Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2013, Vol. 8 ›› Issue (18): 1673-1684.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.18.005

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Acupuncture improves cognitive function A systematic review

Mason Chin Pang Leung1, Ka Keung Yip1, Chung Tsung Lam1, Ka Shun Lam1, Wai Lau1, Wing Lam Yu1, Amethyst King Man Leung2, Kwok-fai So3   

  1. 1 Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
    2 Cambridge Regional College, Cambridge, United Kingdom
    3 Department of Anatomy, and the State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
  • Received:2013-04-05 Revised:2013-05-21 Online:2013-06-25 Published:2013-06-25
  • Contact: Mason Chin Pang Leung☆， Ph.D., Associate professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, mason.leung@ polyu.edu.hk

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture has been used as a treatment for cognitive impairment.
OBJECTIVE: This review assesses clinical evidence for or against acupuncture as a treatment for cognitive impairment. This review also discusses the proposed mechanism(s) that could link acupuncture to improved cognitive function.
METHODS: We searched the literature using PolyUone search from its inception to January 2013, with full text available and language limited to English. Levels of evidence were examined using Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine–Levels of Evidence (March, 2009).
RESULTS: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria: 3 human studies and 9 animal studies. Levels of evidence ranged from level 1b to level 5.
CONCLUSION: Most animal studies demonstrated a positive effect of acupuncture on cognitive impairment. However, the results of human studies were inconsistent. Further high-quality human studies with greater statistical power are needed to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture and an optimal protocol.