Key Technical Research on the Treatment of Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment With Brain Electric Field Therapy Based on Acupoint Regulation

Key Technical Research on the Treatment of Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment With Brain Electric Field Therapy Based on Acupoint Regulation

This clinical study investigates whether electroacupuncture can improve thinking and memory in people with cognitive problems after a stroke (Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment, or PSCI).

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive real electroacupuncture, while the other will receive a sham treatment . Both groups will also receive standard medical care.The main goal is to see if the real electroacupuncture leads to greater improvement in cognitive function tests over 6 months compared to the sham treatment. The study will also use brain scans (MRI) and other assessments to understand how the treatment might work.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Meets diagnostic criteria for Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI) per the 2024 Chinese VCI guidelines.
2. Meets TCM diagnostic criteria per the 2024 Vascular Mild Cognitive Impairment guidelines.
3. Cognitive scores: MMSE 12-24 and MoCA <24; NIHSS ≤8; AD-8 <2.
4. Age 35-80 years.
5. Basic communication ability (Mandarin) and has a stable caregiver.
6. Provides written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe chronic systemic diseases (e.g., cardiac, hepatic, renal, hematologic) or unstable cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease.
2. Local skin conditions (e.g., herpes, ulceration, keloid) contraindicating acupuncture.
3. Contraindications for repeated MRI (e.g., claustrophobia, post-aneurysm embolization).
4. Pre-existing cognitive impairment or other major uncontrolled neurological/psychiatric disorders.
5. Deemed unsuitable for the study by investigators.
6. Participation in another clinical trial within the past 3 months.