Alzheimer's disease treated with combined therapy based on nourishing marrowand reinforcing Qi

ObjectiveTo study the efficacy and safety of combined Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy based on nourishing marrow to improve intellect and reinforcing Qi to activate bloodon mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsSixty-six patients with AD, whoseMini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score were from 10–24, were randomized equally into an intervention group and a control group. The control group was given Aricept (5mg, once daily). The intervention group was further divided into Yang-Qi deficiency (n = 18) and of Yin-Qi deficiency (n = 15) subgroups. Patients in the Yang-Qi deficiency group were intravenously administered Shenfu injection, 60 mL, and deproteinized calf blood injection(DCBI), 1.2 g, once daily. The Yin-Qi deficiency group was given Shenmai injection, 60 mL, and DCBI, 1.2 g, once daily. Each course lasted 21 days.ResultsCompared with the control group and with pre-treatment in the same group, MMSE, clinical dementia rating, and activities of daily living scale scores in the intervention group were significantly improved (all P < 0.05). These metrics mildly improved in the control group compared with before treatment (P > 0.05). No adverse effects were observed in any group during treatment.ConclusionsWe found that combined TCM therapy is effective and safe for managing mild to moderate AD.