Objective Evaluation of the Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Mild Cognitive Impairment: Research Progress Based on EEG-Brain-Computer Interface
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/cpk0pm83Keywords:
Mild Cognitive Impairment, Traditional Chinese Medicine, EEG, Brain-computer Interface, Efficacy Evaluation, RehabilitationAbstract
Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a critical transitional stage between normal aging and dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by memory or cognitive impairment and a decline in daily living abilities. It has become a major global medical issue and a significant public health challenge worldwide. Current modern medical treatment options are limited, and traditional efficacy assessment methods based on neuropsychological scales have limitations such as strong subjectivity and insufficient sensitivity. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its multi-dimensional intervention strategies including herbal medicine, acupuncture, and Tai Chi, has shown unique potential in the prevention and treatment of MCI. With the development of neuroscience technology, electroencephalogram (EEG)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) technology, featuring non-invasive, high temporal resolution, and dynamic monitoring capabilities, provides a powerful tool for objectively quantifying brain function. Objective: This review aims to systematically explore how EEG-BCI technology, as a potential objective electrophysiological biomarker and brain function assessment tool, can be used to evaluate the regulatory effects of TCM interventions such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and Tai Chi on the neuroelectrophysiological activities of MCI patients from the perspective of the intersection of TCM rehabilitation medicine and brain science. Findings: Through a review of existing evidence, this paper finds that EEG-BCI can sensitively capture the positive changes in the electroencephalogram of MCI patients after TCM intervention, such as enhanced alpha rhythm, reshaped abnormal brain network connections, and improved P300 potential. These objective indicators provide a basis for explaining the neuroelectrophysiological basis of TCM intervention in improving cognitive function beyond subjective scales. Conclusion: EEG-based BCI technology provides a new research perspective and potential tool for the objective evaluation of the efficacy of TCM intervention in MCI. Although there are still challenges in research design, standardization of indicators, and consistency of evidence, this technology is expected to become an important bridge connecting the holistic regulation theory of TCM with modern brain science and provide support for the precise assessment of the intervention effects on MCI.
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