Tag Archive for: dementia

Acupuncture for Dementia

Acupuncture and Dementia: How this treatment reduces the risk

New studies shed light on acupuncture’s potential to protect against dementia, particularly among those battling insomnia as well as those affected by migraines.

Acupuncture for patients with insomnia and dementia risk

Chronic sleep problems can muddy the waters of cognitive health, increasing the risk of dementia over time. But acupuncture might just be the lighthouse for patients with insomnia, offering them protection. A very large new study, conducted by a team from China Medical University Hospital in Taiwan and published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, sheds light on acupuncture’s potential to protect against dementia, particularly among those battling insomnia.

The study aimed to investigate whether this TCM treatment is associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia in patients who suffer from insomnia.

The researchers collected real-world data from over 30,000 patients diagnosed with insomnia to conduct a propensity-score-matched cohort study. This approach carefully aligned two groups—one receiving acupuncture and the other not—ensuring that both were balanced in demographic and health characteristics, isolating the effects of this natural therapy on dementia risk. The meticulous work uncovered a striking 46% decrease in dementia risk for the acupuncture group. This means that the relative risk in those who did not receive acupuncture is 85% higher compared to the patients who received this treatment.

Acupuncture has long been recognised for its ability to promote relaxation and improve sleep, both crucial for cognitive health. The study suggests that regular sessions could help individuals with insomnia establish healthier sleep patterns, potentially fortifying their cognitive function and reducing risk of dementia.

 

The risk of dementia is approximately 85% higher when no acupuncture is received

 

Acupuncture has long been recognised for its ability to promote relaxation and improve sleep, both crucial for cognitive health. The studies suggest that regular sessions could help individuals with insomnia establish healthier sleep patterns, potentially fortifying their cognitive function and reducing dementia risk. The study was published in Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine in May 2023.

Acupuncture for patients with migraines and dementia risk

Another significant study by the same author Cheng-Hao Huang and colleagues from Taiwan, used a similar approach to explore the effects of acupuncture in a different patient group. This study utilised Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database to investigate the incidence of dementia in patients with migraine, who either received or did not receive acupuncture treatment. The results from this large-scale study revealed that patients with migraine who received acupuncture had a substantially lower risk of developing dementia, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.51. This suggests a 49% reduction in dementia risk among the acupuncture group compared to those who did not undergo this treatment. This robust evidence underlines the potential of acupuncture as a preventive treatment against dementia in individuals with migraine, further highlighting neuroprotective role of this natural approach.

 

 

How acupuncture helps dementia

Dementia – Acupuncture improves cognitive function

What is Dementia?

Have you ever wondered what dementia is? Well, let me break it down for you. Dementia is a condition characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory, thinking, and communication. It’s a gradual and progressive disorder that can make it difficult for individuals to carry out their daily activities and can significantly impact their quality of life.

Now, here’s the thing: there’s currently no cure for dementia. But there are treatments available that can help manage its symptoms and improve quality of life. So, while we may not have all the answers yet, there is hope for those affected by this condition. And with continued research, we may one day be able to find more effective treatments or even a cure.

The promise of Acupuncture

Let me tell you something fascinating: a recent study conducted at the department of Acupuncture in Beijing Hospital of TCM suggests that acupuncture might be a viable option for treating vascular dementia. Yes, you heard that right! This ancient practice could potentially improve cognitive function and quality of life for those grappling with this debilitating condition.

During the study, researchers assessed the cognitive function and quality of life of participants before and after receiving acupuncture treatment. They also measured levels of 8-OHdG, a marker of oxidative stress in the urine. And guess what? The results were nothing short of remarkable! Participants not only showed a reduction in 8-OHdG levels but also experienced improved cognitive function and quality of life.

Now, don’t get too carried away just yet, because this study was conducted in a single center and with a relatively small sample size. So, further research is necessary to validate these findings and determine the optimal acupuncture treatment protocol for vascular dementia patients. Nevertheless, this study certainly raises some exciting possibilities about the potential of acupuncture to positively impact our health and well-being.

The findings were published in the current issue of the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine [2012, 32(2):199-202].

Update 2021:
A recent systematic review published in European Journal of Integrative medicine summarised 137 studies (randomised controlled trials) amassing a total of 9012 participants. Their conclusion is promising:  “The available evidence seems to support the beneficial effects of acupuncture at effective rate, cognitive performance and activities of daily living for people with dementia.” The researchers call for studies to further confirm these effects.