Study: Acupuncture is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for improving the cognitive function of Alzheimer’s patients

A recent study updated the evidence regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for patients who are afflicted with mild to moderate cases of Alzheimer’s disease. It determined that the traditional Chinese medical treatment was indeed safe to use and that it improved cognitive function for patients.

The study was held under the auspices of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The findings were published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

• A group of 87 patients with mild to moderate cases of Alzheimer’s disease were enrolled in the study. Seventy-nine completed the trial and follow-up process.
• Participants were given with either acupuncture or donepezil hydrochloride treatment for 12 weeks. The acupuncture group underwent the process thrice per week; the drug treatment group took five milligrams per day (mg/day) during the first four weeks and 10 mg/day.
• Participants were surveyed for the effectiveness of their respective treatments. After completing the trial, the participants were studied for 12 weeks as part of the follow-up process.
• The acupuncture group received good marks in Assessment Scale-Cognitive and Clinician’s Interview-Based Impression of Change-Plus. Their scores were significantly different when compared to the drug treatment group.
• No patient discontinued acupuncture treatment. Four members (9.09 percent) of the drug group dropped out due to adverse reactions to the procedure.

Based on their findings, the researchers confirmed that acupuncture bolstered the cognitive function and overall clinical status of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It can do this safely as well as effectively, being well-tolerated by the participants.

The full study can be reviewed at this link.

You can also read more articles about treatments for Alzheimer’s disease at Alzheimer’s.news.

Journal Reference:

Jia Y, Zhang X, Yu J, Han J, Yu T, Shi J, Zhao L, Nie K. ACUPUNCTURE FOR PATIENTS WITH MILD TO MODERATE ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 29 December 2017;17(556). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-2064-x.