Acupuncture Therapy for Cognitive Impairment: A Delphi Expert Consensus Survey

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Neurology
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Clinical decision-making for acupuncture in cognitive impairment (CI) is challenged by current research.
• An expert consensus study was conducted to provide practical recommendations for acupuncturists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish expert consensus on clinical acupuncture practice for cognitive impairment (CI).
• To offer guidance for acupuncturists facing clinical challenges in CI treatment.

Main Methods:

• A Delphi survey involving 30 experts was conducted after an initial investigation of 47 acupuncturists.
• Systematic reviews on acupuncture for CI were searched, and experts rated 24 items.
• Consensus was defined as >80% expert agreement.

Main Results:

• Twenty-one items reached consensus after a 2-round Delphi survey.
• Ten items achieved 90-100% expert agreement; 11 items achieved 80-90% agreement.
• Consensus covered therapeutic effects, principles, acupoint selection, parameters, combined therapies, and adverse events.

Conclusions:

• This expert consensus offers guidance for clinical acupuncture practice in cognitive impairment (CI).
• Further high-quality research is necessary due to limited evidence and unresolved clinical issues.
• The findings aim to clarify the treatment algorithm for acupuncture in CI.