Evidence showed that both TENS and passive body heating are potential treatment strategies for improving cognitive functions in people with dementia. It is hypothesized that hat device (Warmth +TENS) over the 4 acupuncture points would induce a greater improvement in cognitive functions and behavioural symptoms when compared with other hat devices (Warmth + placebo-TENS; TENS only; Warmth alone) and Control (hat device with no warmth and no TENS).
Acupuncture, a primary therapeutic method in traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for patients with dementia to improve memory, orientation, calculation, and self-managing ability in patients having dementia and prevent decline of cognitive functions. Results of animal studies have demonstrated that electroacupuncture on the head region is effective in managing the symptoms associated with dementia, including vascular dementia. A review of 8 studies on effects of TENS on non-pain related cognitive and behavioural functioning in patients with Alzheimer's disease and non-demented patients concluded that TENS could improve memory, affective behaviour and rest-activity rhythm in patients having Alzheimer's disease. Passive body heating is another novel physical intervention strategy which potentially can relieve the symptoms of dementia. A previous study demonstrated that the attention function of 15 elderly, measured by the reaction time in the Rapid Visual Processing Test, improved after passive body heating via a thermal suit. Moreover, 30 minutes of hot-water immersion improved the sleep quality in 13 people with vascular dementia.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
150
A hat device will offer the electrical stimulation (pulse width of 120 milliseconds at about 100 Hz with constant current 0.02mA-0.7 mA, intensity setting at sensory threshold) over 4 acupuncture points over the scalp, including Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Fengchi (GB20) and Shenting (GV24). Selection of acupuncture points has been based on the recommendation of traditional Chinese medicine. A custom-built warmth pad surrounding the TENS electrodes could produce the controlled comfortable warmth sensation, with default setting at 37degrees to 40 degrees Celsius.
A custom-built warmth pad surrounding the TENS electrodes could produce the controlled comfortable warmth sensation, with default setting at 37degrees to 40 degrees Celsius. The TENS electrodes are presented in the cap but no output will be delivered via these electrodes.
A hat device will offer the electrical stimulation (pulse width of 120 milliseconds at about 100 Hz with constant current 0.02mA-0.7 mA, intensity setting at sensory threshold) over 4 acupuncture points over the scalp, including Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Fengchi (GB20) and Shenting (GV24). Selection of acupuncture points has been based on the recommendation of traditional Chinese medicine.
A custom-built warmth pad surrounding the TENS electrodes could produce the controlled comfortable warmth sensation, with default setting at 37degrees to 40 degrees Celsius. No built-in TENS electrodes in the cap.
No warmth pad and TENS electrodes presented in the cap.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
RECRUITINGThe Hong Kong version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) - Baseline
The HK-MoCA will be used to assess the level of cognitive impairment. The scores of HK-MoCA ranging from 0 to 30, with a higher score indicates a higher level of cognitive function. This instrument was designed to evaluate 7 domains of cognitive functions which are key determinants of the functional performance of the participants, namely visuospatial/executive functions, naming, verbal memory registration and learning, attention, abstraction, delayed verbal memory.
Time frame: Baseline (0 week)
The Hong Kong version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) - post intervention
The HK-MoCA will be used to assess the level of cognitive impairment. The scores of HK-MoCA ranging from 0 to 30, with a higher score indicates a higher level of cognitive function. This instrument was designed to evaluate 7 domains of cognitive functions which are key determinants of the functional performance of the participants, namely visuospatial/executive functions, naming, verbal memory registration and learning, attention, abstraction, delayed verbal memory.
Time frame: 6 weeks
The Hong Kong version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) - short term followup
The HK-MoCA will be used to assess the level of cognitive impairment. The scores of HK-MoCA ranging from 0 to 30, with a higher score indicates a higher level of cognitive function. This instrument was designed to evaluate 7 domains of cognitive functions which are key determinants of the functional performance of the participants, namely visuospatial/executive functions, naming, verbal memory registration and learning, attention, abstraction, delayed verbal memory.
Time frame: 10 weeks
The Hong Kong version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MoCA) - long term followup
The HK-MoCA will be used to assess the level of cognitive impairment. The scores of HK-MoCA ranging from 0 to 30, with a higher score indicates a higher level of cognitive function. This instrument was designed to evaluate 7 domains of cognitive functions which are key determinants of the functional performance of the participants, namely visuospatial/executive functions, naming, verbal memory registration and learning, attention, abstraction, delayed verbal memory.
Time frame: 62 weeks
Chinese version of Disability Assessment for Dementia (C-DAD) - baseline
C-DAD will be used to assess the participant's ability to perform a spectrum of functional activities, such as going on an outing and housekeeping. During the assessment, a caregiver is asked to indicate if the participant was able to perform 47 daily activities within the previous weeks with the responses of 'yes', ''no' or 'not applicable'. The result will then be converted into a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicates a higher level of functioning.
Time frame: baseline (0 week)
Chinese version of Disability Assessment for Dementia (C-DAD) - post intervention
C-DAD will be used to assess the participant's ability to perform a spectrum of functional activities, such as going on an outing and housekeeping. During the assessment, a caregiver is asked to indicate if the participant was able to perform 47 daily activities within the previous weeks with the responses of 'yes', ''no' or 'not applicable'. The result will then be converted into a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicates a higher level of functioning.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Chinese version of Disability Assessment for Dementia (C-DAD) - short term followup
C-DAD will be used to assess the participant's ability to perform a spectrum of functional activities, such as going on an outing and housekeeping. During the assessment, a caregiver is asked to indicate if the participant was able to perform 47 daily activities within the previous weeks with the responses of 'yes', ''no' or 'not applicable'. The result will then be converted into a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicates a higher level of functioning.
Time frame: 10 weeks
Chinese version of Disability Assessment for Dementia (C-DAD) - long term followup
C-DAD will be used to assess the participant's ability to perform a spectrum of functional activities, such as going on an outing and housekeeping. During the assessment, a caregiver is asked to indicate if the participant was able to perform 47 daily activities within the previous weeks with the responses of 'yes', ''no' or 'not applicable'. The result will then be converted into a scale ranging from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicates a higher level of functioning.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: 62 weeks
Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) - baseline
PSQI will be used to assess the participant's sleep quality for the past months. PSQI consists of 19 individual items including sleep duration, sleep latency, sleep disturbance etc. The total score will be range from 0-21 and lower scores indicate a better sleep quality.
Time frame: baseline (0 weeks)
Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) - post intervention
PSQI will be used to assess the participant's sleep quality for the past months. PSQI consists of 19 individual items including sleep duration, sleep latency, sleep disturbance etc. The total score will be range from 0-21 and lower scores indicate a better sleep quality.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) - short term followup
PSQI will be used to assess the participant's sleep quality for the past months. PSQI consists of 19 individual items including sleep duration, sleep latency, sleep disturbance etc. The total score will be range from 0-21 and lower scores indicate a better sleep quality.
Time frame: 10 weeks
Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) - long term followup
PSQI will be used to assess the participant's sleep quality for the past months. PSQI consists of 19 individual items including sleep duration, sleep latency, sleep disturbance etc. The total score will be range from 0-21 and lower scores indicate a better sleep quality.
Time frame: 62 weeks