Electroacupuncture for treating the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction The long-term efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains unclear, and its time-dependent relationship requires further investigation. Methods Sixty-six patients were allocated to the EA or sham EA group, with stimulation for 20 minutes, for a 24-week treatment period, and were followed-up at 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the mean change in the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) score. Activities of daily living and behavioral and psychological symptoms were also assessed. Results After 24 weeks of intervention, patients demonstrated significant improvements in ADAS-Cog scores, with sustained benefits observed during the 4-week follow-up period. In addition, improvements were observed in activities of daily living and behavioral and psychological symptoms. Discussion The use of EA as a promising nonpharmacological intervention for AD. Clinical Trial Registration https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=151275 , identifier (ChiCTR2200056329).