Effect of acupuncture on vascular cognitive impairment (VCI): A randomized controlled trial

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is a condition associated with cerebrovascular diseases, which causes a heavy burden on both individuals and society. Acupuncture has been used extensively in China to treat these complications. However, the therapeutic efficacy of this treatment remains uncertain. Consequently, we aimed to investigate the clinical effects of acupuncture on VCI.

Patients (n = 97) were randomly divided into the intervention (n = 48) and the control (n = 49) groups. The intervention group was given donepezil hydrochloride orally once a day for 4 weeks, and the intervention group was combined with acupuncture treatment on the basis of control group once daily, 6 days a week, for a total of 4 weeks. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were performed before the intervention and after the intervention (4 weeks post-intervention). The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were measured before the intervention and after the intervention (4 weeks post-intervention). Finally, the clinical effective rate was calculated according to the MMSE scores before and after intervention.

Following the intervention, significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups. After 4 weeks, MMSE and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were significantly increased (P < .001), and IL-1β and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased (P < .001).

Acupuncture treatment can improve the cognitive function of patients with VCI and decrease the levels of IL-1β and IL-6. These findings strongly support the efficacy of acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention in patients with VCI.