For patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, cannabis may be an option for treating their symptoms. There is evidence that CBD and THC can help reduce memory loss and alleviate other symptoms.
Researchers still need to understand more about the long-term effects of cannabis on the brain. However, it’s possible that CBD can reduce inflammation and protect the brain from damage.
Symptoms
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills. It’s most common in people over the age of 65, but it can affect younger people as well. It is a serious and life-threatening illness.
Symptoms typically start to appear many years before they cause problems with daily living. In some cases, the symptoms are inherited (called familial Alzheimer’s disease) but in most cases they’re sporadic.
The disease is caused by abnormal build-ups of proteins in and around the brain. These deposits, known as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, form over time and interfere with normal brain function. They also lead to a decrease in chemical messengers that help send messages between brain cells.
Studies have shown that the components of cannabis — specifically, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) — may reduce the amyloid plaques and tangles in the brain. This is because THC has the ability to remove these deposits from nerve cells in the brain, and CBD helps reduce inflammation that can trigger the clumping of proteins.
In addition, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and sedative properties of CBD can help slow the progression of the disease. They can also prevent healthy brain cells from dying off, a process that contributes to the damage of the brain in Alzheimer’s patients.
There are a few different ways to use cannabis to treat Alzheimer’s, but it is best to consult a medical marijuana expert at your local dispensary. You’ll need to know your legal right to use the plant and whether it is safe for you or your loved one.
You can also purchase edibles, which are more convenient and easy to use than smoking. They’re also more likely to provide a mellower, more relaxing effect for your loved one. Edibles can also be less expensive than smoking because they’re not as addictive and are more likely to last longer.
Despite the potential of cannabis to treat Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to note that research is still in its early stages and more study is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits. If you are concerned about the effects of marijuana on your loved one or have any questions about it, speak to your GP immediately.
Causes
At the most basic level, Alzheimer’s disease is caused by abnormal buildups of proteins in the brain. These proteins clump together and form deposits known as amyloid plaques, which obstruct communication between the neurons in the brain.
These clumps can also cause the death of brain cells, leading to dementia. It is not clear what triggers the formation of these deposits. It is thought that a combination of environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors may contribute to Alzheimer’s.
The most common risk factor is age, which doubles every five years following the age of 65. Other factors include a history of brain injury, lower levels of education and exposure to certain toxins or metals.
However, there is evidence that a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. For instance, a healthy diet, regular exercise and avoiding harmful chemicals and smoking have all been linked to lower risks of Alzheimer’s.
Doctors often suspect Alzheimer’s when a patient has difficulty remembering things or making decisions. They may notice that a person seems confused or has trouble with tasks such as driving, cooking, managing their finances or remembering appointments.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia can vary from person to person, but generally appear gradually. They tend to begin in the memory region of the brain, which is associated with learning and short-term memories. As the dementia progresses, more damage occurs in other areas of the brain that control language, reasoning and sensory processing.
People in early-stage Alzheimer’s are able to continue living independently but may need help with their daily activities and meals. They may be confused and may struggle to recognize family members.
As the condition progresses, symptoms become more severe and people can no longer live on their own. They may need to be placed in a nursing home or hospice care facility. They may no longer be able to talk and are unable to bathe or dress themselves.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but treatment can relieve its symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with the condition. These treatments can include medications to improve neural communication and slow the progression of cognitive symptoms, such as memory loss. Some treatments can also help with behavioral changes, including confusion, judgment problems and altered thinking processes.
Treatment
The potential of cannabis as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is gaining recognition. It’s been shown to reduce inflammation, stimulate cellular growth and decrease pain and anxiety in some patients. This is all a positive step forward for people with the condition and their caregivers.
Currently, there are no approved medications for treating dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are non-drug options that have been proven to improve quality of life for patients and their caregivers. Some of these approaches include behavioral therapy, exercise and meditation.
Another option is cognitive enhancers, which can increase brain functioning by stimulating the parts of the brain that are involved in learning, memory and thinking. Some of these cognitive enhancers can also reduce some of the symptoms that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, including emotional distress, depression, anxiety, insomnia and hallucinations.
Other treatments that have been shown to reduce Alzheimer’s-related behavior include psychotherapy and acupuncture. Those who are having difficulty managing their dementia-related behaviors should discuss these options with their doctor to see if they could be helped by one of these non-drug methods.
Medical marijuana has become a popular alternative treatment for many types of health issues, including depression, chronic pain and arthritis. In addition, research has shown that it can also be used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Researchers are still investigating the effect of cannabis on Alzheimer’s, but so far, there is strong evidence that it can reduce the amount of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. In fact, a recent study showed that THC can actually block the formation of plaques in the brain.
CBD, which is found in cannabis, has been shown to increase cell life and even stimulate the growth of neurons in the hippocampus, an area in the brain that helps with memory. It is believed that this is due to the CBD’s ability to prevent apoptosis, or cell death, which can accelerate the progression of the disease.
Other studies have shown that THC, CBD and other cannabinoids may also reduce the levels of neuroinflammation in the brain. This is a major factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, as inflammation causes damage to the brain and can cause neurodegeneration.
Prevention
The potential of cannabis as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is not yet fully understood, but a number of studies show that it could help improve memory and slow the progression of dementia. The most recent research shows that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may stop the growth of toxic beta-amyloid plaques, and can increase cell lifespan in the brain’s hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning.
In addition, CBD, another cannabis compound, has shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory events that cause brain cell death. These processes are thought to be key factors in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
There are many ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, including diet, exercise and social engagement. Getting regular physical activity, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, eating a balanced diet and avoiding high levels of homocysteine are some of the best ways to lower your risk of developing this neurodegenerative disease.
Avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol consumption also reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s. Smoking is especially bad for the brain, increasing your risk by more than 50%.
A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein is also important for your health, and can be beneficial to your brain. Limiting saturated fat, added sugars and sodium is recommended.
It’s also important to avoid consuming processed foods and drinks, as these are packed with unhealthy ingredients and can have a negative impact on your health. Be sure to cook at home as much as possible, and eat as many fresh, unprocessed foods as you can.
Researchers have also found that a moderate amount of mental stimulation, like reading and playing games, can help you maintain your brain health. This mental challenge can help your brain learn new things, and it may help you stay mentally engaged with friends, family and activities you enjoy.
While there is still a lot of work to be done, scientists have discovered that CBD can help slow the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, by reducing oxidative damage, inflammation and other causes of this degenerative condition. In addition, CBD can increase the number of new neurons that grow in the hippocampus, which is critical for learning and memory.
