Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects around 6.5 million people in the United States, causing cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired daily functioning. The CDC projects this number to triple to 14 million Americans by 2060. Since more than 70% of those affected are 75 years and older, as the population ages, finding effective treatments for Alzheimer’s has become a critical area of research and exploration. One avenue that has gained attention in recent years is the potential use of medical marijuana to alleviate symptoms and possibly slow down the progression of the disease.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain, primarily beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These buildups disrupt communication between nerve cells and lead to their eventual death, resulting in cognitive decline and memory loss. Current treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected individuals, but there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Since 1995, the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease has increased while other forms of dementia have decreased. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and results in a decline of thinking, memory, behavior, and social skills over time. In advanced stages, Alzheimer’s can result in death and is currently the 5th leading cause of death for those over the age of 65. Although a lot is still unknown about Alzheimer’s Disease, there is likely more than one factor that causes its progression. The top risk factors for the disease are prior family history of Alzheimer’s and age.
The Endocannabinoid System and Alzheimer’s
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of receptors, cannabinoids, and enzymes present throughout the human body, including the brain. This system plays a vital role in various physiological processes, such as appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. Research has shown that the ECS may be dysregulated in Alzheimer’s patients, prompting interest in using cannabinoids to modulate this system and potentially mitigate the progression of the disease.
Cannabinoids and Their Potential Therapeutic Effects
Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in marijuana that interact with the ECS. Although there are over 100 natural occurring cannabinoids in medical cannabis, two primary cannabinoids of interest are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is psychoactive and responsible for the medicated feeling or “high” associated with marijuana, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has shown promise for its potential therapeutic effects.
Potential Benefits of THC
Symptom Management: THC may help manage symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, common in Alzheimer’s patients. THC has also shown strong therapeutic potential for the treatment of neuronal inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Appetite Stimulation: THC can stimulate appetite, potentially aiding in weight maintenance, which is a concern in advanced Alzheimer’s stages.
Potential Benefits of CBD
Neuroprotective Properties: CBD has shown neuroprotective effects, potentially protecting brain cells from the neurodegenerative process seen in Alzheimer’s.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: CBD possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer’s disease. CBD additionally has shown significant improvement in the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer’s patients.
Research and Clinical Studies
Research on the use of medical marijuana in Alzheimer’s is still in its infancy, and more rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish its safety and efficacy conclusively. It was found in some studies that its use can increase cell survival, protect against oxidation stress, reduce ROS progression, reduce lipid peroxidation and stimulate neurogenesis of the hippocampus. Preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest potential benefits in symptom management and slowing disease progression, but further investigation is essential.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana holds promise as a potential adjunctive treatment for managing symptoms and potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The cannabinoids THC and CBD may offer therapeutic effects, including symptom relief and neuroprotection. However, extensive research, clinical trials, and regulatory considerations are necessary to better understand the efficacy, safety, and appropriate dosing of medical marijuana for Alzheimer’s patients. As the field of medical cannabis research continues to evolve, there is hope for leveraging its potential to improve the lives of those affected by this devastating neurodegenerative disease who currently do not have a large number of options available to them.