A new study has found that acupuncture may slow down pre-dementia memory loss and mild cognitive impairment. Based on their review of five different studies on the subject, Chinese researchers found that acupuncture may slow down memory loss progression, and even help retain memory function when combined with other treatments.
The findings are still preliminary, so it is too early to recommend acupuncture as a treatment method for early memory loss.
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The reviewed trials involved nearly 600 people with mild cognitive impairment, which is considered pre-dementia. Roughly five to 10 percent of the patients developed dementia over the course of the study period.
The researchers concentrated on participants with a specific form of mild cognitive impairment called amnestic – these patients are even more likely to develop dementia.
The studies compared the use of acupuncture as a treatment to the use of nimodipine medication, as well as the combination of the two treatments.
The combined results from the five studies revealed that patients who received acupuncture treatment performed better on cognitive tests than those who only received nimodipine. Those who received both acupuncture and nimodipine had higher cognitive testing scores as well.
Not all doctors are optimistic about these results. Some point to the poor quality of the studies and stress the need for additional research to validate these findings.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that uses thin needles inserted at specific points of the body to promote healing.
Also, read Bel Marra Health’s article: Modern technology validates role of acupuncture in treating hypertension
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
