Cognitive decline affects a growing number of individuals each year. In the United States alone, approximately one in nine adults (11.1%) report experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD) – a self-perceived worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss.1 A comparable percentage will go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.2
As researchers and clinicians seek integrative solutions outside of conventional pharmacological approaches, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emerges as a promising, multimodal strategy in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline. Let’s explore the potential role of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in addressing cognitive deterioration and supporting brain health.
Understanding the Etiology of Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline is a complex, multifactorial condition with roots in a variety of medical, lifestyle and environmental factors. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease are known contributors. Other significant influences include aging, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, smoking, chronic stress, and metabolic syndromes.
Additional risk factors include genetic predisposition, traumatic brain injuries, infections, pharmaceutical side effects, and environmental toxins. A comprehensive understanding of these contributing elements is crucial to formulating holistic treatment strategies — making TCM particularly well-suited due to its emphasis on individualized diagnosis and treatment.
Acupuncture and Cognitive Function: A Review of Current Evidence
Acupuncture continues to gain attention for its neuroregulatory effects and potential role in cognitive health. Emerging studies suggest acupuncture may promote cerebral blood flow, modulate neurotransmitter levels and reduce neuroinflammation — all key mechanisms implicated in the progression of cognitive decline.3
Clinical and preclinical findings are promising. One human study demonstrated that elderly patients with subjective cognitive decline experienced increases in hippocampal volume and improved functional brain connectivity following acupuncture treatment.4 Another study reported cognitive improvements in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) after consistent acupuncture sessions.5
Animal models provide further insight. In one study, rats with induced cognitive impairment — caused by chronic stress, social isolation and chemical exposure — showed significant gains in learning and memory after receiving acupuncture therapy.6
Although human trials remain limited, the cumulative evidence supports acupuncture as a safe, non-invasive adjunct therapy with potential for both prevention and treatment of cognitive dysfunction.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Neuroprotection
TCM herbal formulations offer additional support for cognitive function, leveraging neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. Several botanicals commonly used in Chinese medicine have demonstrated potential benefits in maintaining brain health and slowing cognitive decline.
Panax ginseng (ren shen): Widely studied for its adaptogenic properties, ginseng has been shown to improve memory and cognitive performance in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments.7
Salvia miltiorrhiza (dan shen): Traditionally used to promote cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, dan shen contains active compounds such as salvianolic acid B, which may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. While studies in mice show encouraging results, limited bioavailability in humans has prompted the development of more effective delivery methods, including nanopharmaceutical formulations.8
Curcumin (from turmeric/jiang huang): Known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, curcumin has demonstrated improvements in working memory. However, gastrointestinal side effects remain a challenge, underscoring the need for further research into safer and more effective dosing strategies.8
Polygala tenuifolia (yuan zhi): Long used in TCM for cognitive and emotional disorders, yuan zhi has shown promise in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease. Research in mice demonstrated improved memory, and spatial orientation, and reductions in beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein deposits in the hippocampus.9
Collectively, these herbs represent a compelling case for the integration of TCM herbs in cognitive care. Nonetheless, standardized clinical trials are essential to confirm safety, efficacy and dosage guidelines appropriate for broader medical use.
Practical Takeaway
As rates of cognitive impairment rise, there is an increasing need for safe, effective and accessible interventions. TCM – through its holistic lens and centuries of clinical application – offers promising avenues for both the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine, in particular, may serve as valuable adjuncts to conventional care by promoting neuroprotection, reducing inflammation,and supporting healthy brain function. While further research is necessary to fully substantiate their role, the existing evidence – combined with clinical experience – suggests integration of TCM into mainstream cognitive health strategies is not only warranted, but essential.
References
One of the longest nerves in the body is known as the vagus nerve (VN). The VN is the 10th pair of cranial nerves that originates at the brain stem in the medulla oblongata. This nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the ANS. Research suggests ear acupuncture can activate the VN.
Migraines are unilateral, throbbing headaches, often with concurrent nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. Approximately 10% of the global population suffers from migraines, with women more than three times as likely as men to experience them. Medication remains a mainstay treatment option, making nondrug alternatives critical to safer practices. New research suggests auricular acupuncture may be one such alternative.
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