Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and more than 6 million Americans suffer from the debilitating condition. It gradually affects memory, thinking, and behavior, which slowly progresses into a complete loss of memory and challenges with basic life skills like walking, swallowing, and self-care. Common symptoms include forgetfulness, confusion with time and place, difficulty with planning, with mood changes. It can significantly impact the lives of the patients and their families. A lot of research is underway to look for new treatments and ways to manage the disease progression.
While new treatment methods are being researched, patients and families are looking for natural therapies to manage some symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Many users want to explore medical marijuana for Alzheimer’s. Cannabinoids, especially THC, CBD, are being studied to discover their healing abilities and their potential benefits for Alzheimer’s patients.
In this article, we will explore how does marijuana helps Alzheimer’s patients, and does marijuana causes dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Schedule your appointment today for Medical Marijuana Card in Florida with My Florida Green’s certified doctors.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that gets worse over time and is characterized by:
- Forgetfulness.
- Changes in behavior and mood.
- Progressive confusion of time and place.
- Problems with sleep
- Cognitive decline with reduced problem-solving.
- Challenges with everyday activities like eating, sleeping and talking.
At the biological level, researchers have discovered that the disease is caused by plaques of amyloid-beta, long-term neuroinflammation, oxidation and loss of connections between neurons. Current research is examining the potential of cannabinoids to target these underlying mechanisms to understand the benefits of medical marijuana for Alzheimer’s.
Does Marijuana help Alzheimer’s patients?
Even though research is still going on, there is evidence of some promising results with Marijuana use. However, Medical Marijuana can only be taken with the guidance and approval of a certified Marijuana doctor. Some benefits of Marijuana for Alzheimer’s include:
1. Decrease in inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a key factor in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Research indicates that cannabinoids, particularly CBD, may mitigate neuroinflammation through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
- CBD lowers inflammatory cytokines.
- THC has anti-inflammatory effects in small amounts.
- CBG may protect neurons from damage caused by inflammation.
However, more research is being conducted to unravel concrete evidence to use Medical Marijuana for Alzheimer’s.
2. Decrease in the buildup of amyloid-beta.
Some research has shown the ability of THC to lower amyloid-beta proteins, which are a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. This doesn’t mean that marijuana cures Alzheimer’s, but it does suggest that THC may affect how the disease works. More research is required to get concrete evidence to support this potential benefit.
3. Improvement in behavioral problems
Families often find behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) to be the most upsetting. Medical marijuana may help with anger, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, sundowning and agitation. Research utilizing CBD-dominant oils indicated a reduction in behavioral outbursts and enhancement of sleep in Alzheimer’s patients.
4. Improvement in weight
People with moderate to late Alzheimer’s often lose weight and don’t want to eat.
THC is known for improving appetite and reducing nausea.
5. Improvement in sleep
Sleep problems make cognitive decline happen faster. CBD and some CBD: THC formulations have been shown to improve sleep quality and induce a soothing calm during nighttime.
6. Supporting chronic pain relief
Cannabis is shown to reduce the severity of chronic pain in many patients. Reduced pain leads to improvement in mood, pain and stress.
Does Marijuana cause dementia or Alzheimer’s?
There is still a lot of debate on understanding the role of Marijuana in dementia and Alzheimer’s. There is still not enough concrete evidence that suggests that Marijuana causes Alzheimer’s disease. However, all users must remember that using Cannabis indiscriminately, especially strains high in THC, can impact a person’s memory temporarily. Scientists all agree that there is no proof that using medical marijuana in a controlled way causes dementia. Hence, it is important that Marijuana is only taken once you have completed Marijuana certification, and with the guidance of a licensed Marijuana doctor.
Best Medical Marijuana for Alzheimer’s: Strains and Formulations
Marijuana has the potential to impact everyone differently; what Cannabis strain and dose works for you may not work for everyone. Hence, you must get a tailored Marijuana prescription for your symptoms. For Alzheimer’s, medical cannabis should have low THC, high CBD, and balanced formulations to reduce cognitive side effects. Some popular Marijuana products include:
1. High-CBD Formulas (Best for use during the day)
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Lower agitation
- Reduce inflammation
- Do not make the user high
2. Balanced CBD:THC (Best for use at night)
- Improve sleep quality
- Lower aggression
- Help with relaxation
3. Formulations high in CBG or THCA
- Anti-inflammatory effect
- Neuroprotective effect
- Do not make the user high
You must take a tailored prescription from an experienced and licensed Marijuana doctor to ensure you take the right strain and dose.
Understand Alzheimer’s and its management
Medical marijuana cannot cure Alzheimer’s, but a lot of research has shown that Cannabis can reduce pain, stress, improve sleep, mood, and reduce inflammation. It also helps caregivers in managing patients by improving their appetite and improving patients’ mood.
Patients must get evaluated with a licensed Marijuana doctor, who can determine if Cannabis is safe for them to use. The State of Florida has a huge network of licensed Marijuana doctors who are helping patients get Marijuana certification.
If you are in Florida, you can reach out to doctors in My Florida Green. They offer certification services across many Florida cities, including Naples, Melbourne, Jacksonville, Hialeah and Sarasota. You can reach out to our experts and get started on your journey towards improved quality of life.
FAQ – Common Questions About Medical Marijuana for Alzheimer’s
Does marijuana help people with Alzheimer’s?
Yes, studies show that cannabis may help with symptom management by reducing agitation, improving sleep, increasing appetite, and lowering inflammation.
Does marijuana stop Alzheimer’s disease?
There is no definitive evidence, but preliminary research indicates that cannabinoids may diminish amyloid levels and inflammation. However, more research is required.
Can medical marijuana make dementia symptoms worse?
Marijuana should only be used with the guidance of a licensed doctor. If you use a lot of THC indiscriminately, for long periods of time, it can impact memory and cause brain fog. However, there is no concrete evidence that Marijuana can cause dementia. Formulas with low THC and high CBD are thought to be safer and easier to handle.
