Objective: To discuss the clinical efficacy of Bushen Tongluo decoction in treating patients with Alzheimer disease (AD)

and to investigate its influence on inflammation and oxidative stress. Method: Ninety-seven patients with AD were randomly divided into the control group (40 cases) and the combination group with traditional Chinese combined Western medicine treatment (40 cases) by a random number table. Patients in the control group received 10 mg donepezil hydrochloride tablets and 0.8 g piracetam tablets thrice daily. On the basis of the control group

patients in the combination group does modified Bushen Tongluo decoction once daily. All patients in both two groups received 6 months of treatment. The intelligence changes were evaluated through mini mental state examination (MMSE) and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease rating scale (ADAS-cog). The patients' life self-care ability was assessed by using activity of daily living scale (ADL). The psychopathology changes were estimated via neuropsychological scale (NPI). Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA)

superoxide dismutase (SOD)

tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)

interleukin-1

6 (IL-1

IL-6) were detected. The above indicators were tested once before and after treatment. Result: The clinical curative effect in the combination group was superior to that in the control group (P <0.05). After therapy

MMSE scale score in two groups went up as compared before

while the results were more obvious in the combination group (P <0.01). The ADAS-cog

ADL and NPI scale scores declined in two groups

while the results in the combination group were lower than those in the control group (P <0.01). After treatment

serum SOD level in two groups rose

while the result was better in the combination group (P <0.01). The standard of TNF-α

IL-1

IL-6 and MDA in the combination group was inferior to those in the control group (P <0.01). Conclusion: Based on the therapy of donepezil hydrochloride tablets combined piracetam tablets

the modified Bushen Tongluo decoction could reduce symptoms improve cognitive ability and the ability of daily life in patients with mild and moderate AD. The clinical curative effect was superior to using western medicine treatment alone. Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the inflammatory response and reducing the oxidative stress injury.