Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Can Acupuncture Treat Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders?

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Book cover Current Research in Acupuncture

  • 2069 Accesses

Abstract

The high morbidity, prevalence, and disability rates of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD)—the most common of all NDDs, with limited effective therapies, make it necessary to pay attention to alternative therapies, such as acupuncture. In fact, in the East Asian countries such as China and Korea, the practice of acupuncture for treating NDDs dates long back and continues to be popular in modern day clinical practice. There has been some progress in clinical and experimental studies on acupuncture therapy for NDDs. Although a number of Chinese studies claim that acupuncture is an effective therapy for AD, the flaws in their experimental design reduce the worthiness of these studies. Mechanistic studies have also generated several hypotheses with regard to acupuncture for AD, e.g., cholinergic hypothesis, amyloid mechanism, tau protein theory, etc. However, rigorous and well-designed studies are required to investigate the underlying mechanism and testify the clinical efficacy. In this chapter, we provide a concise review on the progress of clinical and bench studies in this field and the future prospects of acupuncture in the treatment of AD. Also, we have briefly presented the clinical and experimental studies on acupuncture treatment for other NDDs, including motor neuron disease, multiple system atrophy, hereditary ataxia, and syringomyelia.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Alexander GE, Chen K, Pietrini P, Rapoport SI, Reiman EM (2002) Longitudinal PET Evaluation of Cerebral Metabolic Decline in Dementia: A Potential Outcome Measure in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment Studies. Am J Psychiatry 159 (5):738–745

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Alonso AC, Li B, Grundke-Iqbal I, Iqbal K (2008) Mechanism of tau-induced neurodegeneration in Alzheimer disease and related tauopathies. Curr Alzheimer Res 5 (4):375–384

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Amatsubo T, Yanagisawa D, Morikawa S, Taguchi H, Tooyama I (2010) Amyloid imaging using high-field magnetic resonance. Magn Reson Med Sci 9 (3):95–99

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Arriagada PV, Growdon JH, Hedley-Whyte ET, Hyman BT (1992) Neurofibrillary tangles but not senile plaques parallel duration and severity of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurology 42 (3 Pt 1):631–639

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bao YX, Lv GH (2003) Effect of acupuncture on dysmnesia and monoamine neurotransmitter of dementia mice. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 22 (7):23–25 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Barg J, Belcheva M, Rowinski J, Ho A, Burke WJ, Chung HD, Schmidt CA, Coscia CJ (1993) Opioid receptor density changes in Alzheimer amygdala and putamen. Brain Res 632 (1–2):209–215

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barrow CJ, Zagorski MG (1991) Solution structures of beta peptide and its constituent fragments: relation to amyloid deposition. Science 253 (5016):179–182

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bekris LM, Yu CE, Bird TD, Tsuang DW (2010) Genetics of Alzheimer disease. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 23 (4):213–227

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bird TD (1993) Alzheimer Disease Overview. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=20301340.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonifati DM, Kishore U (2007) Role of complement in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Mol Immunol 44 (5):999–1010

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cai T, Xiao DL (2008) Clinical Observations on the Intervening Effect of Acupuncture on Hcy and Aβ in Senile Dementia Patients. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 27 (12):3–5 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cao Y, Liu ZS (2007) Treating multiple system atrophy by electroacupuncture followed the principle of nourishing the sea of marrow. Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 34 (5):651 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chau KW, Chan WY, Shaw PC, Chan HY (2006) Biochemical investigation of Tau protein phosphorylation status and its solubility properties in Drosophila. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 346 (1):150–159

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen JL, Wang DH, Zhou SL (2005) A clinical observation using Jiweiling injection to treat motor neuron disease. Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine 25 (1):66–67 (in Chinese)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng H, Yu J, Jiang Z, Zhang X, Liu C, Peng Y, Chen F, Qu Y, Jia Y, Tian Q, Xiao C, Chu Q, Nie K, Kan B, Hu X, Han J (2008) Acupuncture improves cognitive deficits and regulates the brain cell proliferation of SAMP8 mice. Neurosci Lett 432 (2):111–116

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng Y, Bian LN (2010) Using acupuncture to treat C-type multiple system atrophy. Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 37 (6):1113–1114 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cleveland DW, Rothstein JD (2001) From Charcot to Lou Gehrig: deciphering selective motor neuron death in ALS. Nat Rev Neurosci 2 (11):806–819

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crowther DC, Kinghorn KJ, Miranda E, Page R, Curry JA, Duthie FA, Gubb DC, Lomas DA (2005) Intraneuronal Abeta, non-amyloid aggregates and neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer’s disease. Neuroscience 132 (1):123–135

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Deng ZM, Yuan YJ (1991) Storke and dementia. China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy 6 (3):13–15 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ding X, Yu J, Yu T, Fu Y, Han J (2006) Acupuncture regulates the aging-related changes in gene profile expression of the hippocampus in senescence-accelerated mouse (SAMP10). Neurosci Lett 399 (1–2):11–16

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dong HT (1999) Treatment of dementia in senior person by Traditional Chinese Medicine, a systemic review. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Literature 023 (4):39–41 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dong HT, Bai Y (2002) Influence of Acupunture Therapy to Alzheimer’s Disease in the Score of MMSE Measuring Scale. Journal of External Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine 11 (3):6–7 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dong YX, Fu Q, Li XC, Hang CX (1997) Acupuncture combined with injection of cerebrolysin at acupoints in treating senile dementia. Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 14 (4):242–242 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Driver AS, Kodavanti PR, Mundy WR (2000) Age-related changes in reactive oxygen species production in rat brain homogenates. Neurotoxicol Teratol 22 (2):175–181

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dupiereux I, Zorzi W, Quadrio I, Perret-Liaudet A, Kovacs GG, Heinen E, Elmoualij B (2009) Creutzfeldt-jakob, Parkinson, lewy body dementia and Alzheimer diseases: from diagnosis to therapy. Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem 9 (1):2–11

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Feng LF (2007) Effects of electroacupuncture to the cognitive impairment and amyloid β in senile dementia rat models. Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferri CP, Prince M, Brayne C, Brodaty H, Fratiglioni L, Ganguli M, Hall K, Hasegawa K, Hendrie H, Huang Y, Jorm A, Mathers C, Menezes PR, Rimmer E, Scazufca M (2005) Global prevalence of dementia: a Delphi consensus study. Lancet 366 (9503):2112–2117

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fletcher PT, Powell S, Foster NL, Joshi SC (2007) Quantifying metabolic asymmetry modulo structure in Alzheimer’s disease. Inf Process Med Imaging 20:446–457

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Fu JZ, Sang BL (1991) Scalp acupuncture combined with acupoint injection to treat cerebellar ataxia, a 50-case clinical report. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 11 (1):23–24 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fu P, Jia JP, Min BQ (2005a) Acupuncture at Neiguan acupoint for brain functional MRI of patients with Alzheimer disease. Chinese Journal of Neurology 38 (2):118–119 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fu P, Jia JP, Wang M (2005b) Acupuncture at shenmen acupoint for brain functional MRI of patients with Alzheimer disease. Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation 9 (1):120–121 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gao HQ, Wang Y, Han YS (2001) An experimental study to investigate the effects of acupuncture at Zusanli and Guanyuan to the cerebral SOD, MDA and NO in senior rats. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion 17 (11):47–48 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gao XY, Jia ZL, Ai BW (2003) The anti-aging effects of acupuncture in subacute aging mouse model. Jiangsu Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 24 (2):53–55 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gravina SA, Ho L, Eckman CB, Long KE, Otvos L, Jr., Younkin LH, Suzuki N, Younkin SG (1995) Amyloid beta protein (A beta) in Alzheimer’s disease brain. Biochemical and immunocytochemical analysis with antibodies specific for forms ending at A beta 40 or A beta 42(43). J Biol Chem 270 (13):7013–7016

    Google Scholar 

  • Grill JD, Cummings JL (2010) Current therapeutic targets for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Expert Rev Neurother 10 (5):711–728

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grunblatt E (2008) Commonalities in the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Expert Rev Neurother 8 (12):1865–1877

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Guo Y, Shi X, Uchiyama H, Hasegawa A, Nakagawa Y, Tanaka M, Fukumoto I (2002) A study on the rehabilitation of cognitive function and short-term memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Front Med Biol Eng 11 (4):237–247

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Guo Y, Shi XM, Utiyama N, Hasegawa A, M. T, Fukumoto Y (2000) Study of a New Rehabilitation Method of Dementia with Electrostimulation on the JingMing-Point. Journal of the Japan Eastern Medical Association 16 (4):17–30 (in Japanese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamani C, McAndrews MP, Cohn M, Oh M, Zumsteg D, Shapiro CM, Wennberg RA, Lozano AM (2008) Memory enhancement induced by hypothalamic/fornix deep brain stimulation. Ann Neurol 63 (1):119–123

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hampel H, Frank R, Broich K, Teipel SJ, Katz RG, Hardy J, Herholz K, Bokde AL, Jessen F, Hoessler YC, Sanhai WR, Zetterberg H, Woodcock J, Blennow K (2010) Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease: academic, industry and regulatory perspectives. Nat Rev Drug Discov 9 (7):560–574

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hardy J (1997) Amyloid, the presenilins and Alzheimer’s disease. Trends Neurosci 20 (4):154–159

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harper JD, Lansbury PT, Jr. (1997) Models of amyloid seeding in Alzheimer’s disease and scrapie: mechanistic truths and physiological consequences of the time-dependent solubility of amyloid proteins. Annu Rev Biochem 66:385–407

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harris FM, Brecht WJ, Xu Q, Tesseur I, Kekonius L, Wyss-Coray T, Fish JD, Masliah E, Hopkins PC, Scearce-Levie K, Weisgraber KH, Mucke L, Mahley RW, Huang Y (2003) Carboxyl-terminal-truncated apolipoprotein E4 causes Alzheimer’s disease-like neurodegeneration and behavioral deficits in transgenic mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 100 (19):10966–10971

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hartley DM, Walsh DM, Ye CP, Diehl T, Vasquez S, Vassilev PM, Teplow DB, Selkoe DJ (1999) Protofibrillar intermediates of amyloid beta-protein induce acute electrophysiological changes and progressive neurotoxicity in cortical neurons. J Neurosci 19 (20):8876–8884

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Herholz K, Carter SF, Jones M (2007) Positron emission tomography imaging in dementia. Br J Radiol 80 Spec No 2:S160–167

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirono N, Hashimoto M, Ishii K, Kazui H, Mori E (2004) One-year change in cerebral glucose metabolism in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 16 (4):488–492

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huang SY, Zhu GQ (2010) Features and Analysis in Treatment of Bronchial Asthma Treated by Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy. Journal of Guiyang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine 32 (3):45–46 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang Y, Weisgraber KH, Mucke L, Mahley RW (2004) Apolipoprotein E: diversity of cellular origins, structural and biophysical properties, and effects in Alzheimer’s disease. J Mol Neurosci 23 (3):189–204

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Humpel C (2011) Identifying and validating biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. Trends Biotechnol 29 (1):26–32

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Inaniwa C (1993) Using low power laser in treating dementia a SPECT study and 3-case report. Paper presented at the The 14th Annual Meeting of Japan Society for Laser Surgery and Medicine, Osaka (in Japanese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson GR, Wiedau-Pazos M, Sang TK, Wagle N, Brown CA, Massachi S, Geschwind DH (2002) Human wild-type tau interacts with wingless pathway components and produces neurofibrillary pathology in Drosophila. Neuron 34 (4):509–519

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jeon S, Kim YJ, Kim ST, Moon W, Chae Y, Kang M, Chung MY, Lee H, Hong MS, Chung JH, Joh TH, Park HJ (2008) Proteomic analysis of the neuroprotective mechanisms of acupuncture treatment in a Parkinson’s disease mouse model. Proteomics 8 (22):4822–4832

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ji FY, Gao HT, Wang F, Xiong FL (2007) Treating senile dementia by acupuncture at Baihui and Neiguan. Gansu Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 20 (7):14–15 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jia CW, Zhang M, Zhao WF (2005) The acutherapy of “tonifying the kidney to benefit marrow”: Its effects on CNS signal transduction of model of dementia rats. Journal of Shaanxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine 28 (6):38–41 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang GH (2004) The study of the effect of electro-acupuncture on the learning and memory signal transduction mechanism and brain biochemistry in laboratory rats with senile dementia. Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang GH, Chen ZZ, Pan WY, Yang WH (2000a) Combination of Chinese Medicine and acupuncture to treat motor neuron disease, a 45-case clinical observation. Journal of New Chinese Medicine 32 (8):27 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang GH, Pan WY, Chen ZZ, Yang WH (2000b) Using acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese Medicines to treat motor neuron disease Journal of New Chinese Medicine 32 (8):27–28 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang GH, Xu Q, Zhang Y (2004) Clinical study on the neuroethology of senile dementia treated by acupuncture. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion 20 (4):1–3 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang XC, Jiang GH, Yu Y (2008) The effect of the acupuncture to the cerebral tau protein expression in the senile dementia rat models. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion 24 (11):38–39 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jie ZH (2002) Using acupuncture in treating progressive bulbar palsy, a 37 cases clinical observation. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion 18 (8):19 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kadir A, Nordberg A (2010) Target-specific PET probes for neurodegenerative disorders related to dementia. J Nucl Med 51 (9):1418–1430

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kiernan MC, Vucic S, Cheah BC, Turner MR, Eisen A, Hardiman O, Burrell JR, Zoing MC (2011) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lancet 377 (9769):942–955

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Klafki HW, Staufenbiel M, Kornhuber J, Wiltfang J (2006) Therapeutic approaches to Alzheimer’s disease. Brain 129 (Pt 11):2840–2855

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kukull WA, Higdon R, Bowen JD, McCormick WC, Teri L, Schellenberg GD, van Belle G, Jolley L, Larson EB (2002) Dementia and Alzheimer disease incidence: a prospective cohort study. Arch Neurol 59 (11):1737–1746

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Laxton AW, Tang-Wai DF, McAndrews MP, Zumsteg D, Wennberg R, Keren R, Wherrett J, Naglie G, Hamani C, Smith GS, Lozano AM (2010) A phase I trial of deep brain stimulation of memory circuits in Alzheimer’s disease. Ann Neurol 68 (4):521–534

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee MS, Shin BC, Ernst E (2009) Acupuncture for Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review. Int J Clin Pract 63 (6):874–879

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee VM, Goedert M, Trojanowski JQ (2001) Neurodegenerative tauopathies. Annu Rev Neurosci 24:1121–1159

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leyssen M, Ayaz D, Hebert SS, Reeve S, De Strooper B, Hassan BA (2005) Amyloid precursor protein promotes post-developmental neurite arborization in the Drosophila brain. EMBO J 24 (16):2944–2955

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li QJ, Ma FM (1992) Using scalp acupuncture for cerebellar ataxia, an 8 case report. Shanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 8 (6):37 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li SC, Jiang CC, Chen GB (1983) The relationship between needling sensation and acupuncture effects, with special reference to their ascending pathway in the spinal cord. Acupunct Electrother Res 8 (2):105–110

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li SJ (1998) Using acupuncture and naprapathy to treat ALS. Journal of New Chinese Medicine 30 (8):24–25 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li SQ, Zhou HF (2010) Clinical observation of treating olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) mainly by acupuncture in one OPCA case. Journal of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 12 (1):89–90 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, Liu T, Peng Y, Yuan C, Guo A (2004) Specific functions of Drosophila amyloid precursor-like protein in the development of nervous system and nonneural tissues. J Neurobiol 61 (3):343–358

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li YJ, Fan XS, Wang S, Shi X, M. (2008) To summarize acupuncture treating ataxia. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion 24 (7):50–51 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li ZR, Mu YY, Ouyang Q (2002) A case-control study on the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease by the Combination of Acupuncture and DangguiShaoyaoSan. Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation 6 (19):2848–2849 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li ZT (2005) Treating motor neuron diseases following the principles of tonifying kidney and liver together with invigorating spleen and stomach in 27 cases. Journal of Sichuan Traditional Chinese Medicine 23 (7):37 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liang M (1999) Using Traditional Chinese Medicine combined with acupoints injection to treat ALS. Henan Traditional Chinese Medicine 19 (6):48 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu G, Yuan LX (2005) Clinical observation on acupuncture combined with music for treatment of Alzheimer disease. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 25 (6):390–392 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu JL, Du YH, Li B, Xiong J, Hu YC (2009a) Evaluation of the studies on the acupuncture in treating senile dementia with principles of evidence-based medicine. Jilin Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 29 (10):855–857 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu YF, Shi X, M., Han JX, Wang S, Li P, Liu QZ, Zhao LR, Yang ZR, Zhao JH, Li XK (2002) Effect of Acupuncture on Activity of Antioxydase in the of the Brain Senescence Accelerated En- cephalatrophy Model Mouse. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 22 (5):327 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu YX (2003) Studies on the mechanism of hippocampal signal conduction transmitters adjusted by electroacupuncture in senile dementia rat models. Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu YX, Liang FR, Yu SG, Luo S, Han T (2004) An experimental study of acupuncture effects in dementia senile model rats. Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 19 (3):188 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu ZB, Niu WM, Yang XH, Niu XM, Wang Y (2009b) [Effect of “Xiusanzhen” on learning-memory ability and hippocampal ChAT and AChE activity in Alzheimer disease rats]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu 34 (1):48–51 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Liu ZB, Niu WM, Yang XH, Wang Y, Wang WG (2010) Study on perfume stimulating olfaction with volatile oil of Acorus gramineus for treatment of the Alzheimer’s disease rat. J Tradit Chin Med 30 (4):283–287

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez OL, Becker JT, Wahed AS, Saxton J, Sweet RA, Wolk DA, Klunk W, Dekosky ST (2009) Long-term effects of the concomitant use of memantine with cholinesterase inhibition in Alzheimer disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 80 (6):600–607

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lu F (2006) Role of Du Channel in treating senile dementia. J Tradit Chin Med 26 (2):104–105

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lun X, Yang WH (2000) A clinical observation of treating dementia with acupuncture located by CT lesions. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 19 (1):20 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Luo DH, Lai XS, Tang CZ (2003) Effects of Electropuncture Therapy on Levels of β-AP and TGF-α in Rats of AD Model. Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 10 (10):12–14 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Luo DH, Zhou T, Huang QY (2006) A clinical observation for the changes of the amyloid β affected by the electroacupuncture in senile dementia patients (type of kidney weakness). Medicine world (9):64–66 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Luo JH, Guo JM (1996) Using scalp acupuncture for cerebellar ataxia, a 30-case clinical report. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 15 (4):25–26 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lv JX, Xu DD (1997) Using scalp acupuncture in treating senile dementia, a 60-case report. Xinjiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 15 (1):23–24 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma L, Song WG, Wang CG (1998) Multiple system atrophy in senior people. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 18 (9):554 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma MQ (2003) Treating senile demetia by acupuncture combined with Anshenxingnao soup, a 56-case report. Shaanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 23 (8):701–702 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma SF, Wu XE, Ding CL (2001) Clinical observation on treating neuronal diseases with acupoint injection. Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 18 (2):37 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahley RW, Huang Y (2006) Apolipoprotein (apo) E4 and Alzheimer’s disease: unique conformational and biophysical properties of apoE4 can modulate neuropathology. Acta Neurol Scand Suppl 185:8–14

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mahley RW, Weisgraber KH, Huang Y (2006) Apolipoprotein E4: a causative factor and therapeutic target in neuropathology, including Alzheimer’s disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 103 (15):5644–5651

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maltsev AV, Bystryak S, Galzitskaya OV (2011) The role of beta-amyloid peptide in neurodegenerative diseases. Ageing Res Rev

    Google Scholar 

  • Maruyama H, Morino H, Ito H, Izumi Y, Kato H, Watanabe Y, Kinoshita Y, Kamada M, Nodera H, Suzuki H, Komure O, Matsuura S, Kobatake K, Morimoto N, Abe K, Suzuki N, Aoki M, Kawata A, Hirai T, Kato T, Ogasawara K, Hirano A, Takumi T, Kusaka H, Hagiwara K, Kaji R, Kawakami H (2010) Mutations of optineurin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nature 465 (7295):223–226

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Masters CL, Beyreuther K (2006) Alzheimer’s centennial legacy: prospects for rational therapeutic intervention targeting the Abeta amyloid pathway. Brain 129 (Pt 11):2823–2839

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mathis CA, Bacskai BJ, Kajdasz ST, McLellan ME, Frosch MP, Hyman BT, Holt DP, Wang Y, Huang GF, Debnath ML, Klunk WE (2002) A lipophilic thioflavin-T derivative for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of amyloid in brain. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 12 (3):295–298

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Matsukawa H (2005) Study on symptom progression in senile dementia of the Alzheimer type with TCM. Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin of P.R China (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Matsukawa H, Liu GW, Yang YX, Yuan ZM (2005) Discussion on Course of Alzemeimer’s Dementia with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tianjin Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 22 (6):514–516 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mega MS, Dinov ID, Porter V, Chow G, Reback E, Davoodi P, O’Connor SM, Carter MF, Amezcua H, Cummings JL (2005) Metabolic patterns associated with the clinical response to galantamine therapy: a fludeoxyglucose f 18 positron emission tomographic study. Arch Neurol 62 (5):721–728

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mei J, Liu CG, Sun L (2003) Seventy-six Patients with Senile Dementia Treated by Acupuncture. China’s Naturopathy 11 (12):13–14 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Menken M, Munsat TL, Toole JF (2000) The global burden of disease study: implications for neurology. Arch Neurol 57 (3):418–420

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moon PD, Jeong HJ, Kim SJ, An HJ, Lee HJ, Yang WM, Park SK, Hong SH, Kim HM, Um JY (2007) Use of electroacupuncture at ST36 to inhibit anaphylactic and inflammatory reaction in mice. Neuroimmunomodulation 14 (1):24–31

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mu YY, Li ZR (2001) The treatment of Alzheimer’s disease by the combination of acupuncture and medicine. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 20 (3):3–5 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Naj AC, Jun G, Beecham GW, Wang LS, Vardarajan BN, Buros J, Gallins PJ, Buxbaum JD, Jarvik GP, Crane PK, Larson EB, Bird TD, Boeve BF, Graff-Radford NR, De Jager PL, Evans D, Schneider JA, Carrasquillo MM, Ertekin-Taner N, Younkin SG, Cruchaga C, Kauwe JS, Nowotny P, Kramer P, Hardy J, Huentelman MJ, Myers AJ, Barmada MM, Demirci FY, Baldwin CT, Green RC, Rogaeva E, George-Hyslop PS, Arnold SE, Barber R, Beach T, Bigio EH, Bowen JD, Boxer A, Burke JR, Cairns NJ, Carlson CS, Carney RM, Carroll SL, Chui HC, Clark DG, Corneveaux J, Cotman CW, Cummings JL, Decarli C, Dekosky ST, Diaz-Arrastia R, Dick M, Dickson DW, Ellis WG, Faber KM, Fallon KB, Farlow MR, Ferris S, Frosch MP, Galasko DR, Ganguli M, Gearing M, Geschwind DH, Ghetti B, Gilbert JR, Gilman S, Giordani B, Glass JD, Growdon JH, Hamilton RL, Harrell LE, Head E, Honig LS, Hulette CM, Hyman BT, Jicha GA, Jin LW, Johnson N, Karlawish J, Karydas A, Kaye JA, Kim R, Koo EH, Kowall NW, Lah JJ, Levey AI, Lieberman AP, Lopez OL, Mack WJ, Marson DC, Martiniuk F, Mash DC, Masliah E, McCormick WC, McCurry SM, McDavid AN, McKee AC, Mesulam M, Miller BL, Miller CA, Miller JW, Parisi JE, Perl DP, Peskind E, Petersen RC, Poon WW, Quinn JF, Rajbhandary RA, Raskind M, Reisberg B, Ringman JM, Roberson ED, Rosenberg RN, Sano M, Schneider LS, Seeley W, Shelanski ML, Slifer MA, Smith CD, Sonnen JA, Spina S, Stern RA, Tanzi RE, Trojanowski JQ, Troncoso JC, Van Deerlin VM, Vinters HV, Vonsattel JP, Weintraub S, Welsh-Bohmer KA, Williamson J, Woltjer RL, Cantwell LB, Dombroski BA, Beekly D, Lunetta KL, Martin ER, Kamboh MI, Saykin AJ, Reiman EM, Bennett DA, Morris JC, Montine TJ, Goate AM, Blacker D, Tsuang DW, Hakonarson H, Kukull WA, Foroud TM, Haines JL, Mayeux R, Pericak-Vance MA, Farrer LA, Schellenberg GD (2011) Common variants at MS4A4/MS4A6E, CD2AP, CD33 and EPHA1 are associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Nat Genet

    Google Scholar 

  • Namba H, Fukushi K, Nagatsuka S, Iyo M, Shinotoh H, Tanada S, Irie T (2002) Positron emission tomography: quantitative measurement of brain acetylcholinesterase activity using radiolabeled substrates. Methods 27 (3):242–250

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nimmrich V, Ebert U (2009) Is Alzheimer’s disease a result of presynaptic failure? Synaptic dysfunctions induced by oligomeric beta-amyloid. Rev Neurosci 20 (1):1–12

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nishimura I, Yang Y, Lu B (2004) PAR-1 kinase plays an initiator role in a temporally ordered phosphorylation process that confers tau toxicity in Drosophila. Cell 116 (5):671–682

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Niu HY, Duan HT (2005) Treating multiple system atrophy by acupuncture combined with Chinese Medicine. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 25 (6):399–400 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ouyang Q, Li ZR, Mu YY, Long HW, Zhao D, Wu Q (2001) Clinical observation of electric acupuncture combined with fentazin in treating mental symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion 17 (1):25–26 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ouyang Q, Li ZR, Mu YY, Ma P, Shen MH (2002) Relationship Between Promoting Effect of Acupuncture on Learning Memory of Rats and Its Anti-oxidation Effect. Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 18 (2):110–112 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ouyang Q, Li ZR, Mu YY, Zhao D, Long HW, Wu Q (1999) A case-control study for the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for Alzheimer’s disease. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 19 (7):399–401 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Overshott R, Burns A (2005) Treatment of dementia. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 76 Suppl 5:v53–59

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pasinelli P, Brown RH (2006) Molecular biology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: insights from genetics. Nat Rev Neurosci 7 (9):710–723

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pei L (2006) Acupuncture at Fengchi (GB-20) to treat dysphagia in a case of progressive bulbar palsy. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 25 (7):36 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Peng GP, He GX, Wang ER (2005) Using acupuncture in treating progressive bulbar palsy, a 30 case clinical study. Shaanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 26 (6):566–567 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Peng XW, Dong KL (2009) [Clinical observation on acupuncture combined with Yizhi Jiannao granules for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 29 (4):269–271 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ping Y, Wang DH, Yuan XS (2005) Treating 98 cases of syringomyelia with Yisuiling capsule plus acupuncture. Chinese Journal of the Practical Chinese With Modern Medicine 18 (16):725–726 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Reisberg B, Doody R, Stoffler A, Schmitt F, Ferris S, Mobius HJ (2003) Memantine in moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. N Engl J Med 348 (14):1333–1341

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rosen DR (1993) Mutations in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene are associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nature 364 (6435):362

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sakakibara R, Murakami E, Katagiri A, Hayakawa S, Uchiyama T, Yamamoto T, Hattori T (2007) Moxibustion, an alternative therapy, ameliorated disturbed circadian rhythm of plasma arginine vasopressin and urine output in multiple system atrophy. Intern Med 46 (13):1015–1018

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sawada T, Sawada C, Fukuda F, Yano T, Tanzawa S (2001) Effect of TEAS (transcutaneous Electrical Acupuncture Point Stimulation) on Intellect and Daily Activity of the Aged. Journal of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 51 (1):561–564 (in Japanese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shang Y, Ding N (2003) A 24-case clinical observation by TCD to evaluate acupuncture for senile dementia. Chinese Journal of Traditional Medical Science and Technology 10 (4):229 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shen WD (1996) A preliminary study on treating senile dementia by acupuncture. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 15 (5):5–6 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheng CR (1964) Using acupuncture to treat Friedreich’s ataxia a one case clinical observation. Guangdong Medical Journal 4 (4):7 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shi Q, Gibson GE (2007) Oxidative stress and transcriptional regulation in Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 21 (4):276–291

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shi XM, Han JX, Li P, Li L, Wang S, Zhao LR, Liu QZ, Zhao JH, Miao Y (1996) The effects of Xingnaokaiqiao acupuncture in acute dementia mouse models. Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine (S1):61–64 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Shoghi-Jadid K, Small GW, Agdeppa ED, Kepe V, Ercoli LM, Siddarth P, Read S, Satyamurthy N, Petric A, Huang SC, Barrio JR (2002) Localization of neurofibrillary tangles and beta-amyloid plaques in the brains of living patients with Alzheimer disease. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 10 (1):24–35

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Simmons LK, May PC, Tomaselli KJ, Rydel RE, Fuson KS, Brigham EF, Wright S, Lieberburg I, Becker GW, Brems DN, et al. (1994) Secondary structure of amyloid beta peptide correlates with neurotoxic activity in vitro. Mol Pharmacol 45 (3):373–379

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Song CX (2008) A preliminary study for multiple system atrophy in the viewpoint of TCM. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Song CX, Guo GH, Wang GX, Gu WH, Zou YH (2008) Thoughts about Syndrome Study of Muhiple System Sclerosis. Chinese Journal of Basic Medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine 14 (4):278–279 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Stefanova E, Wall A, Almkvist O, Nilsson A, Forsberg A, Langstrom B, Nordberg A (2006) Longitudinal PET evaluation of cerebral glucose metabolism in rivastigmine treated patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease. J Neural Transm 113 (2):205–218

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sun H, Cui LY (2005) Temporary state of acupuncture treatment of motor neuron disease. Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation 9 (21):174–176 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun SM, Yu SG, Zeng DB, Song KY (2002) A Study on metabolism of free radicals in senile rats by management with electrical acupuncture on Yongquan point. Chinese Journal of Natural Medicine 4 (2):80–82 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun Y (1994) Using scalp acupuncture combined with moxibustion to treat Friedreich’s ataxia, a 10-case clinical report. Journal of Guiyang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine 16 (3):60 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang CZ, Lai XS, Lin ZH, Yang JJ, Lin JQ, Xian ZH, Li HY (2005a) Effects of electro-acupuncture on IL-1, IL-6 in the brain tissue of Rat with Alzheimer’s disease. Chinese Journal of Basic Medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine 11 (7):532–533 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang CZ, Lai XS, Yang JJ, Lin JQ, Lai XL, Wang L, Lin ZH (2005b) Exprimental study on the effects of acupuncture to cerebral SOD,MDA and GSH-Px in senile dementia rat models. Shaanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 26 (2):180–181 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang Y, Yu SG, Chen J, Zhang H (2001) The Effect of Acupuncture on Gnosia and Acetylcholinesterase in Senile Dementia. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 30 (3):6–7 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang Y, Yu SG, Luo S, Han T, Yin HY (2006) [Neuroprotective effect of electroacupuncture therapy on damaged cholinergic neurons in rats with Alzheimer’s disease]. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao 4 (4):374–377 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tariot PN, Farlow MR, Grossberg GT, Graham SM, McDonald S, Gergel I (2004) Memantine treatment in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer disease already receiving donepezil: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 291 (3):317–324

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tesseur I, Van Dorpe J, Bruynseels K, Bronfman F, Sciot R, Van Lommel A, Van Leuven F (2000a) Prominent axonopathy and disruption of axonal transport in transgenic mice expressing human apolipoprotein E4 in neurons of brain and spinal cord. Am J Pathol 157 (5):1495–1510

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tesseur I, Van Dorpe J, Spittaels K, Van den Haute C, Moechars D, Van Leuven F (2000b) Expression of human apolipoprotein E4 in neurons causes hyperphosphorylation of protein tau in the brains of transgenic mice. Am J Pathol 156 (3):951–964

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tian XS, Zhou F, Yang R, Xia Y, Wu GC, Guo JC (2008) Electro-acupuncture protects the brain against ischemic injury via up-regulation of delta-opioid receptors. J Chin Integr Med 6:632–638 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Uversky VN (2009) Intrinsic disorder in proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Front Biosci 14:5188–5238

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vucic S, Kiernan MC (2009) Pathophysiology of neurodegeneration in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Curr Mol Med 9 (3):255–272

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Walsh DM, Klyubin I, Fadeeva JV, Rowan MJ, Selkoe DJ (2002) Amyloid-beta oligomers: their production, toxicity and therapeutic inhibition. Biochem Soc Trans 30 (4):552–557

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang DH (2007) Treatment of 60 cases of syringomyelia with Guiluyisui capsule and acupuncture. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 48 (6):530–531 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang DH, Chen JL (2006) The mechanisms of treating syringomyelia with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 33 (1):25–26 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang DH, Chen JL, Huang T (2004) Treatment of 445 cases of syringomyelia with yisuiling capsule and acupuncture. New Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 36 (10):58–59 (in Chinese)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang HY (2010) A overview of treating multiple system atrophy by TCM. Medical Information 23 (9):165–166 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang MK, Hao JD, Wang YP (2008) Treating 40 cases of syringomyelia with Sancaifengsuidan combined with acupuncture. Medical Journal of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Forces 19 (5):476–477 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang SJ, Kang SB, Li AY, Cao G (2005) The influence of acupuncture on intracerebral free radical oxidation injury in simulate AD rats. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 24 (4):35–37 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang XH, Dong CC, Han JX (2003) Influence of Acupuncture on Catecholamine Neurotransmitter in Brain Tissues of SAMP8. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 22 (1):21–23 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang XY, Zhou LS (2008) Effects of electroacupuncture on bFGF of AD model rat’s hippocampal neural stem cells and study memory ability. Journal of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine 10 (1):12–14 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang ZL (1997) Following the principle of restoring the consciousness and opening the intelligence combined with body acupuncture in treating senile dementia. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion 13 (9):16–17 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang ZX (2005) Treating 12 motor neuron diseases cases using combined Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 25 (8):553 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wattamwar PR, Mathuranath PS (2010) An overview of biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 13 (Suppl 2):S116–123

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weiner MW, Aisen PS, Jack CR, Jr., Jagust WJ, Trojanowski JQ, Shaw L, Saykin AJ, Morris JC, Cairns N, Beckett LA, Toga A, Green R, Walter S, Soares H, Snyder P, Siemers E, Potter W, Cole PE, Schmidt M (2010) The Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging initiative: progress report and future plans. Alzheimers Dement 6 (3):202–211 e207

    Google Scholar 

  • Weishaupt JH, Bartels C, Polking E, Dietrich J, Rohde G, Poeggeler B, Mertens N, Sperling S, Bohn M, Huther G, Schneider A, Bach A, Siren AL, Hardeland R, Bahr M, Nave KA, Ehrenreich H (2006) Reduced oxidative damage in ALS by high-dose enteral melatonin treatment. J Pineal Res 41 (4):313–323

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wen GQ, He XZ, Lu Y, Xia Y (2010a) Effect of acupuncture on neurotransmitters/modulators. In: Acupuncture Therapy for Neurological Diseases: A Neurobiological View. Springer-Tsinghua Press, Heidelberg, London, New York, Beijing, pp 120–142

    Google Scholar 

  • Wen GQ, Yang YL, Xia Y (2010b) Acupuncture-induced activation of endogenous opioid system. In: Acupuncture Therapy for Neurological Diseases: A Neurobiological View. Springer-Tsinghua Press, Heidelberg, London, New York, Beijing, pp 104–119

    Google Scholar 

  • Wentzell J, Kretzschmar D (2010) Alzheimer’s Disease and tauopathy studies in flies and worms. Neurobiol Dis 40 (1):21–28

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wilms H, Zecca L, Rosenstiel P, Sievers J, Deuschl G, Lucius R (2007) Inflammation in Parkinson’s diseases and other neurodegenerative diseases: cause and therapeutic implications. Curr Pharm Des 13 (18):1925–1928

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wittmann CW, Wszolek MF, Shulman JM, Salvaterra PM, Lewis J, Hutton M, Feany MB (2001) Tauopathy in Drosophila: neurodegeneration without neurofibrillary tangles. Science 293 (5530):711–714

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wojtera M, Sikorska B, Sobow T, Liberski PP (2005) Microglial cells in neurodegenerative disorders. Folia Neuropathol 43 (4):311–321

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wu GF, Ren F, Zhang S (2000) Using acupuncture to treat ALS and PMA 15 cases. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 20 (7):400 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu YX, Guo RY (1986) Treatment of syringomyelia by acupuncture and Chinese medicinal herbs. J Tradit Chin Med 6 (1):13–16

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xia CY (1991) The clinical experience of Prof Yao Peifa in treating senile dementia. Journal of New Chinese Medicine 23 (1):55–56 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xia QG, Zhang Y, Ma GZ (2010a) Using Frenkel training combined with acupuncture and naprapathy to treat cerebellar ataxia, a 12-case clinical report. Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology 38 (1):89–90 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xia Y, Cao XD, Wu GC, Cheng JS (2010b) Acupuncture Therapy for Neurological Diseases: A Neurobiological View (Research Monograph). Springer-Tsinghua Press, Heidelberg, London, New York, Beijing,

    Google Scholar 

  • Xiao JF (2004) Observation on the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on encephalatrophy. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 8 (24):541–543 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xie YY, Zhang JR, Wang JH, Zhang FL, Tang XJ (1995) The diagnosis and treatment of motor neuron disease by TCM. Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2 (9):25 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu J, Xu SW (1995) Using acupuncture combined with Chinese medicine to treat senile dementia in one case. Jiangxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2 (3):51 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xue WG, Zhang Z, Bai LM, Xu H, Wu HX (2009) [Effect of electroacupuncture on the behavior and the expression of amyloid beta-protein, amyloid precursor protein and ChAT in APP 695V 717 I transgenic mice]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu 34 (3):152–158 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yan DX, Lv LY (1991) The relationship of senile dementia and blood stasis. Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (8):37 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yan SY, Yang SY, Huang JQ (2002) The experience of Dr Qiu Zuping in treating senile dementia. Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (3):131 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang DR, Peng L, Mu JP, Li SZ, Liu MJ, Hu XY (2008) Effect of Acupuncture and Acupoint Injection on Dementia in Elder. Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 14 (1):81 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang EJ, Jiang JH, Lee SM, Hwang HS, Lee MS, Choi SM (2010) Electroacupuncture reduces neuroinflammatory responses in symptomatic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model. J Neuroimmunol 223 (1–2):84–91

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang GW, Yan BC, Wu SZ (2005) Using acupuncture combined with Chinese Medicine to treat cerebellar atrophy, a 32-case clinical observation. Shaanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 26 (4):359–360 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang SC (1995) Treating denile dementia by a water acupuncture a 26-case report. Zhejiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 30 (8):357–357 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang XT (1996a) Acupuncture by the principle of restoring the consciousness and opening the intelligence in treating senile dementia. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 16 (11):3 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang ZR, Lai LP, Li P, Wang S, Liu QZ, Zhao LR (1999) The effects of acupuncture on the cerebral Ach concentration and AchE activity in acute aging dementia mouse model. Tianjin Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 16 (3):20–22 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang ZZ (1996b) Using moving cupping for back-shu points in treating senile dementia, a 18-case report. New Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 28 (12):31 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ye S, Huang Y, Mullendorff K, Dong L, Giedt G, Meng EC, Cohen FE, Kuntz ID, Weisgraber KH, Mahley RW (2005) Apolipoprotein (apo) E4 enhances amyloid beta peptide production in cultured neuronal cells: apoE structure as a potential therapeutic target. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 102 (51):18700–18705

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yu NK (1996) Treating senile demetia by naprapathy. Fujian Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 27 (5):32–32 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yu SG, Liu YX, tang Y, Liang FR, Zhao JL, Zhou QZ, Han T, Luo S (2004) Research on the NO-cGMP signal transduction pathway mechanism of improving learning & memory ability by electro-acupuncture in senile dementia rats. Chinese Journal of Gerontology 24 (7):626–628 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yuan XS, Chen JL, Wang DH, Li HX (2005a) Treating progressive bulbar palsy by acupuncture combined with Jiweiling solution intravenous injection, a 30-case clinical report. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 25 (9):622 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yuan XS, Wang DH, Chen JL (2005b) Treatment of 111 cases of syringomyelia with yisuiling capsule and acupuncture. Shandong Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 24 (5):283–284 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zeng F, Zhao JL, Zhou QZ, Tang Y, Yin HY, Yu SG (2006) Influence of electro-acupuncture therapy on the mitochondrial enzymatic activities of hippocampal neuron of animal model of Alzheimers’ disease. Chinese Journal of Gerontology 26 (1):68–71 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang CB, Li ZR, Shen MH (2003) Mechanisms of treatment combined acupuncture and Chinese medicine improves the memory and learning abilities in dementia rat models. Jiangsu Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 24 (2):51–52 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang D, Zhang JY, Liu D (2007) The cognitive function and cerebral somatostatin level affected by performing electroacupuncture at Baihui (DU-20) and Fengfu (DU-16) in senile dementia rat models. Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 24 (1):52–53 (in Chinese)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang HF (2009) A review of the pathogenesis mechanisms and differential symptoms treatments by Traditional Chinese Medicine in the senior dementia patients. Chinese Medicine Modern Distance Education of China 7 (4):6–7 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao JH, Wang X, Hu JY, Cheng N (2010) Progress of using TCM to treat hereditary ataxia. Clinical Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 22 (8):70–73 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao LG, Ma L, Cheng WP, Wu Q, Zhen ZY, Mei CJ (2008) The effect of acupuncture on Baihui and Dazhui on cognition behavior and AchE level in brain of the aged dementia rats. Chinese Journal of Gerontology 28 (6):549–550 (in Chinese)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhao LG, Ma L, Zheng ZY, Zhang J (2005) Effect of acupuncture of “Baihui”(GV 20) and “Sishencong”(EX-HN 1) on memory and cerebral SOD activity in Alzheimer’s disease rats. Acupuncture Research 30 (1):26–28 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhao XM (1997) Using acupuncture to treat bulbar palsy, a 30 case clinical observation. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 16 (1):14 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zheng L (2004) Using acupuncture to treat motor neuron diseases, a 20 case report. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 23 (11):28 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou HH, Han YZ (2003) Treatment of Shy - Drager syndrome by Shengmai Wenya Tang combined with warm needling: a clinical observation of 18 cases. New Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 35 (3):19–20 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou LS, Wang XY (2008) Effects of electroacupuncture on AD model rat hippocampus neural stem cells nestin and impact on learning and memory capacity. Journal of Jianghan University 36 (2):61–64 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou P, Ma XM (2009) A review of progress of using acupuncture to treat motor neuron diseases. Journal of Yunnan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine 32 (2):68–70 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou Y, Jin J (2008) Effect of acupuncture given at the HT 7, ST 36, ST 40 and KI 3 acupoints on various parts of the brains of Alzheimer’ s disease patients. Acupunct Electrother Res 33 (1–2):9–17

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou YL, Hang HY (2006) The progress of clinical research of the acupucture in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion 22 (11):50–53 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhu SX, Sun GJ (2009) [Effects of electroacupuncture on learning and memory ability and glial cells of the hippocampus in the rat of Alzheimer disease]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 29 (2):133–136 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu WM, Hu HY (2007) A survey of TCM treatment for Alzhermer’s disease. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 27 (3):226–232

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

TA was supported by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists, Type B, #20791025 and Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research General, #24592157). YX was supported by the National Institutes of Health (AT-004422 and HD-034582) and the Vivian L. Smith Neurologic Foundation.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Handayama, 1-20-1, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan

    Tetsuya Asakawa

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Ying Xia

  3. The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Ying Xia

  4. Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA

    Ying Xia

Authors
  1. Tetsuya Asakawa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Ying Xia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Tetsuya Asakawa or Ying Xia .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Medical School a, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, 77030, Texas, USA

    Ying Xia

  2. , Shanghai Research Center for Acupuncture, Fudan University, Guoshoujing Road 199, Shanghai, 201203, China, People's Republic

    Guanghong Ding

  3. Shanghai Medical School, Inst. Acupuncture Research, Fudan University, Yi Xue Yuan Road 138, Shanghai, 200032, China, People's Republic

    Gen-Cheng Wu

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Asakawa, T., Xia, Y. (2013). Can Acupuncture Treat Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders?. In: Xia, Y., Ding, G., Wu, GC. (eds) Current Research in Acupuncture. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3357-6_8

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation