Pre-moxibustion and moxibustion prevent Alzheimer's disease

The Alzheimer's disease model in Wistar rats was established by injection of amyloid β-peptide (Aβ(1–42)) into the hippocampal CA1 region. Rats were treated with suspended moxibustion on Baihui (GV20) and Shenshu (BL23) acupoints. Prior to and post Aβ(1–42) exposure. Results showed no evidence of apoptosis in hippocampal neurons, a significantly reduced apoptosis rate of neurons and improved learning and memory abilities were observed in the Alzheimer's disease model. In particular, moxibustion prior to Aβ(1–42) exposure was more effective than moxibustion after Aβ(1–42) exposure in protecting the neuronal structure and lowering the apoptosis rate. Our findings indicate that a combination of preventive and therapeutic moxibustion has a beneficial effect for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease development.