Alzheimer’s disease: Could cannabis be an effective treatment?

The number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to triple by 2050 – but ongoing studies suggest cannabinoids may be an effective treatment.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder defined by a decline in cognitive and functional abilities, which is thought to affect 35 million people worldwide.

Realm of Caring (RoC), a non-profit organisation that focuses on education and access to cannabinoid therapy, is a frontrunner in researching the effects of cannabis on conditions such as Alzheimer’s, as well as discussing options with patients considering cannabis treatment.

RoC recently reported that to date, six clinical trials, in which patients were given THC, have found that the cannabinoid can ease aggression and agitation, two of the defining symptoms associated with the condition.

Alzheimer’s is characterised by the frequent occurrence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), including depression, irritability, aggression, and agitation. These symptoms have been reported to occur in 98 percent of patients, with agitation present in 55 percent of this population at some point in the illness.

The most distinguishing features of agitation include excessive fidgeting, restlessness, pacing, shouting, screaming, and motor activities associated with anxiety, such as hand wringing as reported by RoC.

Common symptoms of aggression include shouting and verbal insults, hitting, biting others, and throwing objects.

The first line of treatment involves non-pharmacological interventions such as person-centred care, structured social interaction, and music therapy. However, due to the complexity of the disease it is unlikely that any one drug or intervention will treat it fully.

Some researchers have suggested that the adverse effects from prescribed medications offset the potential advantages, as efficacy has proven to be limited.

Researchers on behalf of RoC believe alternative treatments should be available.

“Cannabis research for Alzheimer’s is critical because this disease affects tens of millions of individuals globally, and to date, there is no curative treatment available,” commented Nicolas Schlienz, PhD, research director at RoC.

“Current pharmacological therapies do not reverse the progression, but the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic avenue due to its ability to modulate the causes and effects of the disease.

“Research has shown that modulation and regulation of the ECS through cannabinoids such as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) offer neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits as well as the ability to reduce excitotoxicity and oxidative stress.”

He added: “Further research is warranted, given the body of preclinical evidence that points to cannabis extracts as being beneficial for slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s and alleviating corresponding symptoms.

“Of the research available, studies suggest CBD as a favourable treatment strategy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s in providing symptom relief and potential slowing of disease progression.”

With the numbers of patients being diagnosed with the condition rising, more and more individuals are reaching out to RoC for advice and guidance around using cannabis treatment for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.

“As the stigma lessens, research begins to acknowledge the therapeutic value of cannabis,” Schlienz added.

“At RoC there is one-on-one support for any individual wishing to discover more information about cannabinoid therapy. Our care specialists help to navigate the many options available.

“They can speak in detail about dosing guidelines and how to find a quality product, as well as offer resources such as research articles and guidance on how to talk with your doctor about cannabinoid therapy.”

RoC always recommends that a licensed healthcare provider should be consulted prior to beginning cannabinoid therapy.

Access support from Realm of Caring here