The course of cognitive functions in geriatric patients with musculoskeletal pain receiving acupuncture: an observational study

Aim: Acupuncture is safe and effective in treating older patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Its effect on geriatric conditions has yet to be precisely investigated. We aim to understand the role of acupuncture on chronic musculoskeletal pain and better define its reflection on elderly patients' daily life. Material and Methods: 23 elderly patients received ten acupuncture sessions in 8 weeks for chronic musculoskeletal pain for our non-randomised observational study. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), Mini-Mental Score Examination (MMSE) were used. Results: VAS score was 7.65±1.82, which decreased significantly to 4.36±2.24 after treatment (p