Neural Mechanism of Cognitive Reserve in Acupuncture Stimulation

Study Overview

This study focuses on understanding how acupuncture may help with cognitive reserve (CR) in aging and dementia. CR is the brain’s ability to cope with damage and is important for predicting dementia outcomes.

Why This Study Matters

Dementia currently has no cure, making early diagnosis and prevention crucial. Acupuncture is a popular treatment in East Asia for neurological issues, but its effects on brain activity related to CR are not well understood.

Study Goals

The main goal is to explore how acupuncture affects brain activity in older adults and those with cognitive impairment using advanced imaging techniques.

How the Study Works

Participants: 60 individuals (30 with cognitive impairment and 30 without).
Groups: Participants will be randomly assigned to either the real acupuncture group or a sham (fake) acupuncture group.
Procedure: The real group will receive acupuncture at specific points related to cognitive function, while the sham group will receive superficial needling at unrelated points.
Assessments: Both groups will undergo cognitive tests and brain imaging before and after treatment.

Expected Outcomes

The study aims to identify differences in brain activity and connectivity based on cognitive status and how these change after acupuncture. This could help understand the role of CR in dementia.

Current Status

As of now, 50 participants have been recruited, with the study continuing until February 2025.

Conclusion

This research could shed light on how acupuncture influences cognitive reserve and brain function, paving the way for future studies in this area.

Clinical Trial Registration

Registered with the Clinical Research Information Service of the Republic of Korea: KCT0008719.

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