Can acupuncture boost brain function in Alzheimer's? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT03810794

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Jian Pei,MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease Cognitive Dysfunction

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALZHEIMER DISEASE COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Huashan Hospital Fudan University
RECRUITING

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200040, China
LongHua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
RECRUITING

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200032, China
Shanghai Mental Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University of Medicial School
RECRUITING

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200032, China

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