To explore the effects on MMSE scores, Barthel indexes and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) in patients with vascular dementia (VD) by using acupuncture method of inducing resuscitation.Methods:A total of 110 patients with VD in Hunan Brain Hospital were randomly divided into an observation group (55 cases) and a control group (55 cases).The control group was treated with routine acupuncture method while the observation group was treated with acupuncture method of inducing resuscitation.There were 2 weeks of treatment for the 2 groups.The total effective rates, MMSE scores, Barthel indexes and levels of MMP were compared between the 2 groups.Results:The total effective rates in the observation group and the control group were 92.72 % and 78.18 %, respectively, with significant difference (P<0.05).After treatment, the MMSE scores and Barthel indexes in the 2 groups increased significantly (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, with significant difference (P<0.05).After treatment, the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the 2 groups decreased significantly (P<0.05); Moreover, those in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, with significant difference (P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture method of inducing resuscitation is an effective therapy in treating VD patients and can effectively relieve the symptoms of dementia, which is worthy for further promotion and application.