Cannabis and Conditions: Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a disease that comes on slowly, initially with the sufferer not being able to recall recent events but still able to remember memories from their past. As the disease progresses, the symptoms continue to get worse. Although the exact reason as to why some get Alzheimer’s disease and some don’t isn’t entirely known, there are two types of nerve damage that seems to be related, neurofibrillary tangles, which is when nerve cells get tangled, and beta-amyloid (protein deposits) build up in the brain.

Stats

It’s estimated that 5.8 million or 10% of American adults are living with Alzheimer’s disease. 5.6 million of which are 65 years or older, meaning that only 200,000 people living in the U.S., under the age of 65, experience younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men.

Symptoms

After the disease has begun taking over, the symptoms go from not being able to remember recent activities to worse. This includes possibly forgetting their loved ones, how to dress and feed themselves, and how to use the toilet. WebMD.com tells us that other symptoms include:

• Trouble focusing
• A hard time doing ordinary activities
• Feeling confused or frustrated, especially at night
• Dramatic mood swings – outbursts of anger, anxiety, and depression
• Feeling disoriented and getting lost easily
• Physical problems, such as an odd walk or poor coordination
• Trouble communicating

Typical Treatment

Typical treatment of Alzheimer’s tells us that there is no cure of the disease, but early diagnosis is key. By catching it early, there are medications, sensory therapy and other options that can help the disease. The medications available won’t stop the disease, but could be used to help with memory, mood, sleep, and behavior changes. Some more natural treatments include art and music therapies. Some scientific studies show this is beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s, as it stimulates the senses, which can improve mood, behavior, and daily function.

Treating with Cannabis

An article by Leafly.com talks about five different ways that cannabis could be helping Alzheimer’s patients. They credit cannabis for doing the following:

1. THC slows the buildup of neural plaques
2. Cannabis fights inflammation
3. CBD could prevent cell death
4. Cannabinoids stimulate cell growth
5. Starves off other Alzheimer’s symptoms

When it comes to Alzheimer’s, both CBD and THC are great at limiting the harmful plaque and proteins associated with the disease. They both have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

CBD is also known to protect brain cells. This can help people suffering from the disease hang onto memories longer and also have less “episodes.”

As of now, a combination therapy of CBD and THC is what is recommended most as far as treating Alzheimer’s with cannabis. A list of good strains for the disease can be found here.