Scalp acupuncture is effective in improving vascular dementia

Scalp acupuncture plus auricular point sticking are found to have a superior total efficacy to body acupuncture and conventional medicine in treating of vascular dementia, according to a report published in journal Zhongguo Zhen Jiu (Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion).

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease in old people. Any conditions that affect blood supply to the brain, such as stroke can potential cause vascular dementia. Symptoms of vascular dementia include cognitive impairment and depend on which area of the brain has been damaged. Acupuncture has been used to treat vascular dementia in China.

Researchers in China conducted a clinical study to compare the efficacy of scalp plus auricular acupuncture with body acupuncture and conventional therapy in vascular dementia. Thirty one patients were treated with scalp plus auricular acupunctures, 29 patients were given body acupuncture and 30 patients were treated with conventional medication. Acupuncture was given once a day, 14-day as a course for 3 courses. Evaluation in cognitive behaviour ability, mini-mental state examination (MIMSE) and activities of daily living (ADL), were assessed before and after the treatment.

It was found that at the end of treatment all groups showed the improvement compared with baseline. Group comparison analysis revealed that scalp plus auricular acupuncture is superior to other two treatments and body acupuncture is much better than conventional medication in improving cognitive function.

Reference:

Li SK, [Effects of scalp acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking on cognitive behavior ability in patients with vascular dementia]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 May;34(5):417-20.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25022106