Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Acupuncture Treatment in a Mouse Model of Chronic Hypoxia-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction
Published on: December 8, 2023
Acupuncture for vascular mild cognitive impairment: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized
An-Qi Cai1, Le-Yan Hu1, Yi-Ying Wang1
1Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
Background:
Vascular mild cognitive impairment (VMCI) is a potentially transitional state between normal aging and vascular dementia. The presence of macroscopic white matter lesions (WML) of moderate or severe extension on brain MRI is the hallmark of the vascular mild cognitive impairment.
Objective:
To assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for vascular mild cognitive impairment.
Methods:
Six electronic databases and two clinical trial websites were searched for randomized controlled trials which investigated the effects of acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture, drugs or usual care (such as cognitive rehabilitation). Studies comparing acupuncture combined with other therapies with this therapy alone for VMCI were also included. The quality of the trials selected was evaluated according to the Cochrane 'risk of bias' tool. RevMan V.5.4 software was employed for data analysis. Risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for a dichotomous or continuous variable, respectively.
Results:
Forty-nine trials with 3555 participants were included, with the exception of one trial judged to have a low risk of bias, 43 trials were all judged to have some concerns or a high risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed superior effect of acupuncture as add-on treatment to usual care on increasing the MMSE scores (MD 2.15, 95% CI 1.61 to 2.69, 7 trials, 536 participants, I2 = 22%, P < 0.00001). Five trials also found superior effect of body acupuncture as add-on treatment to usual care on increasing the MoCA scores (MD 2.50, 95% CI 1.80 to 3.20, 5 trials, 340 participants, I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001). Among the included studies, two studies reported adverse reactions.
Conclusions:
Acupuncture seems to be a promising treatment for vascular cognitive impairment to slow the progression of the disease and improve cognitive function. However, evidence is limited due to heterogeneity and the small number of included trials.
Systematic Review Registration:
PROSPERO CRD42022382245.
Insights
Acupuncture shows promise in improving cognitive function for vascular mild cognitive impairment (VMCI). While effective as an add-on therapy, more high-quality research is needed due to limited evidence.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Integrative Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Vascular mild cognitive impairment (VMCI) is a transitional stage between normal aging and vascular dementia, characterized by white matter lesions.
- Identifying effective treatments for VMCI is crucial to prevent progression to vascular dementia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for treating VMCI.
- To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials on acupuncture's impact on cognitive function in VMCI patients.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted.
- Searches included six electronic databases and two clinical trial websites.
- Data were analyzed using RevMan V.5.4, with risk ratios or mean differences and 95% confidence intervals reported.
Main Results:
- Forty-nine trials with 3555 participants were included, though most had a high risk of bias.
- Acupuncture as an add-on to usual care significantly improved Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores.
- Body acupuncture also significantly improved Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores when added to usual care.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture appears to be a promising treatment for VMCI, potentially slowing disease progression and enhancing cognitive function.
- The current evidence is limited by trial heterogeneity and a small number of high-quality studies.
- Further rigorous research is warranted to confirm acupuncture's efficacy and safety in VMCI management.