Dementia (Adjunctive Care)
Also known as: Dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia, Mild cognitive impairment, Cognitive decline
Dementia is a group of conditions causing progressive decline in memory, thinking, behaviour and daily function. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type, followed by vascular, Lewy body and frontotemporal dementia, and diagnosis requires medical assessment to exclude reversible causes such as thyroid disease, B12 deficiency, depression, medication effects and delirium [1][2][3]. Management includes medicines for some types, managing cardiovascular risk, physical and social activity, carer support and advance care planning [1][2]. In Chinese medicine, dementia (Chī Dāi 痴呆) is understood as Kidney essence failing to fill the Sea of Marrow, Phlegm clouding the orifices, or Blood stasis obstructing the brain collaterals. Acupuncture research is promising but of limited quality, so care is adjunctive and focused on comfort, sleep, mood and carer wellbeing [4].
Plain-English one-pager you can print or hand to a patient. Free, no sign-in needed.
Lifestyle & Diet
- •Stay physically active every day, even with short walks [1][2].
- •Keep socially connected and mentally engaged [1].
- •Manage blood pressure, diabetes, hearing loss and smoking with your GP [2].
- •Plan ahead: advance care directives and carer support through Dementia Australia [1].
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Obtain consent from the person or their substitute decision-maker; reassess capacity and comfort each visit.
- •Avoid long needle retention in agitated patients; never leave a confused patient alone with needles in.
- •Many elderly patients take anticoagulants; use fine needles and firm pressure on removal.
- •Acupuncture does not replace medical diagnosis or dementia treatment [1][4].
When to reassess or seek care again
Track sleep, agitation, mood and carer-reported daily function every 4 treatments. Sudden change triggers same-day medical referral [1][2].
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre (NHMRC-approved) · 2016
- World Health Organization · 2023
- Cochrane Library · 2007
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.