Acupuncture and Alzheimer’s DiseaseDr. David Dresner, DC

Acupuncture and Alzheimer’s Disease

Approximately 1 out of 10 people over the age of 65 and nearly half of all people over the age of 85 suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common cause of dementia and intellectual decline in the elderly. It affects more women than men. Unless a cure or preventive measure is found, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that by the year 2025, 22 million people all over the world will develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Acupuncture and Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is characterized by the shrinkage of the

temporal or frontal lobes and death of the nerve cells in several areas of the brain,

resulting in loss of memory, concentration, and the ability

to learn.

Acupuncture and Alzheimer’s Disease

To slow down or reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease, several therapies have been attempted on patients such as increase of vitamins and antioxidants, nicotine patches, and a new kind of drug called cholinesterase inhibitors. However, heavy doses of vitamins and nicotine patches may have negative side effects and the long term effects of cholinesterase inhibitors are still unknown.

Acupuncture and Alzheimer’s Disease

If these present treatments are unsafe, is there still hope for those suffering from Alzheimer’s?

A new research at the recent World Alzheimer’s Conference has shown that acupuncture gives promising results for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Acupuncture and Alzheimer’s Disease

Two separate studies in Wellesley College Center for Research on Women and the University of Hong Kong show that acupuncture can improve a patient’s cognitive function and increase motor and verbal skills. The patients in the study were treated with acupuncture two times a week for three months, with each patient receiving a maximum of 22 treatments.

Acupuncture and Alzheimer’s Disease

Researches found that patients showed “statistically significant improvements” in their depression and anxiety scores. Once example is the patient with an average Spielberger anxiety score prior to acupuncture treatment of 49.5. By the end of 3 months of treatment, the score decreased to 40.1. With many of the test patients showing significant improvements in verbal and motor coordination, anxiety, and depression, researchers have concluded that acupuncture treatment shows therapeutic side effects in reducing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Acupuncture and Alzheimer’s Disease

Aside from anxiety and depression, acupuncture helps with the patient’s other issues like pain.

In Wellington, acupuncture has given hope to patients with Alzheimer’s disease and given them a better quality of life with a safer, natural, and effective treatment for their symptoms.

Acupuncture and Alzheimer’s Disease

If you or a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, visit the Dresner Chiropractic Center today or call 561-798-9778 and consult with the best Wellington acupuncture practitioner, Dr. Dresner, to get the best acupuncture treatment suitable for your individual needs.

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Call 561-798-9778www.DresnerChiropractic.com

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