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http://dx.doi.org/10.13045/jar.2020.00255

The Effectiveness of Acupuncture Treatment for Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials  

Shin, Jin Hyeon (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital of Woosuk University)
Shin, Hye Jeong (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital of Woosuk University)
Kim, Eui Byeol (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital of Woosuk University)
An, Yun Young (Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University)
Yook, Tae Han (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital of Woosuk University)
Choi, Yoo Min (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital of Woosuk University)
Song, Beom Yong (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital of Woosuk University)
Kim, Jong Uk (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital of Woosuk University)
Publication Information
Journal of Acupuncture Research / v.37, no.4, 2020 , pp. 209-223 More about this Journal
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). There were 11 databases searched for randomized controlled trials using acupuncture treatment for AD. The risk-of-bias assessment tool of the Cochrane Library was used to evaluate the quality of each study. Using the Review Manager (RevMan), a meta-analysis was performed using risk ratio, mean difference, 95% confidence interval, and random effect model. There were 32 studies selected, all of which were conducted in China. There were 16 studies where acupuncture was used as the intervention, and 23 studies used Donepezil as the control group. Acupoint GV20 was most frequently selected during the treatment. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was the most frequently used outcome variable. A period of 12 weeks was the most common treatment duration. As a result of meta-analysis (n = 25), acupuncture improved the MMSE and activities of daily living scores. Electroacupuncture improved the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale, and scalp acupuncture improved the MMSE score for AD. Acupuncture alleviates the symptoms of AD. However, further research is necessary to provide a better level of evidence.
Keywords
Alzheimer disease; acupuncture; cognition disorders; activities of daily living; meta-analysis;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 6  (Citation Analysis)
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