Electroacupuncture for the Treatment of Agitated Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Launched by GUANG'ANMEN HOSPITAL OF CHINA ACADEMY OF CHINESE MEDICAL SCIENCES · Jul 3, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how effective electroacupuncture, a treatment that uses mild electrical currents at certain points on the body, is in helping reduce agitation symptoms in people with Alzheimer's disease. Agitation can include feelings of restlessness or irritability, which can be challenging for both patients and their caregivers. The researchers also want to understand how this treatment affects the brain by using advanced imaging technology.

To participate in the trial, individuals must have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and show signs of agitation, as measured by a specific checklist. They should also be on stable medication for Alzheimer's for at least a month. However, some people may not be eligible if they have certain health issues that would make acupuncture unsafe or if they have recently received similar treatments. The trial is not yet recruiting participants, but once it starts, those involved will receive electroacupuncture sessions and help researchers learn more about how this treatment works.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Meet the revised draft diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease published by the Alzheimer's Association in 2023
• • 2. Meet the 2023 IPA definition of agitated symptoms of cognitive impairment
• • 3. Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI)≥45 points
• • 4. Have been on stable anti-AD medication (cholinesterase inhibitors, etc.) for more than 1 month
• • 5. If taking antipsychotics, the medication regimen for agitation (antipsychotics) is stable for 1 month prior to randomization
• • 6. Subject and legal guardian and caregiver sign informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. There are contraindications for acupuncture treatment, such as the tendency of acupoint bleeding or allergy to metal
• • 2. Received electroacupuncture treatment in the past 2 weeks
• • 3. At the time of the screening, participants are participating in other clinical trials or planned to participate in other clinical trials in the next 17 weeks.