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Effect of acupuncture on episodic memory for amnesia-type mild cognitive impairment: study protocol of a multicenter,
Yalan Dai1,2, Rui Xia1,3, Dan Wang1,3
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The People's Hospital of Baoan Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China.
Background:
Amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is the main subtype of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and has the highest risk of conversion to Alzheimer's disease (AD) among all MCI subtypes. Episodic memory impairment is the early cognitive impairment of aMCI, which has become an important target for AD prevention. Previous clinical evidence has shown that acupuncture can improve the cognitive ability of MCI patients. This experiment aimed to observe the efficacy and neural mechanism of TiaoshenYizhi acupuncture on the episodic memory of patients with aMCI.
Methods:
In this multicenter, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 360 aMCI participants will be recruited from six subcenters and randomly assigned to the acupuncture group, sham acupuncture group, and control group. The acupuncture group will receive TiaoshenYizhi (TSYZ) acupuncture, the sham acupuncture group will use streitberger sham acupuncture, and the control group will only receive free health education. Participants in the two acupuncture groups will receive real acupuncture treatment or placebo acupuncture three times per week, 24 sessions over 8 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome will be global cognitive ability. Secondary outcomes will be a specific cognitive domain, including episodic memory and execution ability, electroencephalogram, and functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and the fourth and eighth weeks after randomization. Repeated measurement analysis of variance and a mixed linear model will be used to observe the intervention effect.
Discussion:
The protocol will give a detailed procedure to the multicenter clinical trial to further evaluate the efficacy and neural mechanism of TiaoshenYizhi acupuncture on episodic memory in patients with aMCI. From this research, we expect to provide clinical evidence for early aMCI management.
Trial Registration:
http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=142612&htm=4 , identifier: ChiCTR2100054009.
Insights
This study investigates TiaoshenYizhi acupuncture for amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). We aim to evaluate its efficacy and neural mechanisms in improving episodic memory in aMCI patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Integrative Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Amnesic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a subtype of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with the highest risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Episodic memory deficits are an early hallmark of aMCI, making them a critical target for AD prevention strategies.
- Prior research suggests acupuncture may enhance cognitive function in MCI patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of TiaoshenYizhi (TSYZ) acupuncture in improving episodic memory in patients diagnosed with aMCI.
- To explore the underlying neural mechanisms through which TSYZ acupuncture may exert its effects on aMCI.
- To provide clinical evidence supporting the use of TSYZ acupuncture for the early management of aMCI.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 360 aMCI participants.
- Participants were randomly assigned to receive TSYZ acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or standard health education (control group).
- Treatments were administered three times weekly for 8 weeks, with cognitive function, EEG, and fMRI assessed at baseline and weeks 4 and 8.
Main Results:
- The study is designed to evaluate the intervention effects on global cognitive ability and specific domains like episodic memory.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data will be analyzed to understand neural changes.
- Statistical analysis using repeated measurement ANOVA and mixed linear models will determine the intervention's impact.
Conclusions:
- This protocol outlines a rigorous clinical trial to evaluate TSYZ acupuncture for aMCI.
- The findings are expected to offer valuable clinical evidence for managing aMCI and potentially preventing Alzheimer's disease progression.
- This research may support acupuncture as a therapeutic option for early cognitive impairment.
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