Combination of Body Acupuncture with Scalp and Ear Micro acupuncture in Treating Alzheimer's Dementia in Elderly: A Case Report

Abstract

Impairment in multiple domains of cognitive function is referred to as dementia. Alzheimer's dementia (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia. AD is associated with the influence of amyloid, oxidative stress, as well as abnormal phosphorylation of the protein Tau which forms neurofibrillary plaques in neurons. Clinical symptoms include progressive memory impairment for current events, cognitive impairment, general confusion, agitation, delusions, social disinhibition, and paranoia. This case report was using manual acupuncture as an adjuvant treatment in the Alzheimer’s dementia to improve cognitive impairment of the patient. A 68-year-old man complained of rapid forgetfulness and decreased cognitive function accompanied by insomnia. Acupuncture manual therapy was performed at points GB20, LI4, HT7, KI3 bilaterally and EX-HN1, EX-HN3, GV20, CV9, CV4, CV3. Combine with scalp acupuncture Zhu Scalp Head and Face, as well as bilateral anterior hypothalamus and master cerebral ear points. Electroacupuncture 2 Hz continuous wave electroacupuncture at points ST25-ST28, CV12-CV6, and ST36-SP6. Therapy is carried out 2 times a week. Evaluation using MMSE and PSQI. After 10 treatments, there was improvement in clinical symptoms, MMSE and PSQI scores. Manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture, a combination of body points, scalp and ear microcupuncture are useful in the management of Alzheimer's dementia accompanied by insomnia as non-pharmacological adjuvant therapy with improvement on MMSE and PSQI score and also clinical symptoms.