Secondary analysis of a multi-center randomized controlled trial on acupuncture for improving cognitive domains in patients with vascular cognitive impairment no dementia
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in improving different cognitive domains in patients with vascular cognitive impairment no dementia(VCIND).Methods:A total of 216 VCIND patients were randomly assigned to an acupuncture group and a medication group in a 1∶1 ratio.The four cognitive domains of memory,executive function,language,and attention were analyzed using the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale before treatment,at 12 weeks post-treatment,and during the 24-week follow-up.Based on years of education,patients were further divided into a higher education group and a non-higher education group to assess the influence of education on these four cognitive domains.Results:Compared to the medication group,the acupuncture group demonstrated significant improvements in memory and attention scores post-treatment(P＜0.05),and significant improvements in executive function scores during follow-up(P＜0.05).In the higher education group,attention scores were superior in the acupuncture group compared to the medication group(P＜0.01).In the non-higher education group,executive function scores were better in the acupuncture group both post-treatment and during follow-up than that in medication group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture significantly improves memory,attention,and executive function among patients.Among those with higher education,acupuncture shows a more pronounced effect on improving attention,while among those with non-higher education,acupuncture exhibits a superior effect on enhancing executive function.
AcupunctureVascular cognitive impairment no dementia(VCIND)Cognitive domainExecutive functionMemoryLanguageAttentionEducation
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