Clinical observation on therapeutic effect of moxibustion on cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

To observe the effect of moxibustion on cognitive function in patients with cognitive decline of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 47 patients with cognitive decline of T2DM were randomized into an observation group (24 cases, 4 cases dropped off ) and a control group (23 cases, 3 cases dropped off ). Conventional hypoglycemic intervention was adopted in the control group. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, Huayu Tongluo moxibustion (moxibustion for removing stasis and clearing collaterals) was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Dazhui (GV 14), Shenting (GV 24), once every 2 days, 4 weeks were as one course, totally 3 courses were required. Before and after treatment, scores of auditory verbal learning test (AVLT), complex figure test (CFT), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and trail making test-A (TMT-A) were observed in the both groups, and the clinical effective rates were compared. After treatment, the scores of immediate memory and delayed memory of AVLT in the observation group were higher than those before treatment and those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of visual space and executive function, delayed memory, attention and orientation of MoCA in the observation group were higher than those before treatment and those in the control group (P<0.05). The effective rate was 85.0% (17/20) in the observation group, which was superior to 10.0% (2/20) in the control group (P<0.05). Huayu Tongluo moxibustion has a definite effect on cognitive decline of type 2 diabetes mellitus.