The Effect of Mild Cognitive Impairment Management Program on Traditional Korean Medicine in a Public Health Center

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a mild cognitive impairment (MCI) management program on traditional Korean medicine in a public health center. Methods: In order to examine the effect of the MCI management program, we investigated MCI patients who participated in the program. MCI patients were treated with Jodeung-san (JDS) or Dangguijagyag-san (DGJYS) for 6 weeks. Mini Mental State Examination-Dementia Screening (MMSE-DS), Geriatric Quality of Life-Dementia (GQOL-D), Geriatric Depression Scale in Korea (GDS-K), and biochemical examination of blood were conducted at intervals of 6 weeks. A satisfaction survey was collected after this program. Results: MMSE-DS mean score increased significantly, by 4.09 (p=0.000) in the JDS group and by 4.15 (p=0.000) in the DGJYS group. GQOL-D mean score also increased significantly, by 5.90 (p=0.000) in the JDS group and by 5.07 (p=0.000) in the DGJYS group. GDS-K mean score decreased significantly, by 10.63 (p=0.000) in the JDS group and by 9.69 (p=0.000) in the DGJYS group. MMSE-DS, GDS-K and GQOL-D scores were not significantly different between the JDS and DGJYS groups. All of the participants were satisfied with the program, and 90% of the participants expressed a high intention to participate in the program again. Conclusions: Both Jodeung-san and Dangguijagyag-san treatment showed improvement on cognitive function, depression and quality of life in this program. Additional studies with more subjects will be required to prove credibility and validity more clearly. Keywords: Jodeung-san, Dangguijagyag-san, MCI, MMSE-DS, GDS-K, GQOL-D