Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is currently no known cure for this devastating disease, there is growing interest in the potential of cannabis to offer some relief and possibly slow its progression. In this blog, we will explore the current state of research on CBD, one of the most revolutionary cannabinoids in the cannabis plant in terms of its therapeutic potential, and Alzheimer’s disease to better understand its potential benefits.

Understanding Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease, or Alzheimer's disease (AD), is a progressive brain disorder named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, first defined in 1906. One of the most invasive neurodegenerative diseases, it begins with mild symptoms and becomes more severe over time, with common symptoms including memory loss, language problems, and behavioral changes.

The main features of the disease are amyloid plaques, disconnection of nerve cells and impaired information transfer. As symptoms worsen, it becomes difficult for an Alzheimer's patient to remember, reason and recognize people. Symptoms can progress through stages of cognitive decline classified as mild, moderate or severe.

CBD and Brain Health: How Cannabidiol Can Help Patients With Cognitive Disorders

Research on cannabis and cannabinoids has produced surprising results in recent years. Several clinical studies have suggested that CBD through its active ingredient can, among its many beneficial effects, have a positive impact on brain health. Recent studies have shown that cannabidiol can help with the symptoms and in the fight against this neurodegenerative disease. Let's see how CBD can be useful as a treatment for patients suffering from Alzheimer's, helping them to slow down the progression and reduce the symptoms of this disease.

Neuroprotection

Among the surprising benefits of CBD discovered in recent years of research is its neuroprotective properties, which means that it can help patients with neurodegenerative diseases protect brain cells from damage and degradation. This means that using CBD to treat this disease could potentially slow its progression, helping to reduce and slow the behavioral symptoms that afflict those affected.

Anti-inflammatory

Chronic inflammation is thought to play a key role in Alzheimer's disease. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the brain, possibly alleviating some symptoms.

Antioxidant

Oxidative stress is another factor implicated in Alzheimer's. CBD's effectiveness in terms of its antioxidant properties can help combat oxidative damage in the brain.

Improved sleep and mood

Patients with Alzheimer's often experience sleep disturbances and mood disturbances. CBD administration has been shown to improve sleep quality and may reduce anxiety , potentially improving the quality of life of people with Alzheimer's.

Current Research on the Therapeutic Impact of Cannabinoids on Alzheimer's Patients

Researchers studying this disease have explored anti-amyloid therapies, but challenges and side effects have hindered their success. Cannabidiol (CBD) has attracted attention in this area for its therapeutic potential for patients with Alzheimer's disease. The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in Alzheimer's, with alterations in components of this system observed in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

For this reason, medical cannabis has been a source of studies and research in recent years, aimed at discovering and investigating all the correlations between Alzheimer's and Cannabis. Among all the components of this plant, the extraordinary effectiveness of CBD in fighting the symptoms of Alzheimer's and slowing the progression of the disease has been demonstrated.

This study shows that CBD exhibits neuroprotective effects through various mechanisms, including modulation of CB1 and CB2 receptors, anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant effects, antiapoptotic actions, and promotion of neurogenesis. Although CBD may not directly affect Aβ and tau pathology, it mitigates Aβ-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, ultimately improving cognitive function in animal models of the disease.

A 2019 study investigated the effects of CBD on Alzheimer's disease through in vitro and in vivo experiments:

In vitro (cell culture) studies have shown that CBD can increase cell survival by reducing the production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and lipid peroxidation.

In vivo studies (animal models), however, have shown a significant reduction in GFAP expression, mRNA and protein. By reducing the expression of iNOS and IL-1β proteins, they have indicated anti-inflammatory effects. Among other results, CBD has also stimulated neurogenesis in the hippocampus.

Other studies have been conducted combining CBD and THC, a combination that has already been shown to be very successful in treating tumors , on transgenic AβPP/PS1 mice. The CBD+THC treatment has shown efficacy in improving memory and was more effective than the use of CBD or THC alone.

This led to a reduction in GluR2/3 levels and an increase in GABA-A Rα1 levels.

These studies provide evidence of the potential therapeutic effects of CBD on Alzheimer’s disease, both in cell cultures and animal models, shedding light on a potential avenue for treating and preventing dementia in the future.

Alzheimer's and CBD: Conclusion

After delving into the scientific findings surrounding CBD and Alzheimer’s, we can see how promising this cannabinoid is as a potential therapeutic tool to help improve the quality of life of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties make it an exciting topic for ongoing research, casting a veil of hope in the fight against one of the most devastating diseases affecting the brain’s faculties.

The best way to take it is through CBD oil , a cannabis-based extract with varying degrees of cannabidiol. Since it is possible to easily adjust the dosage in this form, it is proving to be a potential ally in alleviating symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of neurodegenerative diseases.

If you want to learn more about its healing potential, check out this blog.