Cannabis May Revitalize Elderly Brains And Help Fight Dementia
Using marijuana gives way to paranoia, and paranoia gives way to frightening Google searches about the long-term effects of marijuana. Up until now, those search results have been less than uplifting. But new research has demonstrated a connection between using marijuana and higher brain function in the elderly and may give insight into how to treat dementia.
Medical marijuana is all the rage these days. You’ve undoubtedly seen claims about how it can help with pain, sleep, chronic diseases and much more. Now there is discussion it might improve some dementia symptoms. Danielle Goldfarb, MD, a neurologist and psychologist at the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, says the limited studies on medical marijuana’s effects on dementia show some promise.
“There is not much research yet, but what we do have suggests that marijuana can have a calming effect on some of the behavioral symptoms of dementia,” says Dr. Goldfarb. “The synthetic form, Nabilone, also showed positive results in one recent study.”
Scientists in the field of Alzheimer’s and dementia are just now beginning to study the use of marijuana to treat behavioral problems associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s. The small number of studies have examined the effect of certain active components of the natural marijuana plant and a synthetic form on such behaviors as aggression and agitation. There are no valid studies demonstrating cognitive benefit of medical marijuana in dementia.
Dementia is a catch-all term for the conditions that cause declining memory and thinking skills, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and vascular dementia. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 50 million people in the world — primarily seniors — suffer from dementia.
DEMENTIA is currently incurable - but scientists have revealed a chemical component of cannabis could boost memory in old mice. Experts said the finding opens up a whole new avenue of future research into the disease.
The most significant breakthrough was reported in a study issued in November 2017 by the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California. The Institute’s Dr. David Schubert led a team that grew nerve cells taken from a human brain to examine factors that influence levels of a toxic protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The protein, known as amyloid beta, builds up within neurons, inflaming and eventually killing them. The team exposed the neurons to cannabis — finding that it cleared away the protein, reduced inflammation, and allowed the brain cells to survive.
The findings won scant media attention, but the medical community definitely took note.
Should you try it?
If you are considering medical marijuana to manage the symptoms of dementia, consult a doctor first. A physician can help you decide if medical marijuana is a good option for you or your loved one. They may also be able to help you navigate the many strains and dosage options now available.
It’s also important to understand the medical marijuana law in your state. Some states, including Arizona, list agitation related to Alzheimer’s disease as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. Some states, on the other hand, only approve it for use with Alzheimer’s but not for other conditions that may cause dementia.
Summing Up — Marijuana and Dementia
So, does marijuana cause or help dementia? Maybe both. There are studies showing that marijuana could have a beneficial effect on people with dementia, but more research is needed. At the same time, there is also research showing that the long-term use of marijuana can leave a person more susceptible to developing Alzheimer’s.
It is possible that this paradox exists because trials showing marijuana’s effects on dementia involve substances that are controlled by researchers. On the other hand, research showing that marijuana users are at increased risk of dementia involves recreational drug use instead of drug use in a controlled laboratory setting.
Though some research suggests that marijuana may have a role in treating dementia, there is evidence that this drug can also harm the brain and make a person more susceptible to developing this condition. Additional research is needed, especially studies involving humans, to determine marijuana’s role in dementia.
