By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM
Should you ever be unfortunate enough to be
diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, do you think you would be willing to
undergo acupuncture as a possible treatment? It might be worth it, even if you
are somewhat afraid of needles. Recent research published by the Healthcare
Medicine Institute (HMI) suggest acupuncture could help improve memory loss
issues associated with Alzheimer's by serving to reestablish brain connections
within the hippocampus.
The HMI says magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
shows that acupuncture can encourage brain activity in Alzheimer's patients
when applied properly. The research backing up those claims was conducted using
the latest fMRI technology along with advanced scanners. The resulting images
showed Alzheimer's patients receiving acupuncture experienced greater brain
connectivity in the affected portions of the brain.
The Hippocampus
The research into acupuncture for Alzheimer's
focused on the hippocampus region of the brain. This is where Alzheimer's
usually begins before progressing outward. And because the hippocampus is
largely responsible for things like memory, emotions, and the autonomic nervous
system, increasing activity in the hippocampus could reduce most of the early
and mid-term symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
In order to affect this greater brain activity,
researchers took advantage of two specific acupoints as described in
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Focusing on these acupoints apparently
increases cerebral blood flow. Acupuncturists then included two additional
acupoints to increase blood flow, balance the yin and yang, and regulate qi.
Researchers claim that what they have discovered
is consistent with previous studies that also used MRI scans to verify
acupuncture and its benefits in treating Alzheimer's disease. Researchers now
believe those benefits are threefold:
- Brain Cell Damage – If MRI images do indeed show what researchers claim they do, acupuncture could be helpful in slowing down or stopping the progression of brain cell damage in the affected portions of the Alzheimer's brain. Although not an outright cure for the disease, it might be something that could effectively slow it down.
- Improved Cognition – Acupuncture allegedly takes advantage of the still healthy brain cells within the hippocampus, encouraging them to make new connections that bypass already damaged cells. This could improve cognition and memory function in some patients.
- Neuron Preservation – Third, acupuncture is believed to help
with neuron preservation by stimulating undamaged cells to better defend
themselves against the progression of the disease. If such observations
turn out to be true, acupuncture would be acting almost as an immune
system booster of sorts.
It should be understood that the research into
acupuncture as a treatment for Alzheimer's is still in its early stages. The
results achieved thus far have only been observed in a limited number of human
patients and some laboratory mice under controlled conditions. In other words,
conclusions reached by the researchers are by no means conclusive. Their
research shows promise, but a lot more work is needed to make any definitive
claims.
Another Option
We do hope further research into acupuncture
yields great results. The devastation caused by Alzheimer's disease and other
forms of dementia is such that patients need every option possible. If
acupuncture turns out to be as effective as researchers hope, it might be the
option that radically transforms the lives of some patients – even those who
really do not enjoy the thought of being treated with multiple needles.
At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com.
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