CBD Oil For Dementia

Based on data from four small, short, and heterogeneous placebo-controlled trials, we cannot be certain whether cannabinoids have any beneficial or harmful effects on dementia. If there are benefits of cannabinoids for people with dementia, the effects may be too small to be clinically meaningful. A … Learn about CBD oil, vapor and pills as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Pure Craft CBD offers CBD Oil 1000mg & 2000mg flavored CBD tinctures, CBD Gummy Bears, CBD Oil for Dogs and more! Discover Pure Craft CBD PURE CRAFT BLOG

Cannabinoids for the treatment of dementia

Background: Dementia is a common chronic condition, mainly affecting older adults, characterised by a progressive decline in cognitive and functional abilities. Medical treatments for dementia are limited. Cannabinoids are being investigated for the treatment of dementia.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids for the treatment of dementia.

Search methods: We searched ALOIS – the Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Group’s Specialised Register – on 8 July 2021, using the terms cannabis or cannabinoid or endocannabinoid or cannabidiol or THC or CBD or dronabinol or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or marijuana or marihuana or hashish. The register contains records from all major healthcare databases (the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS), as well as from many clinical trials registries and grey literature sources.

Selection criteria: We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of cannabinoids for the treatment of dementia. We included participants of any age and of either sex with diagnosed dementia of any subtype, or with unspecified dementia of any severity, from any setting. We considered studies of cannabinoids administered by any route, at any dose, for any duration, compared with placebo, no treatment, or any active control intervention.

Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently screened and selected studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in included studies. When necessary, other review authors were involved in reaching consensus decisions. We conducted meta-analyses using a generic inverse variance fixed-effect model to derive estimates of effect size. We used GRADE methods to assess our confidence in the effect estimates.

Main results: We included four studies (126 participants) in this review. Most participants had Alzheimer’s disease; a few had vascular dementia or mixed dementia. Three studies had low risk of bias across all domains; one study had unclear risk of bias for the majority of domains. The included studies tested natural delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Namisol) and two types of synthetic THC analogue (dronabinol and nabilone). Three trials had a cross-over design. Interventions were applied over 3 to 14 weeks; one study reported adverse events over 70 weeks of follow-up. One trial was undertaken in the USA, one in Canada, and two in The Netherlands. Two studies reported non-commercial funding, and two studies were conducted with the support of both commercial and non-commercial funding. Primary outcomes in this review were changes in global and specific cognitive function, overall behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and adverse events. We found very low-certainty evidence suggesting there may be little or no clinically important effect of a synthetic THC analogue on cognition assessed with the standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (sMMSE) (mean difference (MD) 1.1 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.1 to 2.1; 1 cross-over trial, 28 participants). We found low-certainty evidence suggesting there may be little or no clinically important effect of cannabinoids on overall behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia assessed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (or its modified nursing home version) (MD -1.97, 95% CI -3.87 to -0.07; 1 parallel group and 2 cross-over studies, 110 participants). All included studies reported data on adverse events. However, the total number of adverse events, the total numbers of mild and moderate adverse events, and the total number of serious adverse events (SAEs) were not reported in a way that permitted meta-analysis. There were no clear differences between groups in numbers of adverse events, with the exception of sedation (including lethargy), which was more frequent among participants taking nabilone (N = 17) than placebo (N = 6) (odds ratio (OR) 2.83, 95% CI 1.07 to 7.48; 1 cross-over study, 38 participants). We judged the certainty of evidence for adverse event outcomes to be low or very low due to serious concerns regarding imprecision and indirectness.

Authors’ conclusions: Based on data from four small, short, and heterogeneous placebo-controlled trials, we cannot be certain whether cannabinoids have any beneficial or harmful effects on dementia. If there are benefits of cannabinoids for people with dementia, the effects may be too small to be clinically meaningful. Adequately powered, methodologically robust trials with longer follow-up are needed to properly assess the effects of cannabinoids in dementia.

Copyright © 2021 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Using CBD (Cannabidiol) to Treat the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias

CBD (aka Cannabidiol) is a compound derived from the Cannabis plant that has positive medicinal effects but does not make people feel “high” or anxious. CBD, in various forms, is legal in 48 US States. The states where it remains illegal are Idaho, and South Dakota, though in SD it will be legal beginning in July 2021. For much more on legality, see below.

CBD should not be confused with Marijuana or the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) compound which is known for generating a “high” with users. CBD is derived from Cannabis plants, similar to how caffeine is derived from the coffee bean, or aspirin from the bark of a Willow tree. CBD oil is the most common form of administration of the compound, with the oil contained in a gel cap or dropper bottle.

Another chemical in cannabis plants that shows medical benefits similar to CBD is called cannabigerol, or CBG. CBG comes from young marijuana plants and, like CBD, does not get users high. CBG may be useful for treating a specific type of dementia called Huntington’s disease. For more, see below.

CBD Health Benefits for Dementia

The dementia-related conditions that can be helped by CBD include: Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular Dementia, Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson’s disease, Frontotemporal dementia and Huntington’s disease.

According to researchers at California’s Salk Institute, their 2016 study found evidence that cannabinoids such as CBD could help remove dementia from, and increase connections between, brain cells. Those results were validated by other laboratories. While the US Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve a CBD drug for the purposes of treating dementia, it has approved a CBD-based drug called Epidiolex for treating epilepsy.

There are several ways CBD can work to improve health outcomes for persons with dementia: by reducing inflammation, by reducing oxygen buildup, by working as a brain stimulant and neuroprotectant, and by eliminating dead brain cells and the protein tangles that are believed to cause brain ailments including dementia. From a user’s perspective, CBD may improve movement while reducing stress and anxiety in the individual with dementia, as well as reduce the decline of memory and other brain functions.

It should be noted that controversy surrounds CBD and the claims companies have made as to its positive effects. The FDA warns that CBD can cause liver injury (as shown in some animal experiments with super high doses) and affect metabolism of other drugs. The agency also says that long-term side effects remain unknown because it has not been studied for a long enough period of time. In actions that are politically based instead of scientifically, the FDA has not approved the use of CBD.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The topic of CBD health benefits continues to grow with new CBD and Alzheimer’s research. In recent studies, CBD has been shown to reduce or remove the impact of inflammation, oxygen buildup and brain cell decline. CBD also increases levels of proteins that eliminate dead cells and plaques in brains with Alzheimer’s, improving both memory and motor function.

When the brain’s immune cells fail to clear blockages associated with Alzheimer’s disease, the result is an inflammatory response. When inflammation happens in the brain, oxygen is released as a result. The greater the inflammation, the greater the negative impact. Important brain functions such as memory are decreased as more oxygen is released in the brain’s cells. Memory loss and other brain deterioration indirectly leads to increased oxygen in the brain. CBD is an antioxidant, which helps reduce the problems associated with oxygen stress. Brain functions negatively impacted by oxygen stress can be improved by using CBD.

Alzheimer’s patients’ brain cells often show a path of rapid decline and destruction. The potential of stimulating brain tissue was recently discovered as a potential benefit of CBD. In clinical trials, CBD has shown the ability to reverse and even prevent the development of Alzheimer’s negative impact. A 2011 study by Australian researchers Tim Karl and Carl Group found that CBD promotes the growth and development of brain cells, reducing the decline of memory and other brain functions.

More recently, in a study researchers were able to increase levels of proteins in the brain (called IL-33 and TREM2) that maintain cognitive functions by eliminating dead cells and helping clear beta-amyloid plaque tangles associated with the disease. After CBD was regularly injected into mice afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease, scientists noticed major improvements in their ability to think. Specifically, the mice could better tell the difference between old objects and new ones. The mice’s movement improved, as well. People with Alzheimer’s often develop stiffness that affects their ability to walk, and mice with these same symptoms will continuously walk in a tight circle. After CBD treatments, that behavior stopped.

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is a general term describing problems with reasoning, planning, judgment, memory and other thought processes caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow to one’s brain. To effectively treat vascular dementia, a 2016 study by the US National Institute of Health (NIH) found that activating CB2 (cannabinoid) receptors in the brain helped recover better blood flow to the brain. Activating the CB2 receptors with CBD has increased brain cell activity and helped reduce brain cell damage commonly associated with vascular dementia.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a disease associated with abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These deposits, called Lewy bodies, affect chemicals in the brain whose changes, in turn, can lead to problems with thinking, sleeping, movement, behavior, and mood. Unlike most pain, anxiety or behavior management drugs, CBD does not block acetylcholine, the main chemical that LBD attacks. Research has shown that CBD can be an effective anti-inflammatory agent, reduce motor symptoms (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia) and maintain circadian (sleep) rhythms.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a chronic progressive disease of the nervous system chiefly affecting middle-aged and elderly people. Parkinson’s is linked to decreased dopamine production and marked by tremor, muscular rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement. Digestive imbalance may also play a role in the progression of Parkinson’s and the severity of symptoms. Cannabinoids such as CBD have been shown to contain effective brain protectors, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial for managing Parkinson’s disease. Read more about Parkinson’s and CBD.

Frontotemporal Dementia / Pick’s Disease

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) or frontotemporal degenerations refers to a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain’s frontal lobes (the areas behind one’s forehead) or its temporal lobes (the regions behind one’s ears) that leads to symptoms of depression and psychosis. Unlike most antipsychotic drugs, CBD does not lead to an increased risk of death. Research has shown that CBD can be an effective anti-inflammatory agent, reduce anxiety, reduce motor symptoms (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia) and maintain circadian (sleep) rhythms.

Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease (HD), also known as Huntington’s chorea, is an inherited disorder that results in death of brain cells. The earliest symptoms are often subtle problems with mood or mental abilities. A general lack of coordination and an unsteady gait often follow. According to 2016 research from the University of Madrid, due to CBD’s effectiveness as antioxidants and its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can be beneficial for managing Huntington’s disease. Experiments with mice have shown that another chemical called cannabigerol, or CBG, in marijuana plants can help maintain brain health for people with Huntington’s (see next section).

What is CBG? (CBG vs. CBD)

Another cannabinoid (compound in cannabis) that has shown health benefits is cannabigerol, also known as CBG. Often taken as an oil, like CBD, CBG is rarer than CBD and THC because there is much less of it in a plant. Whereas cannabis strains usually contain about 25% THC and 20% CBD, the compound CBG makes up only about 1% of most plants. CBG can, however, be extracted at higher volumes if the plants are harvested at the right age, meaning younger. CBG turns into CBD and THC as the plant gets older.

CBG binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body, strengthening neurotransmitters (brain cells) that specifically function to do things like motivate us and regulate our appetites and sleeping patterns. Studies have even shown that CBG protects nerve cells in the brain.

Unfortunately, those studies were done on the brains of mice, not humans (specifically, mice with an experimental model of Huntington’s disease). There are actually fewer studies on CGB in humans than the other cannabinoids, so while there is a strong case to be made that CGB works as a neuroprotectant that preserves nerve cells in the brain, the evidence is slimmer.

Like CBD, CGB is non-psychotropic and won’t get you high. A key difference between CBD and CBG is that CBG is harder to extract and therefore more expensive.

Risks & Side Effects

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that “no public health problems… have been associated with the use of pure CBD,” and there has been no known association with potential for dependence or abuse, unlike most pharma alternatives. The most commonly reported potential side effects of CBD usage were diarrhea and bloating, with some also reporting nausea. About 3% of patients in studies reported liver problems and had to discontinue CBD use. Specifically, in dementia, some patients reported increased tremor with high doses of CBD. As with any new treatment, patients and caregivers should monitor effects and outcomes closely.

Full-Spectrum vs. Isolated CBD
CBD comes in either “full-spectrum” or “isolated” form. The difference is that full-spectrum includes other compounds besides just CBD: cannabinoids (THC and others), terpenes (plant chemicals), and flavonoids (natural plant antioxidants). CBD isolate has been processed into a powder without those natural chemicals. Full-spectrum has more health benefits than isolate.

Misperceptions & Myths

1) CBD is non-psychoactive and medicinal while THC is recreational, not medicinal
CBD (cannabidiol) has been shown to have antipsychotic and anti-anxiety effects in humans. This does not mean it is non-psychoactive, but rather that the psychoactive effects are often beneficial and non-intoxicating vs. the “high” feelings of the THC (aka Tetrahydrocannabinol) compound. THC has also shown medicinal benefits for patients, particularly those suffering from pain or inflammation, especially when combined with CBD for consumption by patients.

2) CBD is a sedative and reduces awareness or alertness
Even in high doses (600mg), CBD has not produced sedating effects in healthy humans. CBD usually makes humans feel more awake and alert without negative impact on sleeping patterns. What is more likely happening is that cannabis strains being used by a patient that have high levels of CBD also contain a potentially sedating natural oil (terpene) such as myrcene.

3) All CBD sources are the same
There are multiple sources of CBD such as hemp, medical cannabis and isolate. Hemp-based CBD is plagued by mislabeling and recent studies have found that only 31% of 84 tested hemp-based CBD products were accurately labeled. Medical, locally sourced cannabis has consistently produced the best CBD source as it is held to stricter laboratory testing for potency and contaminants. If you’re ordering CBD online, know that mislabeling is common, and look for products that have been third-party tested, meaning independent testing has shown the stated percentages are correct.

4) CBD is legal in all 50 States
Despite CBD being sold in health food stores, tobacco shops, on Amazon, etc., and legalization by many US States, the Federal government has not legalized CBD-rich medical cannabis. Hemp-based CBD (with less than 0.3% THC) would not technically have this restriction because it is legal at the state and federal level everywhere except for South Dakota and Idaho. In these two states, CBD is only legal with zero THC. Medical-based CBD has been legalized in more than 30 states and is recreationally legal in a growing number of US locations.

Avoid CBD Scams! Legitimate CBD products will be precisely labeled with information including:
– Amount of active CBD per serving
– Other ingredients
– Manufacturer name
– Suggested use
– Lab testing results
Every batch of CBD should be tested before it’s put into stores to sell.

Forms of CBD Administration

CBD comes in many forms. They range in variety from being consumed orally, inhaled or absorbed into the skin. The most popular are:
-Vaporizer “pen”
-Gel caps
-Gummies
-Oil (either to go on the skin or under the tongue)
-Patches (like Band-Aids)

Vape Pen Danger – CBD oil in vape pens sometimes contains a solvent called “propylene glycol,” which degrades when burned at high temperatures and can have serious side effects. Look for “solvent free” CBD vape pens.

FormTime Until Effects Are FeltDuration of Effects
Oral: via Pill or Liquid Drops15-90 minutes4 hours
Skin: via Oil or Patches (like Band-Aids)15-120 minutes5 hours
Inhaled: via Vaporizer2-3 minutes1 to 2 hours

Legal Status of CBD in the U.S. (as of May 2022)

CBD is widely available and can be found anywhere from local health food stores and tobacco shops to online retailers like Amazon; making it unclear as to its legality. In 2018, the U.S. legalized CBD through the Farm Bill. That gave a national legal standard with guidelines dictating it contains less than 0.3% THC and made from hemp (not marijuana). Because of differences between state and federal laws, each state can have their own requirements on its legality.

In spite of the diverse legal status in different states, CBD can be purchased online and delivered legally to all 50 states.

A table below breaks down the different requirements by state (as of May 2022) to CDB’s legality.

Conditions of LegalityStates in which these Conditions Apply
CBD and medical cannabis is legally available to all adult users (21+)Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.
CBD and medical cannabis is legally available by prescription onlyAlabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
CBD with limited THC content (less than 0.3%) and made from hemp is legally availableIndiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
CBD with zero THC and made from hemp is legally availableSouth Dakota and Idaho.

CBD can also be used legally in most states by residents of assisted living and memory care communities. Read more.

FDA Approval Under Consideration

Not giving CBD federal approval made lawmakers write a bill that would force the FDA to do so. Introduced in early 2021, H.R.841 would make hemp and its byproducts legal and labeled as a dietary supplement under the FDA’s protection and jurisdiction.

This potential law is important for two major reasons. First, FDA approval is the key to making it more accessible to patients in all states and all care facilities. In addition, this leads to potentially being covered by insurance as Medicare and Medicaid have set precedence that they normally approve coverage for all FDA approved medicines.

At this point, it is unknown if this Bill will make a difference. H.R.841 has a long time before it will be signed into law; it is estimated at two years before the FDA is forced to decide on CBD’s legality.

Obtaining CBD

The most common means to obtain CBD rich medical marijuana is from a state licensed dispensary. These dispensaries can be found by searching on any number of dispensary directories (Leafly, Yelp, etc.) or Google Maps.

For those that have trouble with transportation, another increasingly available option would include delivery-based options. However, while convenient for senior patients, these options are not available in every city or town.

Finally, CBD can be legally purchased over the Internet and delivered to all 50 states. One reputable seller is CBDPure. One can visit their website here.

Dosage Information

Given the lack of regulation in the CBD marketplace and given the challenges of self-reporting of the benefits with persons with dementia, getting the CBD dosage correct is especially challenging. Even though no prescription is required to purchase CBD, many doctors are still knowledgeable about the product and can provide dosage recommendations. Furthermore, given many persons with dementia take multiple medications, it is worth researching drug-drug interactions when considering CBD. CBD dosage consultations can be arranged online with a doctor for about $60. This is a preferable approach to proceeding without professional medical input. However, it is unlikely one’s insurance would pay for these online dosage consultations.

Should one proceed in testing CBD’s impact on a loved one’s dementia, it’s best to start with the gel cap form of administration as the levels of CBD are consistent (when compared to a dropper) and the act of swallowing a pill is familiar. A further benefit is the once-daily scheduling. While many of CBD’s hypothetical benefits cannot be easily observed, loved ones should pay careful attention to behavior changes. People with dementia who appear calmer or experience less severe sundowning symptoms may be benefitting from CBD. Another area in which CBD’s impact may be observed is in reducing sleeplessness.

Finding the Right Dose

It’s a good idea to start small and slowly increase the dosage. Begin with between 1 and 2 milligrams per day for one week, and increase by 2 to 3 milligrams weekly until you notice improvements in symptoms. Base the dosage on body weight: go smaller if your loved one is particularly light, and give a slightly larger dose for a heavier person. A normal dose for an average adult is around 5 milligrams. You may not want to exceed that number. Again, consult a doctor as you would with any other new supplement or medication.

Insurance Coverage of CBD

At this early stage of development, there are few options covered by insurance. The Food and Drug Administration would need to sign off, and as of now there is only one CBD drug (Epidiolex, for epilepsy) with FDA approval. New legislation is in congress that would force the FDA’s approval. However, currently, when compared to the prices of alternative pharmaceuticals, patients and caregivers may still find that CBD-based medical marijuana is a more cost effective and safer option.

Medicare’s Policy

Does Medicare cover CBD? Because of the federal prohibitions on prescribing Schedule 1 substances, there is no Medicare coverage for the purchase of medical marijuana or CBD derivatives. Any out-of-pocket costs one would incur purchasing marijuana for medical use will not count toward any deductibles under Part B or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. If congress will pass H.R.841 that will force the FDA to decide on CBD. In that case, coverage could potentially change to include it.

Medicaid Policy

Medicinal cannabis is not covered by Medicaid, private plans, group plans, the Veterans Administration (VA) or Obamacare plans. Again, when FDA approval happens there could be coverage of CDB.

Can CBD Help With Alzheimer’s & Dementia?

With no known cure and challenges in managing symptoms, patients and families are desperate for anything that might help. So it’s not surprising that CBD has found itself among the long list of potential treatments being explored for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Can CBD do anything for people with dementia? Here’s what we know so far.

Dementia Defined

Dementia is the umbrella term for a set of symptoms dealing with a decline in cognitive function. This can include memory loss, difficulties with engaging in daily tasks, and changes in communication.

It primarily impacts older adults, though it isn’t a normal part of aging.

Dementia is quite common, with an estimated 5 million adults in the United States living with the condition.(2)

Dementia Symptoms

The symptoms of dementia generally cluster around cognitive and communication problems and challenges. And, symptoms usually worsen over time.

Common symptoms include issues with:(2)

  • Attention
  • Memory
  • Communication
  • Judgment

While it’s normal to have age-related memory changes, dementia patients tend to have more serious memory loss issues. For instance, they may forget how to get home or the name of a close family member.

Dementia Risk Factors

It’s thought that dementia is caused by damage or loss of the brain’s nerve cells. Exactly why this happens isn’t clear, but the following things increase your chances of getting dementia:(2)

  • Age
  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Family history of dementia
  • Race/ethnicity (African Americans are 2x more likely to develop dementia than white Americans.)

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, with about 60-80% of dementia cases attributed to Alzheimer’s.(2) Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, meaning that it gets worse over time.

The buildup of beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain are thought to contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s. Chronic inflammation in the brain is also suspected of advancing the disease.(3)

Dementia Treatment

There’s unfortunately no cure for dementia, but different treatments exist to help ease symptoms, manage the disease, and improve quality of life. There’s a huge need for research into this area of neurodegenerative diseases so new, effective treatments can be discovered.

Dementia Prevention

Prevention is not guaranteed — but living a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk. Some of the things that can lower your risk of developing dementia include:(4)

  • Keeping the brain engaged through puzzles, word games, and reading
  • Regular exercise
  • Getting enough vitamins, especially vitamin D
  • Keeping a healthy diet
  • Managing any cardiovascular issues
  • Getting enough sleep

The Endocannabinoid System & Dementia

Neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer’s are associated with the endocannabinoid system.(5) And studies on Alzheimer’s patients are finding changes in the way the endocannabinoid system (ECS) functions.(6)

The body can produce its own cannabinoids. These endocannabinoids help the body regulate many different functions. At the same time, phytocannabinoids like CBD can also interact with the body’s ECS. And cannabinoids like CBD have shown that they may have neuroprotective properties.(7)

This may be why scientists are investigating whether CBD could help to treat Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Lab Research On Alzheimer’s

One 2016 study found that cannabis compounds, particularly THC, facilitated the removal of beta-amyloid — the protein that forms plaques in Alzheimer’s patients’ brains.(8)

Studies like these suggest that cannabinoids may have neuroprotective properties that might reduce inflammation and beta-amyloid accumulation.

This particular study was done in lab-grown neuron cells, so naturally, more research is needed to know how the results would translate into human patients.

Cannabis & Alzheimer’s

Other studies have looked at how cannabinoids can affect Alzheimer’s patients’ quality of life. One study on patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease found that nabilone (synthetic medical form of THC) helped significantly reduce agitation and improved overall behavioral symptoms.(9)

Others have looked into cannabis as a whole, with some experts suggesting that CBD with THC may be more beneficial than just using CBD or THC alone.(10)

CBD For Alzheimer’s & Dementia

In 2020, a randomized clinical trial began to investigate CBD’s effectiveness in reducing agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.(11) Study participants are either given a CBD oil (containing no THC) or a placebo.

The hemp-derived CBD capsules are being given for 6 weeks. The dose is set to 15mg twice a day, and will go up to 45mg twice a day.

The study aims to measure seven outcomes:

  • Changes in agitation and aggression
  • Change in caregiver burden
  • Change in patient’s quality of life
  • Change in caregiver’s quality of life
  • Changes in cognitive skills
  • Impact to sleep
  • Changes to neuropsychiatric symptoms

If the study shows promising results, it could pave the way for more research on CBD as a treatment for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

The study is estimated to be completed in February 2023. Stay tuned!

Tips In Incorporating CBD Into Your Wellness Plan

CBD doesn’t yet have an approved use in the treatment of dementia. But some research shows that it might help ease the aggression that comes with Alzheimer’s disease. It may also offer some other benefits like easing stress and chronic pain.

If you want to access the potential plant benefits of this cannabinoid, follow these guidelines:

  • Consult with your medical team first. CBD may interact with various medications so be sure to get the OK from the doc.
  • Find a quality CBD retailer. Look for organic hemp-derived products, with high bioavailability for the best absorption.
  • Find your best form of CBD. This could be isolate CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or full-spectrum CBD. Read our guide Different Types of CBD: Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum & Isolate to learn more.
  • Choose a CBD product that works with your wellness routine.CBD oil, CBD softgels, and CBD gummies are all viable options. For more guidance, check out Which CBD Product is Right For You: CBD Tinctures, Gummies, Topicals & Softgels.

CBD & Dementia: The Bottom Line

There’s no evidence yet that CBD can prevent or reverse Alzheimer’s and other dementias. But it might help alleviate some of the unpleasant symptoms that accompany it.

Most research on CBD and dementia has found that CBD and cannabis may reduce irritability and aggression among dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Research has also found neuroprotective qualities in cannabidiol, so this bodes well for future investigations into the compound.

For anyone considering CBD, know that it’s no replacement for traditional medications — but it could be a complementary wellness tool to help you boost overall well-being.

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