More than half of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience cognitive difficulties – problems with memory, focus, and mental processing speed often called “brain fog.” These symptoms can significantly impact daily life and work performance. Currently, no medications effectively treat this frustrating aspect of MS.
Promising Study Results
A new clinical trial from Iran offers hope. Researchers studied 62 MS patients over 12 weeks, with half receiving real acupuncture treatments twice weekly and half receiving sham treatments. The acupuncture group showed measurable improvements in verbal memory, attention, and processing speed compared to the control group. Participants also reported reduced fatigue and better sleep quality.
How It Might Work
While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, researchers suggest acupuncture may help by:
- Reducing brain inflammation common in MS
- Stimulating production of brain-protective proteins
- Improving communication between different brain regions
Expert Perspectives
Neurologists caution that while these results are promising, more research is needed. “This is certainly encouraging for patients seeking additional treatment options,” said Dr. Sarah Thompson, an MS specialist not involved in the study. “The safety profile makes it reasonable to try while we await larger studies.”
Looking Ahead
The research team plans follow-up studies using advanced brain imaging to better understand acupuncture’s effects on the MS brain. In the meantime, these findings add to growing evidence supporting complementary therapies in comprehensive MS care.
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