A study recently published in Frontiers in Neuroscience presents a compelling case for acupuncture as a non-invasive, effective intervention for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). By targeting the Taichong (LV3) and Hegu (LI4) acupuncture points, researchers identified significant changes in functional connectivity within the retrosplenial cortex (RSC), a brain region critical for memory and cognitive integration, offering new hope for combating this devastating neurodegenerative condition.
Design: Traditional and High Tech
The study enrolled 28 participants, including 14 AD patients and 14 age, sex, and education matched healthy controls. To establish reliable baseline connectivity patterns, researchers also analyzed a separate dataset of 100 healthy participants. Cognitive assessments such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were administered prior to imaging. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans captured changes in brain activity before and after acupuncture stimulation at LV3 and LI4.
Acupuncture needles were inserted for three minutes, and post-treatment scans revealed immediate, measurable changes in brain connectivity. The retrosplenial cortex, one of the earliest regions affected by Alzheimer’s, showed bidirectional regulatory effects.
Findings: Restoring Neural Balance
1. Bidirectional Regulation:
Acupuncture elicited contrasting effects between AD patients and healthy controls. In AD patients, overcompensatory connectivity in regions such as the thalamus and subcallosal gyrus was reduced, while connectivity with key memory hubs, including the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, improved. In healthy participants, acupuncture enhanced connectivity in general brain integration regions like the posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus. In other words, acupuncture upregulated and downregulated functional connectivity of the brain, where specifically needed, to restore homeostasis.
2. Improved Cognitive Correlations:
Enhanced functional connectivity between the retrosplenial cortex and hippocampal regions was directly associated with higher scores in cognitive tests like the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). This supports the theory that acupuncture may activate compensatory neural mechanisms to combat cognitive deficits.
3. Localized and Targeted Impact:
Researchers strategically selected the Taichong (LIV3) and Hegu (LI4) points, traditionally known in Chinese medicine as the “Four Gates (Si Guan),” for their ability to regulate energy flow and promote systemic balance. These findings align with traditional practices but are now substantiated by neuroscientific evidence.
Broader Implications for Alzheimer’s Treatment
Alzheimer’s disease affects over 50 million individuals worldwide and projected to triple by 2050. This study positions acupuncture as an effective modality for inclusion in standard protcols of care. Unlike many pharmaceutical interventions, acupuncture has a low-risk profile, making it suitable for long-term management and early-stage intervention.
The bidirectional nature of acupuncture’s effects, regulating according to the body’s baseline state, highlights its unique ability to restore homeostasis. This aligns with findings in neuroplasticity, where balanced neural connectivity is essential for optimal cognitive function.
Next Steps
While the study provides groundbreaking insights, the authors acknowledge its limitations. The small sample size and focus on short-term outcomes necessitate larger, longitudinal studies to assess sustained therapeutic effects. Exploring the impact of acupuncture on prodromal Alzheimer’s or mild cognitive impairment could also enhance early intervention strategies.
This study represents a significant advancement in integrating traditional Chinese medicine with modern neuroscience. Acupuncture at Taichong (LV3) and Hegu (LI4) not only influences neural connectivity but also demonstrates the potential to regulate brain activity in a bidirectional manner. As researchers deepen their understanding of acupuncture’s mechanisms, the evidence based findings may situate acupuncture as an accepted cornerstone therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation in neurodegenerative care.
Functional Connectivity & Mapping Brain Communication
Functional connectivity refers to the statistical relationships and coordinated activity between different regions of the brain. It represents how neural networks communicate and work together to support cognitive and emotional functions. Disruptions in these networks, such as those seen in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are associated with memory loss, impaired decision-making, and other cognitive deficits. Tools like resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allow researchers to study these intricate networks, revealing patterns of connection and disconnection that characterize various neurological disorders.
Source: Wang, Junkai, Xinyue Bai, Xiaojun Chen, Shui Liu, Mengmeng Sun, Kuncheng Li, Yunsong Zheng, and Zhiqun Wang. "Effects of acupuncture at the Taichong (LIV3) and Hegu (LI4) points on functional connectivity with the retrosplenial cortex in patients with Alzheimer's disease." Frontiers in Neuroscience 18: 1511183.
