Exploring the Efficacy of Acupuncture Therapy in Vascular Cognitive Impairment: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no effective treatment for vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), a range of cognitive disorders that occur locally or globally, solely resulting from vascular issues in the brain. The aim of this review is to summarize the potential mechanisms involved in acupuncture treatment for VCI. METHODS: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews/meta-analyses from the date of their inception to December 2024. RESULTS: Out of 2,331 studies screened, 6 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies suggest that acupuncture may have a positive impact on improving symptoms of VCI. The proposed mechanisms include enhancement of neuroplasticity, increased release of acetylcholine and neurotrophic factors, and inhibition of post-ischemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in cerebral regions, which may collectively contribute to improved cognitive function. CONCLUSION: Overall, our findings provide a basis for future research into the effects of acupuncture on VCI.