Acupuncture May Aid Alzheimer's Disease Sufferers

Harry Hirsute · � #1 � 08-17-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

n a study involving 26 patients with clinically-diagnosed Alzheimer's Disease (AD), acupuncture treatment was found to stimulate areas of the brain associated with cognitive function which are known to be impaired in patients with AD.

Subjects received acupuncture treatment at four acupuncture points: HT-7 (Shen Men), ST-36 (Zu San Li), ST-40 (Feng Long), and KI-3 (Tai Xi). During treatment, patients underwent functional magnetic resonance imagine (fMRI).

Results of fMRI showed right main hemisphere activations at the temporal lobe, including hippocampal gyrus, insula, and some areas of the parietal lobe, and left hemisphere activations at the temporal lobe, parietal lobule, and some regions of the cerebellus.

Several of the areas activated are areas associated with cognitive function such as memory, language, and reasoning.

These results suggest that acupuncture treatment in patients with AD may stimulate various affected regions of the brain. Additional research is needed to assess the clinical effects of acupuncture in patients with AD.

https://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/37615

Xania · � #2 � 08-18-2008, 12:38 AM

I have treated people with dementia - whether Alzheimer's or senile dementia may not be relevant.
There was improvement in communication, affect, movement and understanding. The fact remains that dementia is a progressive condition, but acupuncture can help the sufferers and their families and carers.

Harry Hirsute · � #3 � 08-18-2008, 09:24 AM

Thanks for sharing that, Xania.

It's always interesting to learn what's going on in the real world, in a clinical (or private) practice setting. After all, most of us will get our care in a private setting, not as part of a clinical trial.

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