Work

Acupuncture Modulation of the Lung–Brain Axis in Alzheimer’s Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline and an impaired quality of life, for which no curative treatment is currently available. Recent research indicates that chronic pulmonary conditions-including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-exhibit significant epidemiological associations with AD pathogenesis, suggesting that the lung-brain axis may contribute to AD development. Acupuncture, a core TCM intervention, shows promise for modulating multisystem functions and enhancing cognitive performance. This review synthesizes the current evidence regarding pulmonary diseases influencing AD through the lung-brain axis, elucidates potential mechanisms by which acupuncture may modulate pulmonary function and mitigate AD pathology, and explores future directions for lung-brain axis-targeted acupuncture interventions. Our overarching aim is to propose integrative, evidence-based strategies that combine Chinese and Western medicine for the prevention and management of AD.

Source: Brain Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15101076

Authors: Jiaxing Zou, Ruiwei Liao, Wen Zhang, Zaoyuan Kuang

Institution: Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Acupuncture Treatment Research Studies

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654