CBD i choroba Alzheimera - czy może pomóc?

Many people, especially the elderly, suffer from frequent forgetfulness, and in the worst cases, varying degrees of memory loss and recognition impairment. Can cannabis help address this issue? Can CBD be an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease? Let's explore why this happens and how CBD cannabis may help.

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Cannabis is now widely known for its diverse therapeutic properties, which are currently being extensively studied. From combating pain and inflammation to helping with certain mental disorders, its potential is being explored. The most common neurodegenerative disease on the list of conditions cannabis may positively affect is Alzheimer's disease. Another highly common disease is Parkinson's disease.

Cannabis has been studied as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease since at least the turn of the century. Currently, interest in this topic is greater than ever. The scientific publication Frontiers recently announced a call for articles on "the endocannabinoid system in neurodegenerative diseases," emphasizing that this is a "hot area of research."

Just in September 2021, three articles summarizing much of what is known about Alzheimer's disease and the endocannabinoid system were published in scientific literature – and as we all know, this is the system in which CBD works.

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What is Alzheimer's disease?

Let's start with an important question: What exactly is Alzheimer's disease?

It is a brain disorder in which brain cells shrink and lose their function. The cause of this is beta-amyloid, a protein that clumps into amyloid plaques and damages nerve cells. The reasons why these processes begin and what triggers them remain unknown and are the subject of research by scientists worldwide. It is the most common form of dementia.

What do studies say about CBD and Alzheimer's disease?

Several studies have shown that the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are reduced after the use of cannabinoids. However, due to the small number of studies and their short duration, the effectiveness of these substances against BPSD cannot be confirmed.

A 2019 study suggested that cannabinoids might be useful in treating and preventing Alzheimer's disease, as their components may suppress certain symptoms such as behavioral disorders and memory loss. Additionally, it suggested that the combined use of CBD and THC may be more beneficial than using either one alone.

However, research remains limited, and more human studies are needed to determine whether CBD

can help in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Can CBD help alleviate the psychological and physical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease can lead to behavioral changes such as:

  • Loss of inhibition
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Social isolation

CBD may be helpful in alleviating common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in various ways. Studies have shown that CBD helps relieve psychiatric symptoms such as sleep loss, anxiety, and depression.

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Despite CBD's ability to help alleviate some symptoms, it may not be able to address symptoms of Alzheimer's disease that appear as the disease progresses.

Symptoms of disease progression include:

  • Difficulty speaking or writing
  • Impaired judgment
  • Distancing from loved ones
  • Memory loss

Does CBD have any side effects?

According to the World Health Organization, CBD is generally considered safe. A few side effects occur occasionally and should be taken into account.

Side effects noted in studies include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Changes in appetite and weight
  • Fatigue

As always, we recommend consulting a doctor before using CBD.

CBD Dosage for Alzheimer's Disease

Many forms of CBD are available on the market. CBD oils are a good option for people who cannot take tablets or capsules. However, if taking CBD capsules is more convenient for you, we recommend choosing this method of CBD consumption!

The amount of CBD you should take depends on several factors, including:

  • Body weight
  • The condition being treated
  • CBD concentration
  • Patient's age
  • Other medications taken

Remember that sometimes less is more – so we always recommend starting with a lower dose, which can be adjusted if necessary.