As the prevalence of dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions continues to rise globally, there is growing interest in the role of cannabis-based medicines in symptom management.
A small number of studies, combined with real-world clinical experience is beginning to provide important insights into the potential of cannabinoids such as CBD and THC for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
But the evidence-base remains limited, and there is a need for more robust clinical trials to understand the long-term safety and effects.
We take a closer look at the research.
Dementia – a growing global health issue
Every three seconds someone in the world develops dementia. In 2020, there were over 55 million people worldwide living with a dementia diagnosis, but this number is expected to double over the next two decades due to increasing life-expectancy and an ageing population
Alzheimer’s disease, which causes a decline in cognitive and functional abilities, is a type of dementia which, along with vascular dementia, makes up the majority of cases. It is also the most common neurodegenerative disease globally. There is currently no cure and treatments are focused on symptom management, rather than slowing disease progression.
A number of studies have explored whether medicinal cannabis could be used to treat some of these symptoms, such as easing aggression, agitation and anxiety, which are commonly seen among patients.
Meanwhile, certain cannabinoids such as CBD, THC and CBN, have been highlighted as potentially having neuroprotective properties, preventing cell death and damage in the brain.
‘Strong evidence’ of neuroprotective properties
In a 2022 review, researchers evaluated the neuroprotective potential of cannabis, with a particular focus on its effects in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
They found ‘strong evidence’ to support the idea that cannabinoids have neuroprotective properties and could have a role in treating common neurodegenerative diseases.
According to the paper, several phytocannabinoids, terpenes and select flavonoids demonstrated neuroprotection through a ‘myriad of cellular and molecular pathways’.
“These findings provide strong evidence for a role of cannabis constituents, individually or in combination, as potential neuroprotectants timely to the emergent use of medicinal cannabis as a novel treatment for neurodegenerative diseases,” the authors concluded.
They went on to recommend further randomised control trials and clinical studies to substantiate these initial findings.
A limited number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted, most of which have been conducted in patients with dementia. However, results from these trials have been inconclusive.
For example, an evaluation of data from four small, short-duration, and heterogeneously designed placebo-controlled trials did not provide sufficient evidence to determine whether cannabinoids had any beneficial or detrimental effects on dementia.
Cautious optimism
Even so, case reports and anecdotal evidence collected through patient testimonies and real-world data suggest promising potential for treating certain symptoms, particularly agitation and aggression.
Patients and caregivers in studies have reported smoother daily routines, better sleep, and less distress when cannabinoids are added to the care plan.
And laboratory research provides a scientific basis for these effects, as cannabinoids act on pathways involved in brain inflammation and cell death, possibly affording a degree of neuroprotection.
This potential should be tempered by the reality that the research is still in the early stages. While results from existing trials are promising, there is not enough clinical evidence to prove cannabis is an effective, long-term treatment for dementia.
Cannabinoids have not been linked to any disease-slowing effects, but they might – if confirmed in future studies – offer a safer way to manage symptoms.
Join the conversation
Continue the conversation at Cannabis Health Symposium on Tuesday 25 November, with a dedicated session: Exploring the Evidence Base: CBPMs in Dementia & Neurodegenerative Conditions, highlighting key findings, areas of emerging research, and real-world case examples.
The post Medical Cannabis and Dementia: What Does the Evidence Say? appeared first on Cannabis Health News.
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Author: News Editor
