Age and ageing
Acupuncture for older adults with dementia in residential care homes: an assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial
By Chan MY, Yin J, Cheung MT and 13 others.
Abstract
Background
Dementia harms the mental health of older adults and poses a significant caregiver burden. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in managing cognitive decline and related symptoms in older adults with dementia.
Methods
Eligible participants were recruited from 19 local residential care homes for older people in Hong Kong, China, from 5 October 2021 to 27 August 2024, in an assessor-blinded, randomised controlled trial. 118 participants were randomised to acupuncture and care-as-usual control (n=59 in each group) for 12 weeks. The analyses were on the intention-to-treat population. The primary outcome was the mean baseline-to-endpoint change of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score. Secondary outcomes included the functional independence, pain, depressive and sleep symptoms.