Adding acupuncture to routine care can improve cognitive status and daily living of patients with vascular dementia (VaD). A total of 68 patients received either acupuncture or usual care alone. The main acupoints used were: Baihui DU-20, Sishencong M-HN1, Shenting DU-24, Shanzhong REN-17, Neiguan P-6, Zhongwan REN-12, Qihai REN-6, Xuehai SP-10 and Zusanli ST-36, with Fengchi GB-20, Fenglong ST-40, Taichong LIV-3, Sanyinjiao SP-6 and Tianshu ST-25 included as auxiliary acupoints. Acupuncture point prescriptions were individualised to each patient at the discretion of the acupuncturist. Patients received up to 21 acupuncture sessions during a period of six weeks plus routine care. Cognitive scores at the end of the six week treatment period and at four week follow-up showed that those who had received acupuncture did better than controls on tests of cognitive function, and reported less interference from dementia with their daily living activities.
Quelle: www.jcm.co.uk