Warming Needle Moxibustion for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review
of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Abstract Objective: To systematically research the impact of warming
needle moxibustion (WNM) for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Methods: Four
Chinese databases and six English databases were systematically
searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the use of WNM
to intervene in AD patients were included. Data were extracted from the
included studies and methodological quality was evaluated according to
the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention 5.1.0.
Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results: 8 RCTs
comprising 524 patients were included. The study showed that WNM was
more effective in the treatment of AD than acupuncture or
pharmacotherapy. The findings were as follows: MMSE (MD=1.01, 95%CI:
0.13, 1.90, P=0.03) and CDR (MD=-0.73, 95%CI: -0.84, -0.61,
P<0.00001) for global cognitive function, ADL (MD=-1.84,
95%CI: -2.47, -1.22, P<0.00001) for activities of daily
living, Syndrome Differentiation Scale of Dementia (SDSD) (MD=-2.67,
95%CI: -3.62, -1.72, P<0.00001), and the total effective rate
of patients (OR=3.89, 95%CI: 2.49, 6.09, P<0.00001). The
differences in all indicators were statistically significant.
Conclusion: WNM has a significant effect on improving cognitive function
and daily living ability, reducing the symptoms of AD, and increase the
total effective rate. WNM is an effective non-pharmacological therapy
for patients with AD. Keywords: Warming needle moxibustion, Alzheimer’s
disease, Randomized Controlled Trials, systematic review and
meta-analysis