Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of acupuncture on cognition, mood, quality of life and physical performance in individuals with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (MCI-AD).

Methods: A quasi-experimental 8-week study was conducted with MCI-AD individuals (mean age: 74.3+5.3 y; 50% Female) using an Intent-To-Treat (ITT) and a Last Observation Carried Forward (LOCF) approach. Acupuncture was perform twice weekly for 8 weeks. Outcomes measures were collected at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Cognition was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, mood was assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, mindfulness was assessed with the Applied Mindfulness Process Scale and physical performance was assessed by computerized gait and balance measurements, Mini-Physical Performance Test, Berg Balance Scale, Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) and Five Times Sit-to-Stand (STS-5) tests.

Results: Twelve individuals were enrolled and 11 competed all 16 sessions. There was a trend towards improvement in cognition (p=0.09) on ITT analyses that met significance in the LOCF analyses (p=0.02). Significant improvements with ITT analyses were found in depressive symptoms (p=0.04), mindfulness (p=0.04), the miniphysical performance test (p=0.04), Berg balance test (p=0.005), TUG (p=0.001), DGI (p=0.04) and STS-5 (p=0.02).

Conclusion: Acupuncture in MCI-AD may provide improvements in cognition, mood, mindfulness and physical performance. A larger double-blind study is warranted.

Keywords: Acupuncture; Mild cognitive impairment; Alzheimer’s disease; Dementia; Non-pharmacological approaches; Cognitive outcomes; Physical performance outcomes