Complementary and alternative medicine: Applications and implications for cognitive functioning in elderly populations

Objective. Aged populations in the United States are growing in numbers, and stand to be affected most by the changing shape of healthcare delivery. Within these elderly populations, the problem of decreased cognitive functioning due to dementing disorders is rising. Recent compelling research on complementary and alternative medicine interventions targeted at cognitive deficits in the elderly is reviewed in this survey. Data Sources. A literature review was undertaken to identify original clinical research studies, review articles, chapters, and books on treating cognitive deficits in the elderly. Contact with complementary and alternative medicine researchers provided additional information concerning developments in this field. Study Selection. Research studies that were methodologically sound were selected for review. More purely clinical studies also were included to provide a thorough overview of the limited amount of accumulated knowledge in this field. Data Synthesis. A qualitative synthesis of the above data was used to comprehensively present ail information accumulated to date in this field. Conclusions. Although still in the preliminary stages of development, clinical research exploring the benefits of complementary and alternative therapies for cognitive deficits among the elderly shows a significant level of promise that warrants a further investment of resources.