A 2014 Alzheimer’s acupuncture research study compared the differences in clinical efficacy between acupuncture and pharmaceuticals. The results indicate that acupuncture is more effective than medications.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder primarily affecting the brain. The condition leads to a decline in memory, thinking abilities, and overall cognitive function. Alzheimer’s causes the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits, known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles, in the brain, which disrupt the communication between nerve cells and eventually cause their death.
As the disease advances, individuals may experience confusion, disorientation, personality changes, and difficulties with language and daily tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and while its exact cause is still unknown, researchers believe it involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but various treatments and interventions can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected individuals and their caregivers.
Acupuncture’s Mechanisms of Action
Acupuncture has a demonstrated ability to increase cerebral blood flow and enhance neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Improved blood flow can promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells, supporting their function and vitality. In addition, the modulation of neurotransmitters also positively impacts cognitive processes.
Alzheimer’s Study Design
Investigators randomized one hundred and forty-one Alzheimer’s patients into an acupuncture group (72 cases) and a medicine group (69 cases). The acupuncture group received treatment to benefit Qi, promote blood circulation to the brain, regulate the mind, and improve intelligence.
Acupoints included Shenting (GV 24), Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Danzhong (CV 17), Zhangwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Xuehai (SP 10) and Zusanli (ST 36). In addition, practitioners selected supplementary acupoints according to individual patients’ symptoms and physical signs. Patients received treatment once a day, six days a week.
In the medicine group, practitioners prescribed the cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil for oral administration, one tablet (5 mg) once a night. Four weeks later, the dose was increased to 2 tablets (10 mg) each time.
Alzheimer’s Acupuncture Research
In both groups, one session lasted four weeks, and treatment lasted four sessions. Investigators monitored changes in scores before and after treatment using the following tests:
Minimum mental state examination (MMSE)
Activities of daily living scale (ADL)
Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale-cognition (ADAS-cog)
Digit span (DS)
Research Results
After treatment, scores of MMSE and DS increased compared to those before treatment (both P < 0.05). In addition, ADL and ADAS-cog scores decreased compared to those before treatment. Furthermore, the score differences in MMSE, ADL, ADAS-cog, and DS before and after treatment were significant in the two groups (all P < 0.01).
Alzheimer’s Research Conclusion
Acupuncture treatments improved qi and blood circulation, positively impacted brain function, and improved intelligence. Researchers concluded that treatments significantly improved the overall function, cognition, and daily life activity in patients with Alzheimer’s. In all categories, acupuncture’s efficacy was superior to donepezil.
Raleigh Acupuncture Alzheimer’s Treatment
At Raleigh Acupuncture, we incorporate the latest Alzheimer’s acupuncture research with traditional techniques for nourishing and promoting brain function in our treatment of Alzheimer’s. While we cannot cure the condition, acupuncture slows the progression of the disease and improves cognitive function. As always, there are no adverse effects from the sessions.
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Reference
Gu W, Jin XX, Zhang YJ, Li ZJ, Kong Y. [Clinical observation of Alzheimer’s disease treated with acupuncture]. Zhongguo Zhen jiu = Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion. 2014 Dec;34(12):1156-1160. PMID: 25876339.
Focus keyphrase: Alzheimer’s Acupuncture Research
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