Acupuncture for Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain cells and causes memory loss and cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. The disease was first described by German psychiatrist and neurologist Alois Alzheimer in 1906 and was named after him. Alzheimer’s is a fatal disease with no known cure.

The cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Other risk factors include family history of the disease, previous head injuries, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and smoking.

Alzheimer’s disease affects people of all races and ethnicities. In the United States, Alzheimer’s is the fifth leading cause of death for adults aged 65 and older. Globally, Alzheimer’s affects about 47 million people and is the seventh leading cause of death. Alzheimer’s is predicted to affect 75 million people by 2030.

There are three stages of Alzheimer’s disease: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. MCI is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia. Dementia is a decline in cognitive function that interferes with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease progresses through these stages at different rates for different people.

Recent studies have shown that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. One study found that acupuncture improved cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s, while another found that it increased levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Acupuncture may also help to reduce inflammation in the brain, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

If you or someone you know has Alzheimer’s disease, acupuncture may be worth considering as a treatment option. Book an Orlando acupuncture appointment now!