Brain Health and Cognitive Aging in Alberta: A Supportive Approach Using Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Brain health and cognitive function naturally change with aging.

Across Canada—and particularly in Alberta—Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are becoming increasingly common (Statistics Canada; Alzheimer Society of Canada; Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories). These conditions affect not only memory, but also independence, emotional well-being, sleep, daily functioning, and quality of life for individuals and families.

The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories estimates Alberta’s dementia population will increase by ~286% by 2050 — one of the fastest projected growth rates in Canada.

Another projection suggests the number of Albertans living with dementia could exceed 200,000 by 2050.

We explain why dementia rates are rising in Alberta, how cognitive aging is influenced by whole-body factors, and how acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may be used responsibly as supportive care alongside conventional medical management.

Cognitive Aging and Dementia: A Complex, Whole-Body Process

Cognitive decline does not develop from a single cause. Research shows that Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are influenced by multiple overlapping biological and lifestyle factors, including:

• Chronic neuroinflammation

• Reduced blood flow to the brain

• Oxidative stress and nerve cell damage

• Metabolic conditions such as diabetes and insulin resistance

• Aging, genetic vulnerability, sleep disruption, and long-term stress

In Alberta, the growing number of people living with dementia is driven primarily by population aging and longer life expectancy, not by climate or geography. While long winters and rural living may indirectly influence physical activity, social connection, and management of chronic disease, there is no evidence that Alberta’s climate directly causes Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Because cognitive aging involves multiple systems at once, supportive approaches that address circulation, nervous system regulation, sleep quality, stress, and overall physiological balance have become an area of increasing interest.

Why Dementia Is Increasing in Alberta

Several well-established factors explain the rising number of dementia cases in Alberta:

Population Aging

Dementia risk increases significantly with age, particularly after 65 and again after 80. As more Albertans live longer due to advances in medical care, the total number of people living with cognitive decline naturally rises.

Improved Survival From Chronic Disease

More people now survive conditions such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes. While this reflects improved healthcare, these conditions are also known risk factors for dementia later in life.

Vascular and Metabolic Health

Rates of cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and sleep disorders contribute to increased risk of vascular dementia and mixed dementia. These conditions do not cause dementia on their own but increase vulnerability over time.

Access to Preventive Care

In rural and remote areas of Alberta, access to preventive healthcare and early management of chronic conditions may be limited, contributing to later diagnosis rather than a different disease process.

How Acupuncture May Support Brain Health

Acupuncture does not cure Alzheimer’s disease and does not reverse advanced dementia. However, research suggests it may help support physiological processes related to brain health, particularly in early or mild stages of cognitive change.

Current research is discussed suggesting acupuncture may:

• Support cerebral (brain) blood flow

• Influence neuroinflammatory activity

• Affect neurotransmitters involved in memory, mood, and sleep

• Modulate activity in brain regions such as the hippocampus, which is affected early in Alzheimer’s disease

Some studies involving individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have reported modest improvements in brain connectivity and cognitive performance following acupuncture. Research quality varies and larger clinical trials are still needed, but acupuncture is generally considered low risk when used appropriately as part of a coordinated care plan.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Early Support

Mild cognitive impairment refers to measurable cognitive changes that are greater than expected with normal aging but do not necessarily progress to dementia.

MCI is emphasized because it represents an earlier stage of cognitive change, where supportive strategies focused on sleep, stress regulation, circulation, and daily functioning may be most relevant.

Cognitive Aging Through the Lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine does not define dementia as a single disease. Instead, cognitive decline is understood through pattern differentiation, reflecting different underlying imbalances.

Common TCM patterns associated with cognitive aging include:

• Kidney Essence (Jing) deficiency, associated with aging and memory

• Phlegm misting the mind, affecting clarity and concentration

• Blood stasis obstructing the brain, impairing circulation

• Heart–Kidney or Heart–Spleen disharmony, affecting cognition, sleep, and emotional regulation

From a TCM perspective, care focuses on supporting circulation, calming the nervous system, nourishing deficiencies, and maintaining systemic balance, rather than targeting memory loss alone.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Pattern-Based Cognitive Support

Chinese herbal medicine is traditionally prescribed based on individual pattern presentation, not as isolated supplements.

Commonly discussed herbs are grouped by TCM pattern for educational context.

Phlegm Misting the Mind

• Acorus tatarinowii (Shi Chang Pu)

• Polygala tenuifolia (Yuan Zhi)

Heart–Kidney Disharmony

• Polygala tenuifolia (Yuan Zhi)

• Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang / Sheng Di Huang)

Kidney Essence (Jing) Deficiency

• Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang)

• Lycium barbarum (Gou Qi Zi)

• Ginseng (Ren Shen)

Blood Stasis Affecting the Brain

• Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan Shen)

• Curcumin (Jiang Huang)

Neurological Symptoms With Dizziness

• Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma)

Chinese herbal medicine must always be individually prescribed and carefully coordinated with medical care, especially for older adults and those taking prescription medications.

What Supportive Care Can—and Cannot—Do

Supported by current evidence

• Support for sleep, stress regulation, mood, and overall well-being

• Influence on circulation and inflammation

• Possible supportive role in early cognitive changes

Not supported by evidence

• No cure for Alzheimer’s disease

• No reversal of advanced dementia

• Not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment

Brain Health and Integrative Care in Alberta

Across Alberta, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are commonly explored as complementary approaches alongside conventional care for aging-related conditions.

Integrative care refers to coordinated support focused on comfort, function, and quality of life—while medical assessment and treatment remain essential.

Key Takeaway

Dementia is increasing in Alberta primarily because people are living longer and surviving chronic disease—not because of climate or geography. While Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured, supportive approaches such as acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine may help address factors related to brain health, including circulation, sleep, stress, and nervous system regulation.

Anyone experiencing memory changes or cognitive concerns should seek proper medical evaluation. Complementary approaches should be used alongside, not instead of, appropriate medical care.