Alzheimer’s disease, a primary form of dementia, is the most prevalent type, affecting approximately 850,000 individuals in the UK. This condition, indifferent to gender, race, or social status, leads to a gradual loss of memory, judgment impairment, personality changes, diminishing language skills, and a decreased ability to handle daily activities, eventually necessitating 24-hour care.
In treating Alzheimer’s, a combination of body and scalp acupuncture is often employed. The efficacy of acupuncture in managing Alzheimer's is gradual, and to enhance its effectiveness, it's crucial to engage patients in language and cognitive exercises, encouraging them to read, think, and speak more. Clinically, to swiftly assess memory function, simple tests are used, such as asking patients about their or their relatives’ names, birthdays, and ages. The accuracy of their responses serves as an indicator of the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment.
As patients begin to correctly answer simple questions, the complexity of the queries is gradually increased. This approach not only assesses the progression of the disease but also stimulates cognitive function, which is essential in managing Alzheimer’s. Acupuncture, in conjunction with cognitive exercises, can be a valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan, offering a holistic approach to managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer's disease.