Dementia is prevalent among the elderly,characterized by deficiency at the root and excess in the branches.Key factors contributing to this condition include kidney deficiency and phlegm turbidity.Therefore,the primary method for the treatment focuses on tonifying deficiency and eliminating evil.Herb pairing is a common approach in the creation of formulas.Shichangpu(Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii)and Yuanzhi(Radix Polygalae),two herbs that reinforce each other,can be used to treat dementia by targeting the complex etiology involving deficiency and excess,employing a dual-action strategy to resolve phlegm and open orifices,restore interaction between the heart and kidney,and strengthen deficiency while promoting cognitive function.This approach effectively manages current symptoms and slows down the progression of the disease.Modern pharmacological studies,conducted through experimental and clinical perspectives,suggests that the Shichangpu-Yuanzhi pair can modulate relevant proteins and pathways and improve cognitive dysfunction.Therefore,in clinical treatment,adhering to the understanding of the disease mechanism,differential diagnosis,and flexible application of this drug pairing can enhance clinical efficacy,showcasing the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of dementia.