This clinical study investigates whether electroacupuncture can improve thinking and memory in people with cognitive problems after a stroke (Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment, or PSCI).
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive real electroacupuncture, while the other will receive a sham treatment . Both groups will also receive standard medical care.The main goal is to see if the real electroacupuncture leads to greater improvement in cognitive function tests over 6 months compared to the sham treatment. The study will also use brain scans (MRI) and other assessments to understand how the treatment might work.
Meets diagnostic criteria for Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI) per the 2024 Chinese VCI guidelines.
Meets TCM diagnostic criteria per the 2024 Vascular Mild Cognitive Impairment guidelines.
Cognitive scores: MMSE 12-24 and MoCA <24; NIHSS ≤8; AD-8 <2.
Age 35-80 years.
Severe chronic systemic diseases (e.g., cardiac, hepatic, renal, hematologic) or unstable cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease.
Local skin conditions (e.g., herpes, ulceration, keloid) contraindicating acupuncture.
Contraindications for repeated MRI (e.g., claustrophobia, post-aneurysm embolization).
Pre-existing cognitive impairment or other major uncontrolled neurological/psychiatric disorders.
Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University
Lead sponsor
The Third Affiliated hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
Collaborator