Can acupuncture boost brain function in Alzheimer's? new trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT03810794
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether adding acupuncture to the standard Alzheimer's drug donepezil can improve memory, daily living skills, and quality of life. Researchers will compare two groups of 90 patients each: one gets acupuncture plus donepezil, the other gets donepezil alone. The trial involves 36 acupuncture sessions over 12 weeks and will measure changes in thinking tests and daily function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
acupuncture
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a safe, drug-free add-on therapy to help people with Alzheimer's maintain thinking skills and daily function longer.
What could go wrong
This is a mid-sized, early-stage trial with no blinding of patients, so results may be influenced by placebo effects. Acupuncture is generally safe but may cause minor bruising or discomfort.
Disclaimer
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the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Huashan Hospital Fudan University
RECRUITINGShanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200040, China
Contact
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LongHua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
RECRUITINGShanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200032, China
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Shanghai Mental Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University of Medicial School
RECRUITINGShanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200032, China
Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••