Acupuncture Can Benefit Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease

There have been numerous studies conducted that have indicated that acupuncture can have a positive effect on patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Not only can acupuncture improve cognitive skills in patients, but patients have reported improvement in mood as well. With no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, acupuncture-related findings such as these can provide patients and their loved ones hope in the fight against this difficult illness.

Acupuncture Is A Safe Treatment For Alzheimer’s Disease

Researchers recently conducted a meta-analysis using randomized controlled studies to conclude that the use of acupuncture along with the Alzheimer’s medication Donepezil produced more effective results for patients than using Donepezil alone as a treatment for Alzheimer’s. They reported no severe adverse reactions by combining acupuncture and Donepezil, which led the researchers to conclude that acupuncture is a safe treatment method for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Acupuncture Improves The Performance Of Donepezil

Donepezil has been used for patients with Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia, cognitive impairment, memory disorders, and personality changes.The drug works to improve memory, mental clarity, functional activities, and communication. Out of 10 randomized controlled trials examined, 6 studies found that when acupuncture was combined with Donepezil, the effects of Donepezil were improved. The Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) scores in patients improved by a significant level with the addition of acupuncture. The MMSE is a diagnostic assessment tool used to determine the progression and severity of dementia in patients. The exam is short and consists of basic questions and commands. When a patient earns a poor score on the MMSE, that indicates cognitive impairment.

Is Acupuncture More Effective Than Alzheimer’s Medications?

Among the conclusions of the meta-analysis performed, researchers noted that in addition to enhancing the effectiveness of Alzheimer drugs, acupuncture therapy alone may be even more effective than, or “superior to” the Alzheimer’s drugs in improving cognitive function of patients. Additionally, they stated that acupuncture may be more effective in improving Alzheimer’s patients daily living than the drugs are. This statement comes as no surprise to the team at Metro Detroit Acupuncture, and while acupuncture therapy for many different ailments has resulted in dramatic results for our patients, we look forward to learning of the results of further research which is sure to be forthcoming.

Acupuncture Is An Effective Option

It is estimated that 5.3 Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, and it is expected that in just 10 years, 7.1 million Americans over the age of 65 will suffer from Alzheimer’s. Without a cure for Alzheimer’s disease in sight, these findings appear promising in improving the lives of Alzheimer’s patients. And as acupuncture results in no detrimental side effects to Alzheimer’s patients, it appears to be a safe treatment option in improving daily life for those affected by the disease. If you would like to learn more about how acupuncture can improve your own life, contact Metro Detroit Acupuncture at 248-432-2846.