means is configured to enable each subject to perform a different cognitive training task.

7. 10. The system of claim 1, The chamber further comprises: at least one compression subchamber, at least one training subchamber, and at least one decompression subchamber; The system, wherein the at least one compression subchamber, the at least one training subchamber, and the at least one decompression subchamber are linked to one another to allow a subject to move between them.

8. 8. The system of claim 7, The system, wherein the at least one compression subchamber, the at least one training subchamber, and the at least one decompression subchamber are integral with one another.

9. 10. The system of claim 1, the system is configured to apply one or more processing cycles; A system, wherein each of the processing cycles includes exposing the subject to a hyperbaric and oxygen-rich environment and performing at least one cognitive training task during the exposure.

10. 10. The system of claim 9, A system characterized in that the processing conditions are the same for each processing cycle.

11. 10. The system of claim 9, A system characterized in that the processing conditions vary from one processing cycle to the next.

12. 10. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a means for assessing the cognitive ability of the subject prior to said exposing to obtain a first score, assessing the cognitive ability of the subject after said exposing to obtain a second score, and comparing said first score with said second score to obtain an assessment score for the subject.

13. 10. The system of claim 1, The system is characterized in that the at least one cognitive training task is one or more tasks selected from verbal memory tasks, non-verbal memory tasks, immediate memory tasks, delayed memory tasks, information processing speed tasks, attention tasks, executive function tasks, motor tasks, visual perceptual tasks, multitasking tasks, visuospatial tasks, language tasks, navigation tasks, intelligence tasks, working memory tasks, task switching, response inhibition tasks, psychomotor speed tasks, language function tasks (fluency / naming / vocabulary), response time, dual decision, sustained attention, divided attention, selective attention, working memory, long-term memory, reasoning, auditory processing, and combinations thereof.

14. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the subject has a history of brain injury.

15. 15. The system of claim 14, The system, wherein the brain injury is selected from stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), ischemia, hypoxia, injury due to metabolic disorder, injury due to toxic exposure, and infection.

16. 10. The system of claim 1, The system, wherein the subject is suffering from a neurodegenerative disease, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, age-related cognitive decline, cerebral palsy, or developmental abnormality.

17. 10. The system of claim 1, The system wherein the subject is a healthy subject.

18. 10. The system of claim 1, The system wherein the hypoxic level administered during said interval is ambient air or an oxygen level of about 21% by volume.

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