Effect of acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and on the cognitive function in the patients with subjective cognitive decline.

Objectives: To observe the effects on cognitive function, sleep quality and hemodynamics in the patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) after treated with acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and on the base of healthy lifestyle education and meta-memory training.

Methods: Sixty SCD patients were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (30 cases, 3 cases dropped out). In the control group, the healthy lifestyle education and meta-memory training was performed, twice daily, 15 min each time; the 5-day intervention was delivered a week, lasting consecutively 4 weeks. On the base of the intervention as the control group, in the observation group, acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and was conducted. First, one-finger pushing and plucking method of was exerted on the neck region along the running courses of the bladder meridian of foot- and the governor vessel, for 10 min to 15 min; afterwards, acupuncture was delivered at bilateral neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2), from C to C; and the needles were retained for 30 min. This intervention was given once daily, 5 times a week, for consecutive 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the score of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), the score of full scale memory quotient (FSMQ) were assessed by Wechsler memory scale-fourth edition (WMS-Ⅳ) and the score of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was compared between the two groups. Using transcranial Doppler ultrasound, the hemodynamic indexes (the mean velocity [Vm] and pulsatility index [PI] of the left vertebral artery [LVA], the right vertebral artery [RVA] and the basilar artery [BA]) were determined in the two groups.

Results: After treatment, the scores of MMSE and FSMQ increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (<0.05, 0.001), PSQI score was lower (<0.05) and Vm of BA was higher (0.001) in the observation group when compared with those before treatment. The scores of MMSE and FSMQ, as well as Vm of BA were higher (<0.05, <0.001), and PSQI score was decreased (<0.05) in the observation group when compared with the control group.

Conclusions: The combined therapy of acupuncture at neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) and is more advantageous to improving cognitive function, relieving chronic emotional stress and ameliorating sleeping quality in the patients with subjective cognitive decline, which may be achieved by improving the blood supply of the basilar artery.