Characteristics of TCM Constitution and Related Biomarkers for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

The incidence of Alzheimer's disease is on the rise, early detection of cognitive impairment of the elderly is very important. In traditional Chinese medicine, constitution is related to the susceptibility of the human body to diseases. Based on the theory of constitution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the human population can be classified into 9 constitutions. However, little is known about the characteristics of medical constitution and related biomarkers in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: We measured the TCM Constitution of 214 subjects by using the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ). MMSE and MoCA were used to assess cognitive function. The subjects were divided into mild cognitive impairment group (MCI, n = 152) and normal control group (NC, n = 62). The levels of serum Hcy and serum/urine 8-iso-PGF 2α were determined. Results: 1) It was found that there was a significant difference in constitution types between MCI and NC. There were significant differences in MMSE and MoCA score, serum Hcy and serum/urine 8-iso-PGF 2a levels between the two groups. 2) In logistic regression analysis, the variables with statistical significance were TCM Constitution of Yang-Deficient, Phlegm-Dampness, Blood-Stasis and abnormal increase of Hcy (OR>1). 3) The MoCA scores had a positive correlation with the MMSE. A statistically significant inverse association was found between serum Hcy, blood and urine 8-iso-PGF 2a and scores of cognitive assessment in MCI. Conclusion:Constitution types (Yang-Deficient, Phlegm-Dampness and Blood-Stasis) and abnormal serum Hcy elevation can be used as risk factors for MCI. MoCA scores can serve to detect MCI at early stage. Serum/urine 8-iso-PGF 2α has a certain relationship with MCI. Higher levels of serum/urine 8-iso-PGF 2α are more likely to be associated with MCI risk.

Acupressure and Cognitive Training Can Improve Cognitive Functions of Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…TCM describes a state of health maintained by a balance of energy or Qi in the body ( Xutian et al, 2009 ). According to TCM, Qi-Deficiency is a common feature in older adults with MCI ( Deng et al, 2021 ). Acupressure treatment can stimulate the related meridians and reproduce an effect usually defined as “De Qi” to correct the imbalance of Qi in the body ( Smith et al, 2020 ).…”

Analysis of Sleep Quality and TCM Constitution Characteristics in 258 Outpatients: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Outpatient Cases

“…Sleep quality is inversely proportional to the score [ 9 ]. ③ TCM constitution [ 10 ] adopts the Classification and Determination of Constitution in TCM, which consists of nine parts: balanced constitution, inherited special constitution, Yin deficiency constitution, Yang deficiency constitution, blood stasis constitution, phlegm-dampness constitution, dampness-heat constitution, Qi stagnation constitution, and Qi deficiency constitution. Each question is rated on a five-level basis, and the original score and conversion score are calculated based on a formula.…”

Herbal Medicine for Patients with Cognitive Impairment: An Observational Study

“…In another study of TCM constitution in 152 patients with MCI, neutral was the most frequent constitution (33.6%), followed by Qi-deficient (33.5%), Yang-deficient (21.7%), Phlegm-dampness (9.2%), and Blood-stasis (7.9%). 12 In a study of 52 mild to moderate patients with AD, liver-kidney yin deficiency was the most frequent pattern (64.8%). 36 In a randomized controlled trial of patients with mild to moderate AD, appropriate herbal medicine was prescribed according to the pattern identification of Heart Qi-deficiency, Kidney Yin-deficiency, Phlegm-dampness, and Blood stasis.…”

“…In recent studies, efforts have been made to measure the TCM or KM pattern objectively in patients with cognitive impairment. 11 , 12 Specifically, in a real-world multicenter controlled clinical study conducted in China, sequential therapy based on the evolvement of patterns (STEP) regimen was applied for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) 13 , 14 and the authors concluded that early AD initiates from kidney deficiency, and as the disease progress, phlegm-dampness, blood stasis, and fire-heat could occur pathologically. According to the sequential patterns of AD patients, herbal medicine demonstrated beneficial effects in maintaining cognitive stability in patients with AD after the 2-years of follow-up.…”