Dementia and Marijuana – The Fresh Toast

Nothing is more heartbreaking than watching someone we love suffer from dementia. While the face is the same, the spirit and essence behind it slowly disappears. More than 8 million people suffered from dementia in 2020. If current demographic and health trends continue, more than 10 million Canadians and Americans could have dementia by 2030 and nearly 12 million by 2040.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are different. Dementia is a general term used to describe symptoms that affect memory, performance in daily activities, and the ability to communicate. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease gets worse over time and affects memory, language, body functions and thinking.

Does medical marijuana help with this terrible disease? Can it help the patient and be an additional tool for the caregiver?

Photo by Monicare via Pixabay

So far, medical marijuana isn’t a breakthrough in dementia. Little research has been done or shown to have a significant impact on disease progression. But there are glimmers of hope in managing some of the more difficult symptoms.

Dementia can affect a person’s personality and habits, which can lead to changes in behavior. They may become more anxious, aggressive, and confused. Some clinical studies have found that medical marijuana can help treat behavioral symptoms such as restlessness and aggression in people with dementia, but only in some cases.

RELATED: This Behavior May Be an Early Sign of Dementia

There’s also potential sunset help. Restlessness, restlessness, irritability, or confusion may arise or worsen as daylight fades, often just when tired caregivers need a break. Sunset can last into the night, making it difficult for people with Alzheimer’s to fall asleep and stay in bed. Medical marijuana and CBD can be used to improve sleep and combat insomnia.

A recent study also shows that cannabis may be helpful in treating vascular dementia, a neurodegenerative disease that often co-occurs with Alzheimer’s. Vascular dementia is characterized by a lack of blood flow to the brain, resulting in cell death. By activating the CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the brain, it may be possible to restore blood flow to the brain for a period of time.

Some research has shown that low doses of THC can help restore memory and learning in mice. The changes caused by the administration of low doses of THC occurred because they affected the hippocampus. However, there is currently no research examining this possible link between marijuana and dementia in humans.

The brain is a complex mystery and more research is being done to understand how it works. Organizations like the Allen Institute are committed to unlocking the mysteries and possibilities of the brain.

RELATED: Science says medical marijuana improves quality of life

A little caution with strong marijuana habits. A study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease showed that marijuana users had low blood flow to the hippocampus compared to non-marijuana users. It is believed that chronic marijuana use can block activity in this part of the brain and damage areas of the brain critical to learning and memory.