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

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.