Electro-acupuncture for SCD With Depression

This composite index of global cognitive function is derived from the aggregated Z-scores of eight neuropsychological tests (including Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Animal Fluency Test, Boston Naming Test, Trail Making Test Parts A/B, Stroop Color-Word Test-Card C, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Digit Span Test, and Clock Drawing Test). At baseline, each test's raw scores will be standardized using the study population's mean and standard deviation (Z = [raw score - mean]/SD). For tests where lower scores indicate better performance (e.g., Trail Making Test time), Z-scores are reversed (multiplied by -1) to align directionality. The final aggregated Z-score, expressed in standard deviation units, will be assessed pre-treatment and 8 weeks post-treatment initiation.

The reduction rate is calculated based on the total score (range: 0-15, where a higher score indicates more severe depressive symptoms) of the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. The reduction rate formula is: ([Pre-treatment score - Post-treatment score] / Pre-treatment score) × 100%. Efficacy is defined as: Markedly Effective (reduction rate ≥ 50%); Effective (50% > reduction rate ≥ 25%); Ineffective (reduction rate < 25%).

sMRI indicators: GMV, FA, MD; rs-fMRI indicators: ALFF, fALFF, ReHo, Seed-based FC.

The total score (range: 0-30) of the Mini-Mental State Examination, where a higher score indicates better cognitive function.

The score for the long-delay free recall trial of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (range: 0-15 words), where a higher score indicates better episodic memory function.

The score for the delayed recall trial of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, which is typically scored on a standardized system (e.g., 0-36 points based on accuracy and placement of reproduced elements), where a higher score indicates better visual-spatial memory and recall ability.

The total number of correctly named items (range: 0-30) of the 30-item Boston Naming Test, where a higher score indicates better confrontational word retrieval and language ability.

The total number of correct, unique animal names generated within 60 seconds (common score range: 0-50+), where a higher score indicates better semantic verbal fluency and executive functioning.

The time to completion (in seconds) for Trail Making Test Part A, where a shorter completion time indicates better visual attention, processing speed, and motor function.

The time to completion (in seconds) for Trail Making Test Part B, where a shorter completion time indicates better cognitive flexibility, task-switching ability, and executive function.

The total score on the standardized 30-point Clock Drawing Test (CDT30-AJ/CI version, range: 0-30), where a higher score indicates better visuospatial/executive function and cognitive integrity.

The total number of correct symbol-digit pairings completed within 90 seconds (common score range: 0-110+), where a higher score indicates better processing speed, sustained attention, and visual scanning.

The global score (range: 0-21) of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, where a higher score indicates poorer sleep quality.

The transformed scores (range: 0-100 for each of the nine constitution subscales) calculated according to the standardized "TCM Constitution Classification and Determination Scale" (published by the China Association of Chinese Medicine). A higher transformed score on a specific subscale indicates a more pronounced tendency towards that constitution type (e.g., Yang Deficiency, Qi Deficiency, etc.).

Scores (range: 0-30 per syndrome) for seven TCM syndrome types (e.g., Spleen-Kidney Deficiency) as assessed by the standardized "TCM Syndrome Type Scale for Mild Cognitive Impairment", where a higher score indicates more severe syndrome manifestation.

The participant's response to a single-item Treatment Acceptance Survey at the end of the treatment period. Responses are categorized as: "Completely Acceptable", "Acceptable", or "Not Acceptable".

The number and proportion of participants experiencing any treatment-emergent adverse event(s), classified by system organ class and severity (e.g., mild, moderate, severe), according to a standardized dictionary (e.g., MedDRA) and assessed for relationship to the study treatment.