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Electroacupuncture for older adults with mild cognitive impairment: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Albert Wing Nang Leung1, Linda Chiu Wa Lam2, Andrew Ka Lun Kwan3
1School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong. awnleung@cuhk.edu.hk.
Trials
|May 28, 2015
Summary
This study investigated electroacupuncture for mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. Results will clarify electroacupuncture's role in optimizing cognitive function and treating Alzheimer's disease.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional stage between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Early interventions for MCI are crucial for managing AD progression.
- This study focuses on electroacupuncture (EA) as a potential therapeutic strategy for MCI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture in improving cognitive function in individuals with MCI.
- To understand the underlying mechanisms of electroacupuncture in the context of Alzheimer's disease treatment.
- To provide evidence-based insights into EA as an intervention for cognitive decline.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, patient- and assessor-blinded, sham-controlled trial involving 150 participants aged 65+ with MCI in Hong Kong.
- Participants were allocated to either electroacupuncture (2 Hz, 5-10 mA for 30 minutes, 3 times/week for 8 weeks) or sham electroacupuncture.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), mini-mental state examination, and category fluency test at baseline, end of intervention, and at 4 and 6 months post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Primary outcome: Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog).
- Secondary outcomes: Mini-mental state examination (MMSE), category fluency test, and Short Form 12 (SF-12).
- Data collection occurred at multiple time points to track cognitive changes over time.
Conclusions:
- The study aims to determine if electroacupuncture can decrease the rate of cognitive decline in older adults with MCI.
- Findings will contribute to understanding the role of electroacupuncture in the management of Alzheimer's disease.
- Evidence generated will inform clinical practice regarding EA for cognitive impairment.
