Summary of the evidence on TCM nonpharmacological interventions for cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Objective To systematically synthesize the best available evidence on nonpharmacological interventions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods Guided by the “6S” evidence pyramid model, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases from their inception to March 2025. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the literature, while four researchers extracted the evidence using a standardized form. The best available evidence was ultimately identified through group discussion. Results A total of ten articles were included, comprising two guidelines, one expert consensus statement, and seven systematic reviews. Eighteen evidence items were summarized across five areas: acupuncture, acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), five-element music therapy, Baduanjin exercise, and Tai Chi. Conclusion Evidence regarding TCM nonpharmacological interventions for AD-related cognitive impairment is both scientific and comprehensive. However, further high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are still warranted.