Can acupuncture boost memory? small study hints at possibility
NCT ID NCT06626828
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested whether electroacupuncture (using mild electric pulses on thin needles) can improve thinking and memory in people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a condition that often leads to Alzheimer's. Twenty-four adults aged 55-75 received either 8 sessions of electroacupuncture over 4 weeks or no extra treatment. Researchers measured changes in cognitive tests and checked if a larger trial would be possible.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- electroacupuncture
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to help memory and thinking in people with early memory loss.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 24 people, so results may not apply widely. It also does not compare acupuncture to a fake treatment, so any benefits could be due to a placebo effect.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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24 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2024
- Finished
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Jan 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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55 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed with an aMCI according to the Hong Kong version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) 2. With a Clinical Dementia Scale (CDR) score of 0.5, with the memory domain larger than 0 3. Within the age range of 55 to 75 years old 4. With visual and auditory acuity adequate for neuropsychological testing 5. Under a stable medical condition for 3 months prior to screening and baseline assessment 6. Under stable medications for 4 weeks before screening and baseline assessment Exclusion Criteria: 1. With concurrent conditions that could contribute to the cognitive deficits, including any type of dementia including Alzheimer disease, vascular dementia, or any major psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, delirium, psychosis, etc. 2. With concurrent depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts within the past year 3. With concurrent major neurological conditions, including stroke, epilepsy and seizures, etc. 4. Currently immunocompromised due to receiving treatment for tumor, receiving immunosuppressive therapy, primary immunodeficiency, HIV infection, receiving high dose corticosteroids, etc 5. With bleeding disorders, including hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, vitamin K deficiency, etc. 6. With active neoplastic disease 7. Currently pregnant 8. Received acupuncture treatment for aMCI within a month before baseline assessment 9. Experienced severe allergy after receiving acupuncture treatment
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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
Locations
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Hong Kong Baptist University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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