Clinical Research Directory

Acupoints: Principal: GV20, EX-HN1, GV24 and bilateral PC6, HT7, ST36, KI3, SP6. Additional: CV6 and bilateral GB39, ST40, SP10 Sterile stainless steel disposable acupuncture needles (size 0.30 × 50 mm, Hwato brand, China) are used. After sterilization, a small plastic ring will be fixed over the acupuncture point with plaster to facilitate maintenance of blinding for the participant, and then the needle will be inserted through the plaster inside the ring. The electric stimulator (SDZ-Ⅲ electroacupuncture apparatus, Hwato brand, China) is applied to GV20, GV24, bilateral PC6 and HT7, dilatational wave, 10/50 Hz and tolerable electric current. Needles placed in other acupoints will be manually stimulated by rotation every 15 minutes. Each session lasts for 45 min.

Sham acupoints: SA1 (5 cun lateral to GV5), SA2 (5 cun lateral to GV4), SA3 (1 cun lateral to BL56). After sterilization, pragmatic placebo needles with blunt tip (size 0.30 × 50 mm, Hwato brand, China) are used. When their tips are pressed against the skin through plastic rings, participants will feel a pricking sensation. The electric stimulator is applied to bilateral SA1 and SA2 with no current output. The mental wire has been cut off with a same outlook as the electroacupuncture group. Needles placed in SA3 will be manually rotated every 15 minutes. Each session lasts for 45 min.

Donepezil hydrochloride (5 mg/capsule, Weicai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, China) is to be taken 5 mg daily.