Exploration on the Improvement of Cognitive Function and Inflammatory Response in Perimenopausal Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment by Self-Prepared Ningshen Prescription

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the improvement of cognitive function and inflammatory response in perimenopausal patients with MCI by kidney-tonifying, blood-activating, and mind-nourishing. METHODS: 80 perimenopausal patients with MCI who met the diagnostic criteria were divided into a therapy group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 40) according to the treatment method. The control group was given nimodipine (Bayer Pharmaceuticals) 30 mg, 3 times/day orally, while the therapy group was given a decoction of self-prepared Ningshen prescription on the top of the control group (glossy privet fruit, mulberry, aizoon stonecrop, dan-shen root, tuber fleeceflower stem, cyperus rotundus, citron). Patients in the 2 groups were assessed on the MocA scale, ADL scale, and TCM symptom score before and after 2 months of treatment, respectively, to observe whether there was any change in the scale scores and in the levels of inflammatory factors (hs-CRP, Hcy, and IL-1β) Pre- and posttherapy in the 2 groups. Observe the improvement of clinical symptoms and their safety in both groups (liver and kidney function indicators such as ALT, AST and Cr, dizziness, headache, decrease in blood pressure, flushing, and gastrointestinal reactions). RESULTS: The efficacy of the therapy group was better than that of the control group; the MocA scale and ADL scale scores improved and the TCM symptom score decreased in both groups posttherapy, with the MocA scale and ADL scale scores improving more and the TCM symptom score decreasing more in the therapy group compared with the control group during the same period (p < 0.05). The serum levels of hs-CRP, Hcy, and IL-1β decreased in both groups posttherapy, with the serum levels of hs-CRP, Hcy, and IL-1β decreasing more in the therapy group compared to the control group during the same period (p < 0.05). The difference in adverse events between the two groups was not statistically significant when compared by a chi-square test (p > 0.05). The differences in ALT, AST, and Cr levels between the control group and the treatment group before and after treatment were not significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ning Shen prescription can effectively prevent the continued development of cognitive dysfunction in perimenopausal patients with MCI, delay its natural course, and can improve the patients' ability to perform daily activities and improve their TCM symptoms.