Alzheimers is a progressive disease that results in memory loss, thinking ability and behavior. Dementia symptoms worsen over time. Usually sufferers live for an average of 8 years after their symptoms become noticeable to others. Does marijuana really inhibit progression of the disease?

An increasing population of elderly people means that Alzheimer’s disease is expected to triple over the next 50 years. Current treatments cannot cure Alzheimers, all they can do is improve the quality of life for patients and slow down progression of the disease. Typically drugs such as Donepezil are prescribed for Alzheimer’s patients, however this comes with side effects such as seizures and is said to be in the same class of chemicals as certain pesticides and agents such as nerve gas.

Medical marijuana for Alzheimer’s sufferers

Although no placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blinded trials have been conducted on the cannabis plant to provide evidence that cannabis use definitely improves symptoms for patients suffering with Alzheimer’s disease, there is increasing evidence to show that cannabinoids have the potential to protect the destruction of neurons through processes that neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation and improve function of mitochondria.

THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana which appears to be beneficial for Alzheimer’s patients. The results of a recent study, published in PubMed, shows that marijuana contains a compound with properties that address memory problems and the brain plaque associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

According to Chuanhai Cao, PhD and a neuroscientist at the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, “THC is known to be a potent antioxidant with neuroprotective properties, but this is the first report to show that the compound directly affects Alzheimer’s pathology by decreasing amyloid beta levels, inhibiting its aggregation, and enhancing mitochondrial function.”

A team from Neuroscience Research Australia have been researching whether or not one of the 85 active ingredients in cannabis, called cannabidiol, could reverse some of the symptoms of memory loss in animals.

Tim Karl, a senior research scientist from NRA said that cannabidiol does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC, but it has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and other effects that could be beneficial for the brain.

In conclusion,  research thus far shows promise that cannabis can halt the progression of Alzheimers more effectively and lead to a better of quality of life for patients, although more research needs to be undertaken in the future.

Sources:

//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17140265

//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24945775

//www.smh.com.au/national/cannabis-may-help-reverse-dementia-study-20130206-2dxsk.html#ixzz3uDMn5CEr