Acupoint sticking medicine for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients and use method thereof

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of traditional Chinese medicine preparation, and particularly relates to an acupoint sticking medicine for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment of elderly patients and a use method thereof. The traditional Chinese medicine composition of the acupoint sticking medicine comprises Huangrenshen, Baishao, Danggui, Guijianyu, Shichangpu, Yuanzhi, Tianzhuhuang, Longchi, Fushen, Mosha, Huoxiang and Pelian. Under the guidance of the traditional Chinese medicine meridian theory, the physiological characteristics of the elderly patients are combined with the long-term postoperative rehabilitation demand, so that the effective components of traditional Chinese medicine are absorbed through the skin and jointly play a superimposed treatment role. The acupoint sticking medicine has a definite effect on preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment of elderly patients, can significantly improve the long-term postoperative cognitive function score of the elderly patients, improve the long-term postoperative life quality and sleep quality, and is beneficial to the long-term postoperative rehabilitation of the elderly patients.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of traditional Chinese medicine preparation technology, specifically relating to an acupoint patch drug for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients and its method of use. Background Technology

[0002] Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) refers to changes in memory, orientation, and attention in patients after surgery and anesthesia. It is a common postoperative complication in elderly patients, negatively impacting postoperative recovery and accelerating cognitive decline. It is closely related to Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, severely affecting the quality of life of the elderly and increasing the burden on families and society. The elderly are a high-risk group for POCD, and its incidence increases annually with age. Studies have found that the incidence of POCD is significantly higher in patients over 75 years of age than in those aged 65-75. Due to age-related decline in bodily functions, elderly patients are more prone to severe stress responses from anesthesia and surgical trauma, increasing the risk of POCD and prolonging hospital stays. Currently, the exact mechanisms of POCD are not fully understood, but it is believed to be closely related to intraoperative hemodynamic changes, anesthetic drug accumulation, and neuroinflammatory responses.

[0003] Studies have found that some elderly patients still exhibit cognitive impairment more than a month after surgery, and a small percentage even develop severe dementia, causing psychological and physical burdens on patients and their families and affecting long-term quality of life and survival rates. Previous studies have shown that the incidence of cognitive impairment after non-cardiac surgery in patients over 60 years of age reaches 41.4% at discharge and 12% three months after surgery. However, most existing observational and interventional studies focus on delirium and delayed neurological recovery in the early postoperative period (within 3 days), while follow-up studies on long-term postoperative neurocognitive disorders (1 month postoperatively) are limited. Therefore, the assessment and prevention of cognitive impairment in elderly patients one month or longer after surgery is particularly important.

[0004] Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classifies postoperative cognitive impairment as "delirium," believing it to be caused by pathogenic heat, blood stasis, phlegm, and dampness disturbing the mind. TCM emphasizes restoring the body's balance of Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang. Elderly patients often suffer from weak spleen and stomach, deficient liver and kidneys, and weakened organ function, making them prone to deficiencies and abnormalities in Qi, blood, essence, and body fluids. TCM, through its holistic regulation and multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-mechanism effects, offers advantages in improving cognitive function, daily living abilities, and quality of life. TCM treatment should primarily focus on expelling pathogens and calming the mind; or, if the condition stems from deficiency of vital energy and malnourishment of the mind, focus on tonifying the heart and calming the mind. The *Suwen* (Plain Questions) states, "All manic-depressive disorder belongs to fire." The *Suwen* also states, "When water is excessive in a year, people suffer from fever, restlessness, palpitations, coldness in the upper and lower body, delirium, and heart pain." Therefore, the use of traditional Chinese medicine techniques and methods to reduce the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), slow its progression, and improve postoperative cognitive function in elderly patients has attracted attention.

[0005] Acupoint application is a unique external treatment method in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Medicated patches are applied to acupoints, where the stimulation of these points and the medicinal properties work together. It is characterized by its simplicity, convenience, effectiveness, and affordability. In modern medicine, acupoint massage is believed to promote blood, lymphatic, and tissue fluid circulation, thereby boosting metabolism, increasing oxygen and nutrient supply to brain tissue, and thus slowing down brain aging and atrophy. Furthermore, normal serum homocysteine ​​levels are a protective factor against cognitive impairment; acupoint massage can lower homocysteine ​​levels, thus delaying the progression of cognitive dysfunction. Acupoint application is particularly suitable for patients in the perioperative period and those who are on a fasting diet post-surgery, and does not increase the risk of liver or kidney damage in elderly patients.

[0006] Postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients is closely related to their self-care ability, quality of life, and impact on their families and society. However, current research on the prevention and treatment of long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients is limited. Current treatment methods include the HELP (Hospital Elder Life Program) management model, which establishes comprehensive interventions targeting risk factors for postoperative delirium; non-pharmacological interventions such as anesthesia management; and pharmacological interventions such as antipsychotics and sedatives / analgesics. However, these treatments are only applicable to postoperative delirium (within 3 days post-surgery) and early cognitive impairment (within 7 days post-surgery), and many of these medications have adverse reactions affecting the central nervous system and cardiovascular system; their effectiveness and safety remain to be confirmed. Long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients (more than one month post-surgery) significantly increases the risk of dementia and has a greater impact on their quality of life than early delirium. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a treatment plan with clear therapeutic effects and fewer adverse reactions to prevent and treat long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients, providing long-term guidance and intervention after discharge to prevent further aggravation of postoperative cognitive impairment, promote long-term recovery, and improve quality of life. Guided by traditional Chinese medicine's meridian theory, this invention combines the physiological characteristics of elderly patients with their postoperative rehabilitation needs. It applies traditional Chinese medicinal herbs with calming, brain-awakening, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and cardiovascular-protective properties to acupoints, allowing the effective components to be absorbed through the skin and exert a synergistic therapeutic effect to treat long-term postoperative cognitive impairment. It boasts advantages such as simple operation, cost-effectiveness, and few adverse reactions, making it more easily accepted by elderly postoperative patients. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide an acupoint patch drug for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients and its method of use, which fills the gap in the field of traditional Chinese medicine therapy for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients. It has the advantages of simple operation, cost-effectiveness, few adverse reactions, etc., and is more easily accepted by elderly patients after surgery.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this application employs the following technical solution:

[0009] A topical medication for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients, comprising the following Chinese herbal ingredients: ginseng, white peony root, angelica root, euonymus, acorus tatarinowii, polygala tenuifolia, bamboo shavings, fossilized teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium fortunei.

[0010] Furthermore, the raw materials for traditional Chinese medicine come from different places of origin and have different sources.

[0011] Furthermore, the weight ratio of ginseng, white peony root, angelica, euonymus, acorus, polygala, bamboo shavings, fossilized teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium is (3-5): (5-10): (5-10): (3-9): (5-10): (3-5): (5-10): (5-10): (0.01-0.03): (5-10): (5-10).

[0012] Furthermore, ginseng, white peony root, angelica root, euonymus, acorus tatarinowii, polygala tenuifolia, bamboo shavings, fossilized teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium fortunei are prepared in the following weight ratio: 3:5:5:4:5:4:3:5:5:0.01:5:5.

[0013] Furthermore, the acupoint application medicine is a plaster or a paste prepared with additives.

[0014] Furthermore, the additive is honey.

[0015] A method for using an acupoint patch to prevent and treat long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients includes the following steps:

[0016] S1. Select Chinese medicinal materials, and weigh the following Chinese medicinal materials in the following weight ratios: ginseng, white peony root, angelica, euonymus, acorus, polygala, bamboo shavings, dragon teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium.

[0017] S2. Add the weighed Chinese herbs to a clean container and add water to the container to wash the herbs. After washing, remove the herbs from the container.

[0018] S3. Send the extracted medicinal materials into the dryer for drying. The drying time is 10-15 minutes. Then, take the dried Chinese medicine out of the dryer and add it to the Chinese medicine pulverizer for pulverization.

[0019] S4. Grind the medicine into an ultrafine powder, and mix the pulverized raw materials to make the raw materials evenly mixed. Then add honey to the evenly mixed Chinese medicine, mix it into a paste, dilute it appropriately, and store it in a container for later use.

[0020] S5. When using, take an appropriate amount of ointment from the spare container for storing the medicine and apply it evenly to the special dressing.

[0021] S6. Apply the special dressing containing the medicine from step S5 to the designated acupoints.

[0022] Furthermore, the acupoints were set as Taichong, Hegu, and Zusanli. The patches were applied one day before the procedure and removed after 6 hours, twice a day for a total of 14 days.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0024] This invention provides an acupoint patch medication for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients, and its method of use, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] Of the twelve Chinese herbs selected in this invention, ginseng nourishes the internal organs, calms the mind, and improves intelligence; white peony nourishes blood, regulates menstruation, softens the liver, and relieves pain; angelica nourishes blood, invigorates blood circulation, regulates menstruation, relieves pain, and protects the cardiovascular system; Euonymus alatus invigorates blood circulation, removes blood stasis, unblocks meridians, relieves pain, detoxifies, and reduces swelling; Acorus tatarinowii opens the orifices, awakens the mind, calms the heart, and resolves dampness and harmonizes the stomach; Polygala tenuifolia calms the mind, improves intelligence, eliminates phlegm, opens the orifices, prolongs sleep time, and improves anxiety and depression; Bambusa textilis clears the heart, calms the nerves, and soothes the mind; Dragon's teeth calm the nerves, clear heat, relieve irritability, and subdue liver yang; Poria cocos calms the mind, promotes diuresis, and reduces swelling; Musk opens the orifices, awakens the mind, invigorates blood circulation, relieves menstrual pain, and has cardiovascular protective effects; Patchouli resolves dampness, harmonizes the middle jiao, relieves summer heat, and releases exterior pathogens; Eupatorium fortunei resolves dampness, awakens the spleen, relieves summer heat, harmonizes the middle jiao, and soothes the stomach and stops vomiting. Among the three acupoints selected for application, Taichong (LR3) has the effects of calming the liver and extinguishing wind, clearing heat and promoting diuresis, and unblocking meridians and relieving pain. Combined with Hegu (LI4), Ganshu (BL18), and Danshu (BL19), it can treat insomnia. The Hegu (LI4) acupoint, when combined with the Taichong (LR3) acupoint, is known as the Four Gates acupoint, possessing calming, soothing, liver-calming, and wind-extinguishing effects. The Zusanli (ST36) acupoint dries dampness in the spleen and generates stomach qi. Acupoint application is a unique external treatment method in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This method primarily relies on meridian theory. Guided by TCM meridian theory, it applies TCM herbs with calming, brain-awakening, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and cardiovascular-protective properties to the Taichong, Hegu, and Zusanli acupoints. Through acupoint stimulation and the combined effects of the herbs, the medicinal efficacy reaches all five internal organs, contributing to the prevention and treatment of long-term postoperative cognitive impairment, cardiovascular protection, and anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This invention, guided by TCM meridian theory, combines the physiological characteristics of elderly patients with the long-term postoperative rehabilitation needs. The effective components of the herbs are absorbed through the skin, exerting a synergistic therapeutic effect. It is effective in preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients, significantly improving their long-term postoperative cognitive function scores, quality of life, and sleep, thus promoting long-term postoperative recovery. This approach fills a gap in the prevention and treatment of long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients using external TCM therapies. It addresses the issues of uncertain efficacy, adverse drug reactions, and high costs associated with traditional treatments, providing a new clinical strategy for preventing long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients. Furthermore, it boasts advantages such as simple operation, cost-effectiveness, and fewer adverse reactions, making it more readily accepted by elderly postoperative patients. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a typical case for implementing this invention.

[0027] Figure 2 The present invention implements a typical case of a Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE).

[0028] Figure 3 The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) rating scale is used as a typical example of the implementation of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] This invention provides a technical solution: an acupoint patch drug for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients and its method of use, comprising the following raw materials: ginseng, white peony root, angelica, euonymus, acorus, polygala, bamboo shavings, fossilized teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium.

[0032] In this application, the raw materials can be high-quality Chinese medicinal materials from different places of origin and different sources.

[0033] In this application, the raw materials selected are ginseng, white peony root, angelica, euonymus, acorus, polygala, bamboo shavings, fossilized teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium, and are prepared in the following weight ratio: 3:5:5:4:5:4:3:5:5:0.01:5:5.

[0034] In this application, honey can be added to the acupoint patch medication to make it into a paste.

[0035] A method for using an acupoint patch to prevent and treat long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients includes the following steps:

[0036] S1: Weigh out 9g of ginseng, 15g of white peony root, 15g of angelica root, 12g of Euonymus alatus, 15g of Acorus tatarinowii, 12g of Polygala tenuifolia, 9g of Bambusa textilis, 15g of fossilized teeth, 15g of Poria cocos, 0.03g of musk, 15g of patchouli, and 15g of Eupatorium fortunei.

[0037] S2: Add the weighed Chinese herbs into a clean container, add water to the container to wash the herbs, and remove the herbs from the container after washing.

[0038] S3: Send the extracted medicinal materials into the dryer for drying for 10 minutes, and then take the dried Chinese medicine out of the dryer. At the same time, add the dried medicinal materials to the Chinese medicine pulverizer for pulverization.

[0039] S4: Grind the medicine into an ultrafine powder, and mix the pulverized raw materials to make the raw materials evenly mixed. Then add honey to the evenly mixed Chinese medicine, mix it into a paste, dilute it appropriately, and store it in a container for later use.

[0040] S5: When using, take an appropriate amount of ointment from the spare container for storing the medicine and apply it evenly to the special dressing each time.

[0041] S6: Apply the medicine to the three acupoints of Taichong, Hegu, and Zusanli. Start applying the medicine one day before the procedure and remove it after 6 hours. Apply twice a day for a total of 14 days.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] This invention provides a technical solution: an acupoint patch drug for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients and its method of use, comprising the following raw materials: ginseng, white peony root, angelica, euonymus, acorus, polygala, bamboo shavings, fossilized teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium.

[0044] In this application, the raw materials can be high-quality Chinese medicinal materials from different places of origin and different sources.

[0045] In this application, the raw materials selected are ginseng, white peony root, angelica, euonymus, acorus, polygala, bamboo shavings, fossilized teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium, in the following weight ratio: 3:5:5:4:5:4:3:5:5:0.01:5:5.

[0046] In this application, honey can be added to the acupoint patch medication to make it into a paste.

[0047] A method for using an acupoint patch to prevent and treat long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients includes the following steps:

[0048] S1: Weigh out 6g of ginseng, 10g of white peony root, 10g of angelica root, 8g of Euonymus alatus, 10g of Acorus tatarinowii, 8g of Polygala tenuifolia, 6g of Bambusa textilis, 10g of fossilized teeth, 10g of Poria cocos, 0.02g of musk, 10g of patchouli, and 10g of Eupatorium fortunei.

[0049] S2: Add the weighed Chinese herbs into a clean container, add water to the container to wash the herbs, and remove the herbs from the container after washing.

[0050] S3: Send the extracted medicinal materials into the dryer for drying for 10 minutes, and then take the dried Chinese medicine out of the dryer. At the same time, add the dried medicinal materials to the Chinese medicine pulverizer for pulverization.

[0051] S4: Grind the medicine into an ultrafine powder, and mix the pulverized raw materials to make the raw materials evenly mixed. Then add honey to the evenly mixed Chinese medicine, mix it into a paste, dilute it appropriately, and store it in a container for later use.

[0052] S5: When using, take an appropriate amount of ointment from the spare container for storing the medicine and apply it evenly to the special dressing each time.

[0053] S6: Apply the medicine to the three acupoints of Taichong, Hegu, and Zusanli. Start applying the medicine one day before the procedure and remove it after 6 hours. Apply twice a day for a total of 14 days.

[0054] Example 3

[0055] This invention provides a technical solution: an acupoint patch drug for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients and its method of use, comprising the following raw materials: ginseng, white peony root, angelica, euonymus, acorus, polygala, bamboo shavings, fossilized teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium.

[0056] In this application, the raw materials can be high-quality Chinese medicinal materials from different places of origin and different sources.

[0057] In this application, the raw materials selected are ginseng, white peony root, angelica, euonymus, acorus, polygala, bamboo shavings, fossilized teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium, in the following weight ratio: 3:5:5:4:5:4:3:5:5:0.01:5:5.

[0058] In this application, honey can be added to the acupoint patch medication to make it into a paste.

[0059] An acupoint patch medication for treating postoperative insomnia includes the following steps:

[0060] S1: Weigh out 12g of ginseng, 20g of white peony root, 20g of angelica root, 16g of Euonymus alatus, 20g of Acorus tatarinowii, 16g of Polygala tenuifolia, 12g of Bambusa textilis, 20g of fossilized teeth, 20g of Poria cocos, 0.04g of musk, 20g of patchouli, and 20g of Eupatorium fortunei.

[0061] S2: Add the weighed Chinese herbs into a clean container, add water to the container to wash the herbs, and remove the herbs from the container after washing.

[0062] S3: Send the extracted medicinal materials into the dryer for drying for 15 minutes, and then take the dried Chinese medicine out of the dryer. At the same time, add the dried medicinal materials to the Chinese medicine pulverizer for pulverization.

[0063] S4: Grind the medicine into an ultrafine powder, and mix the pulverized raw materials to make the raw materials evenly mixed. Then add honey to the evenly mixed Chinese medicine, mix it into a paste, dilute it appropriately, and store it in a container for later use.

[0064] S5: When using, take an appropriate amount of ointment from the spare container for storing the medicine and apply it evenly to the special dressing each time.

[0065] S6: Apply the medicine to the three acupoints of Taichong, Hegu, and Zusanli. Start applying the medicine one day before the procedure and remove it after 6 hours. Apply twice a day for a total of 14 days.

[0066] The pharmacological effects of the selected drugs are as follows:

[0067] ① Ginseng has a sweet and slightly bitter taste, and is slightly warm in nature. It primarily enters the spleen and lung meridians, and secondarily the heart and kidney meridians. It nourishes the internal organs, calms the mind, improves intelligence, and greatly replenishes vital energy. According to modern pharmacological research, the core component of ginseng is ginsenosides, which have anti-fatigue, nervous system-regulating, and memory-enhancing effects. It also contains polysaccharides, which activate immune cells and enhance disease resistance.

[0068] ② White peony root tastes bitter and sour, and is slightly cold in nature. It primarily enters the liver and spleen meridians. It has the effects of nourishing blood and regulating menstruation, soothing the liver and relieving pain, calming liver yang, and astringing yin and stopping sweating. According to modern pharmacological research, the core component of white peony root is paeoniflorin, which also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic effects, and can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors.

[0069] ③ Angelica sinensis has a sweet and pungent taste, and is warm in nature. It primarily enters the liver, heart, and spleen meridians, with the liver meridian being the core, while also harmonizing the qi and blood of the internal organs. It nourishes and invigorates blood, regulates menstruation and relieves pain, and moistens the intestines to promote bowel movements. According to modern pharmacological research, it contains volatile oils and ferulic acid, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and microcirculation-improving effects, as well as inhibiting platelet aggregation. It can improve myocardial ischemia, reduce blood viscosity, and has cardiovascular protective effects.

[0070] ④ Euonymus alatus has a sweet taste and neutral properties. It enters the heart, spleen, and small intestine meridians. It invigorates blood circulation, removes blood stasis, relieves pain, detoxifies, and reduces swelling. According to modern pharmacological research, Euonymus alatus contains flavonoids and triterpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. In addition, it can improve blood circulation: reduce blood viscosity, enhance red blood cell deformability, reduce thrombus formation, improve myocardial ischemia, and reduce myocardial oxygen consumption.

[0071] ⑤ Acorus tatarinowii has a pungent and bitter taste, and is warm in nature. It primarily enters the heart and stomach meridians, and secondarily the liver and spleen meridians. It opens the orifices and awakens the mind, calms the heart and soothes the nerves, and resolves dampness and harmonizes the stomach. According to modern pharmacological research, Acorus tatarinowii contains volatile oils (β-asarone, α-asarone), which have sedative, anticonvulsant, antiasthmatic, and antispasmodic effects. It can regulate the central nervous system, inhibit acetylcholinesterase, improve cognitive function, and assist in the treatment of epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. It also has cardiovascular protective effects, regulates arrhythmia, and reduces myocardial oxygen consumption.

[0072] ⑥ Polygala tenuifolia has a bitter and pungent taste, and is warm in nature. It enters the heart, kidney, and lung meridians. It calms the mind, improves intelligence, eliminates phlegm, and opens the orifices. According to modern pharmacological research, Polygala tenuifolia contains polygala saponins, which can prolong sleep time, reduce voluntary activity, and improve anxiety and depression.

[0073] ⑦ Bamboo Sap is sweet and cold in nature. It enters the Heart and Liver meridians. It clears heat and resolves phlegm, calms the mind and relieves convulsions, soothes the nerves, and dispels wind and dampness. According to modern pharmacological research, Bamboo Sap contains bamboo red fungus B and A, which can regulate the central nervous system, reduce convulsions, and improve delirium and coma caused by febrile diseases. It also relieves cough and asthma, relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, inhibits the release of inflammatory factors, and relieves respiratory mucosal swelling. Simultaneously, it has cardiovascular protective effects, improves microcirculation, and reduces blood viscosity.

[0074] ⑧ Dragon teeth are sweet and astringent in taste, and cool in nature. They enter the heart and liver meridians. They calm the nerves, clear heat and relieve irritability, and soothe the liver and subdue yang. They are mainly used to treat epilepsy, mania, insomnia, palpitations, and neurasthenia, especially suitable for mental abnormalities caused by excessive heart and liver fire or phlegm-heat disturbance. They reduce the excitability of the central nervous system, improve sleep quality and convulsion symptoms. In terms of cardiovascular regulation, they have antiarrhythmic effects, reduce myocardial oxygen consumption, and relieve hypertension symptoms.

[0075] ⑨ Poria cocos has a sweet and bland taste, and is neutral in nature. It enters the heart and spleen meridians. It calms the mind and soothes the nerves, and promotes diuresis and reduces swelling. According to modern pharmacological research, animal experiments have shown that oral administration of Poria cocos or injection of its decoction can prolong the sleep time induced by sodium pentobarbital, significantly reduce nerve excitability, and relieve anxiety. Its polysaccharide components enhance macrophage activity, inhibit the release of inflammatory factors, and reduce joint swelling and chronic inflammation.

[0076] ⑩ Musk has a pungent aroma and warm properties. It primarily enters the heart and spleen meridians, and secondarily the liver meridian. It opens the orifices and refreshes the mind, invigorates blood circulation, relieves menstrual cramps, reduces swelling, and alleviates pain. According to modern pharmacological research, musk contains muscone, which regulates the central nervous system, possessing both excitatory and sedative effects, and improves cerebral ischemia-hypoxia damage. It contains polypeptides and proteins with significant anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. It also has cardiovascular protective effects, enhancing myocardial contractility, improving arrhythmias, and reducing myocardial oxygen consumption.

[0077] ⑪ Patchouli has a pungent aroma and warm properties. It primarily enters the spleen and stomach meridians, and secondarily the lung meridian. It resolves dampness, harmonizes the middle jiao, relieves summer heat, releases exterior pathogens, and stops vomiting. According to modern pharmacological research, patchouli contains volatile oil (patchouli alcohol), which has antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli) and antifungal effects. It also contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties, relieve gastrointestinal spasms, and protect the gastric mucosa, thus alleviating vomiting and abdominal pain.

[0078] ⑫ Eupatorium fortunei has a pungent flavor and is neutral (or cool). It primarily enters the spleen and stomach meridians, and secondarily the lung meridian. It resolves dampness, invigorates the spleen, relieves summer heat, harmonizes the stomach, and stops vomiting. According to modern pharmacological research, Eupatorium fortunei contains volatile oils that inhibit pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis, and also possess anti-inflammatory effects. It regulates digestive function, promotes gastric juice secretion, and improves loss of appetite.

[0079] Acupoint selection:

[0080] (1) Taichong: Located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression anterior to the metatarsal junction between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones, or where the artery pulsation can be felt. It belongs to the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian. Stimulating this acupoint has the effects of calming the liver and extinguishing wind, clearing heat and promoting diuresis, and unblocking the meridians and relieving pain. Combined with Hegu, Ganshu, and Danshu acupoints, it can treat insomnia.

[0081] (2) Hegu (LI4): Located between the first and second metacarpal bones, in the dorsal interosseous muscle of the first interosseous region. Belongs to the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand Yangming. Indications include fever, headache, red and swollen eyes, etc. Hegu combined with Taichong (LR3) is called the Four Gates Points, which has the effects of calming the mind, soothing the liver and extinguishing wind, and is mainly used to treat epilepsy, headache, dizziness, and hypertension.

[0082] (3) Zusanli: Located on the lateral side of the lower leg, 3 cun below Dubi (ST35), one finger-width lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, on the line connecting Dubi and Jiexi (ST41). It belongs to the Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming. It dries dampness in the spleen and generates stomach qi. It is used to treat insomnia, mania, cough, asthma, palpitations, shortness of breath, and other ailments.

[0083] Typical Case: From June 2024 to December 2024, 81 elderly patients aged ≥65 years who were scheduled for elective abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were selected, including gynecological surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, and urological surgery. A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study design was adopted.

[0084] The following ingredients, weighed according to the ratio in Example 1 (9g ginseng, 15g white peony root, 15g angelica root, 12g Euonymus alatus, 15g Acorus tatarinowii, 12g Polygala tenuifolia, 9g Bambusa textilis, 15g fossilized teeth, 15g Poria cocos, 0.03g musk, 15g patchouli, and 15g Eupatorium fortunei), were applied to the Taichong (LR3), Hegu (LI4), and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints twice a day for 14 days, starting on the first day before surgery, serving as the experimental group. Simultaneously, a simple honey patch was applied to the same acupoints twice a day for 14 days, starting on the first day before surgery, serving as the control group. The patients included in the experimental group (n=41) and the control group (n=40).

[0085] Key observation indicators:

[0086] (1) Cognitive Assessment: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were performed on patients 1 day before surgery and 3, 30 and 180 days after surgery. The MoCA is an assessment tool used for rapid screening of cognitive dysfunction. It includes eight cognitive domains: visual structure skills, executive function, memory, language, attention and concentration, calculation, abstract thinking and orientation. The total score is 30 points, with a score of ≥26 being normal. It has high sensitivity, covers important cognitive domains, and has a short testing time, making it suitable for clinical use. The MMSE assesses patients' memory, orientation, attention and calculation, recall ability, and language ability. The maximum score is 30 points, with a score of 27-30 being normal. A score <27 indicates cognitive impairment, and the lower the score, the more severe the cognitive impairment. Mild dementia: MMSE score ≥21; moderate dementia: MMSE score 10-20; severe dementia: MMSE score ≤9.

[0087] (2) Quality of life assessment: A health status survey (SF-36) was conducted on patients 1 day before surgery and 30 days after surgery. The SF-36 is one of the most commonly used standardized measurement tools for quality of life internationally. It has 9 dimensions and 36 items, measuring 8 aspects related to health: Physical Functioning (PF), Role-Physical (RP), Bodily Pain (BP), General Health (GH), Vitality (VT), Social Functioning (SF), Role-Emotional (RE), and Mental Health (MH). It is used to observe the quality of life of patients before and after surgery. The total score is 100 points. The higher the score, the better the quality of life.

[0088] (3) Sleep quality assessment: The PSQI score was used to assess the sleep status of patients 1 day before surgery and 30 days after surgery. The PSQI score includes 7 items, each scored from 0 to 3, for a total score of 21. The score of this system is negatively correlated with sleep quality; the higher the score, the worse the sleep quality.

[0089] The gender, age, ASA classification, BMI and surgical type of patients in the experimental group and the control group were recorded and analyzed. The general condition analysis results of the two groups of patients are shown in Table 1.

[0090] Table 1. Analysis of general characteristics of the two groups of patients

[0091]

[0092] The data analysis results shown in Table 1 indicate that there were no significant differences between the trial and control groups in terms of gender, age, ASA classification, BMI, and surgical type (P > 0.05).

[0093] Postoperative cognitive impairment is affected by surgery and anesthesia management. Therefore, the perioperative conditions of patients in the experimental group and the control group were recorded and analyzed, including operation time, recovery time, blood loss, mean arterial pressure upon entering the operating room, mean arterial pressure upon leaving the operating room, whether delirium occurred 3 days after surgery, and length of hospital stay. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0094] Table 2 Comparison of perioperative surgical conditions between the two groups of patients

[0095]

[0096] The data analysis results shown in Table 2 indicate that there were no significant differences between the trial and control groups in terms of operation time, recovery time, blood loss, mean arterial pressure upon entering the operating room, mean arterial pressure upon exiting the operating room, whether cognitive impairment occurred in the early postoperative period (first 3 days after surgery), and length of hospital stay (P>0.05).

[0097] Table 3 Comparison of cognitive function scores before and after treatment in the two groups (scores, x±s)

[0098]

[0099] The data analysis results shown in Table 3 indicate that there was no significant difference in cognitive function scores between the two groups one day before surgery (P > 0.05). Three days after surgery, the MoCA score in the experimental group was slightly higher than that in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.046); however, there was no significant difference in MMSE scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). At 60 and 180 days after surgery, the MoCA and MMSE scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.001). This demonstrates that the traditional Chinese medicine patch of this invention plays a significant role in preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients.

[0100] The scores of eight quality of life items (SF-36) of patients in the treatment group and the control group before and after treatment with traditional Chinese medicine patches were recorded and analyzed. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0101] Table 4. Quality of life scores (SF-36) of the two groups of patients before and after treatment (points, x±s)

[0102]

[0103] The data analysis results shown in Table 4 indicate that before treatment and one day before surgery, there were no significant differences in the eight-item quality of life score (SF-36) between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment with traditional Chinese medicine acupoint patches, 30 days post-surgery, the quality of life scores (SF-36) of both groups showed no significant difference compared to the control group, except for physical functioning (RP) and social functioning (SF) (P>0.05). However, the experimental group had significantly lower scores than the control group in physical functioning (PF), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), emotional functioning (RE), and mental health (MH), with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Therefore, the use of traditional Chinese medicine acupoint patch treatment in this invention can significantly improve the postoperative quality of life of elderly patients.

[0104] The PSQI scores of sleep quality of patients in the treatment group and the control group were recorded and analyzed 1 day before surgery and 30 days after surgery. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0105] Table 5 Comparison of PSQI scores before and after treatment in the two groups (scores, x±s)

[0106]

[0107] The data analysis results shown in Table 5 indicate that there were no significant differences in sleep quality scores between the two groups 1 day before surgery, either within the same group or between the two groups (P > 0.05). At 30 days post-surgery, within the same group, there was no significant difference in PSQI scores between the control group 1 day before surgery and 30 days post-surgery (P > 0.05), while the PSQI score in the experimental group at 30 days post-surgery was significantly lower than that at 1 day before surgery (P = 0.003). Between the groups, the PSQI score in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 30 days post-surgery, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.077). Therefore, the use of the traditional Chinese medicine acupoint application therapy described in this invention can significantly improve and reduce the PSQI score 30 days post-surgery, thus improving the long-term sleep quality of elderly patients after surgery.

[0108] The above clinical data demonstrate that the acupoint patch medication and its application method for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients, as described in this invention, are effective in treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients. They can significantly improve long-term postoperative cognitive function scores, improve long-term postoperative quality of life and sleep quality, and are beneficial for the long-term postoperative rehabilitation of elderly patients.

[0109] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0110] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An acupoint patch medication for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients, characterized in that, The herbal composition consists of ginseng, white peony root, angelica, euonymus, acorus, polygala, bamboo shavings, dragon teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium.

2. The acupoint patch medication for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients according to claim 1, characterized in that, The raw materials for Chinese medicinal herbs come from different places of origin and have different sources.

3. The acupoint patch medication for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weight ratio of ginseng, white peony root, angelica, euonymus, acorus, polygala, bamboo shavings, dragon teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli and eupatorium is (3-5): (5-10): (5-10): (3-9): (5-10): (3-5): (5-10): (5-10): (0.01-0.03): (5-10): (5-10).

4. The acupoint patch medication for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients according to claim 3, characterized in that, Ginseng, white peony root, angelica root, euonymus, acorus tatarinowii, polygala tenuifolia, bamboo shavings, dragon teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium fortunei are prepared in the following weight ratio: 3:5:5:4:5:4:3:5:5:0.01:5:

5.

5. The acupoint patch medication for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acupoint application medication is a plaster or a paste prepared with additives.

6. The acupoint patch medication for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients according to claim 5, characterized in that, The additive is honey.

7. A method of using an acupoint patch for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: S1. Select Chinese medicinal materials, and weigh the following Chinese medicinal materials in the following weight ratios: ginseng, white peony root, angelica, euonymus, acorus, polygala, bamboo shavings, dragon teeth, poria cocos, musk, patchouli, and eupatorium. S2. Add the weighed Chinese herbs to a clean container and add water to the container to wash the herbs. After washing, remove the herbs from the container. S3. Send the extracted medicinal materials into the dryer for drying. The drying time is 10-15 minutes. Then, take the dried Chinese medicine out of the dryer and add it to the Chinese medicine pulverizer for pulverization. S4. Grind the medicine into an ultrafine powder, and mix the pulverized raw materials to make the raw materials evenly mixed. Then add honey to the evenly mixed Chinese medicine, mix it into a paste, dilute it appropriately, and store it in a container for later use. S5. When using, take an appropriate amount of ointment from the spare container for storing the medicine and apply it evenly to the special dressing. S6. Apply the special dressing containing the medicine from step S5 to the designated acupoints.

8. The method of using the acupoint patch medication for preventing and treating long-term postoperative cognitive impairment in elderly patients according to claim 7, characterized in that, The acupoints selected are Taichong (LR3), Hegu (LI4), and Zusanli (ST36). The patches are applied one day before the procedure and removed after 6 hours. The patches are applied twice a day for a total of 14 days.

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