OBJECTIVETo systematically evaluate the effect and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of vascular mild cognitive impairment (VMCI).

METHODSRecruited were China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI) (1979-2012), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) (1989-2012), Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), Wanfang degree and conference papers database (1985-2012), PubMed Database (1966-2012), and The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2012). The search date ended in February 2012. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by taking acupuncture as the main treatment for VMCI (nonvascular dementia) were collected. Results were measured using at least one internationally recognized evaluation cognitive scale. Two analysts selected the data independently. The assessment of methodological quality was based on the Cochrane Handbook and the data were analyzed by using RevMan 5.1.0 Software. The mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) were taken and graphed with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTSRecruited 12 RCTs included a total of 691 cases meeting the inclusion criteria (all of the methodological quality was of B level). Acupuncture combined other therapies was involved in 9 RCTs, with effect compared with that of other therapies. Results of meta-analysis showed, compared with the cognitive function training alone, electroacupuncture (MD 1.59, 95% CI 0.69-2.48, P = 0.0005, 3 studies) or body acupuncture (MD 3.26, 95% CI 1.69-4.83, P < 0.01, 1 study) combined with the cognitive function training could significantly increase the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score of patients. In comparison to Western medicine, acupuncture could elevate ADAS-Cog score (MD 2.16, 95% CI 1.36-2.95, P < 0.01, 3 studies). In all the studies, adverse event had not been reported.

CONCLUSIONSAcupuncture in combination with other therapies could significantly improve cognitive functions. Acupuncture itself appeared to have better therapeutic effects than Western medicine alone.