2.2. Search methods for identification of studies

We will search the following databases from their inception to July 2020: PubMed, CNKI, WanFang Database, Embase, Medline, CBM, VIP, EBSCO, Web of Science, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science, and Cochrane Library. In addition, we will manually retrieve other resources including conference articles, and gray literature. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English or Chinese associated with Scalp acupuncture for VD will be included. The research including disease, intervention methods and study types 3 parts: (“dementia” or “Vascular Dementia” or “Vascular” or “cognitive impairment” or “cognitive disorders” or “cognitive deficits” or “vascular cognitive impairment”) and (“The International Standards of the Nomenclature of Scalp Acupuncture Zones” or “Olfactory Three-Needle” or “Xiu san zhen” “Jiao shi” or “Fang shi” or “Zhu shi” or “Jin Three-Needle Therapy”) and (“trial” or “randomly” or “randomized” “controlled clinical trial” or “randomized controlled trial”). The example search strategy PubMed in Table ​Table11 will be used. This search strategy will be used in several other databases.

PubMed Search strategy draft.