Abstract: OBJECTIVE:To study the efficacy and safety of combined Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) therapy based on nourishing marrow to improve intellect and reinforcing Qi to activate bloodon mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease(AD).METHODS:Sixty-six patients with AD,whoseMini-Mental State Examination(MMSE) score were from 10-24,were randomized equally into an intervention group and a control group.The control group was given Aricept(5 mg,once daily).The intervention group was further divided into Yang-Qi deficiency(n = 18) and of Yin-Qi deficiency(n = 15)subgroups.Patients in the Yang-Qi deficiency group were intravenously administered Shenfu injection,60 mL,and deproteinized calf blood injection(DCBl),1.2 g,once daily.The Yin-Qi deficiency group was given Shenmai injection,60 mL,and DCBl,1.2 g,once daily.Each course lasted 21 days.RESULTS:Compared with the control group and with pre-treatment in the same group,MMSE,clinical dementia rating,and activities of daily living scale scores in the intervention group were significantly improved(all P0.05).No adverse effects were observed in any group during treatment.CONCLUSION:We found that combined TCM therapy is effective and safe for managing mild to moderate AD.

Key words: Alzheimer disease, Combined modality therapy, Donepezil, Deproteinized calf blood injection