Thursday, May 19, 2011

Acupuncture for Memory Loss?

Question: How should memory loss in an 84-year-old man be treated? His daughter wants him to have a series of acupuncture treatments. What do you think?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

No reliable evidence to support memory correction through acupuncture treatment has been reported. I recommend seeking medical consultation to see if any deficiency or disease states exist that may be corrected or at least slowed.

Many memory issues can relate to mental health and well-being. Because of that, acupuncture may have a useful role related to behavior modification in selected cases. First, have organic disease and physical, emotional, dietary, and environmental conditions and deficiencies correctly evaluated and managed, then look at the ancillary and supportive treatments available and recommended by the man’s neurologist and private physician.

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