Acupuncture for improving cognitive function after stroke

Acupuncture Therapy for Post-stroke Mild Cognitive Impairment: a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is testing if acupuncture can help improve thinking and memory skills in people who have mild cognitive issues after a stroke.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Shanghai, Shanghai)
• Trial ID: NCT05924308 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy in patients experiencing mild cognitive impairment following a stroke. It employs a randomized controlled design to compare the effects of electroacupuncture against sham acupuncture, utilizing international rating scales to assess outcomes. The study also aims to refine a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome prediction model based on clinical experiences and patient-reported outcomes. By integrating both Western and Chinese evaluation scales, the trial seeks to enhance understanding of cognitive impairment post-stroke.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 to 75 who have experienced mild cognitive impairment due to a stroke within the last six months.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairment caused by factors other than stroke or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel therapeutic option for improving cognitive function in post-stroke patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for acupuncture in cognitive impairment, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Meeting the diagnostic criteria: ① Stroke diagnostic criteria: according to the diagnostic criteria of cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage in the "Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Stroke (2021 edition)" issued by the National Health Commission, the diagnosis was confirmed by head CT or MRI examination. ② Mild cognitive impairment diagnostic criteria: according to the 2018 Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia and cognitive Impairment (5) : Diagnosis and treatment of mild cognitive Impairment. ③ TCM diagnostic criteria: according to the "TCM Diagnostic Efficacy Criteria" issued by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2012, the patients were diagnosed as dementia.
2. 40 years old ≤ age ≤75 years old, regardless of gender;
3. cognitive impairment occurred after stroke without other causes;
4. cognitive impairment within 6 months after stroke;
5. stable condition, clear consciousness, MoCA score \< 26 points;
6. those who were willing to participate in the study and signed the "informed consent".

Exclusion Criteria:

* Brain CT or MRI showed other lesions unrelated to stroke, or severe brain atrophy or leukoaraiosis; (2) serious complications (myocardial infarction, heart failure, malignant tumor, severe infection, mental illness, severe depression, epilepsy, etc.);

  * with obvious hearing impairment, visual impairment, aphasia and other inability to cooperate in the physical evaluation; (4) pregnant or intended to pregnant women, lactating women; ⑤ intolerance to acupuncture; ⑥ bleeding tendency and poor coagulation function.

Where this trial is running

Shanghai, Shanghai

• Longhua Hospital, Shanghai university of TCM — Shanghai, Shanghai, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jia Xu, Doctor

Conditions: Post-stroke Mild Cognitive Impairment, Acupuncture therapy