Can Cannabis Help Calm Dementia?

Dementia is a condition where changes in the brain happen that can cause severe memory loss and overall deterioration of mental functions. It usually appears among people aged 65 years and over, usually in its most common form Alzheimer’s disease. To get a dementia diagnosis, a person should have at least two impairment types severely affecting their everyday life. These can include difficulty communicating thoughts, short-term memory changes and mood changes. Aside from memory, dementia can also affect behavior, language and focus.

What is Cannabis and Cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol or CBD is a cannabinoid naturally occurring in cannabis plants. Unlike the other cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD will not get you high. For some conditions like depression and anxiety, research has shown that CBD can help alleviate physical pain and mental symptoms. CBD interacts with receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system, and alter serotonin levels. CBD can be a viable treatment option for pain management, with studies suggesting that topical use of CBD oil can help with inflammation and overall discomfort.

Cannabis and Dementia Symptoms

Although there have not been large clinical trials among humans on whether cannabis can help with dementia, there are sources suggesting CBD can help treat some of the symptoms associated with the disease. This includes agitation, depression, anxiety, disrupted motor function and difficulty sleeping. Even if cannabis will not help slow down the effects of dementia, many people still take it to help relieve their physical and mental symptoms. Some of the most common behavioral and mental symptoms of dementia are anxiety, depression and agitation. Patients also tend to develop physical symptoms, including memory loss, difficulty completing everyday tasks and general confusion as the condition progresses. This can manifest as an increase in forgetfulness and apathy and a decrease in mobility, making it harder to enjoy daily life. Reviews have shown that cannabis can be effective in helping symptoms like agitation and motor function disruption. Cannabis has also been found to help with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Studies suggest that CBD has shown to reduce levels of stress among animals. An earlier review has also shown that a daily oral dosage of 400 milligrams of CBD can reduce anxiety levels. Still, the research findings so far are very limited, so more studies in humans are needed to get more definitive answers.

Dosing with Cannabis and CBD

Accurately dosing with cannabis and CBD, whether for dementia or any other condition, is crucial to make it effective. The amount of CBD to consume will vary from person to person, depending on their body weight and chemistry, specific health condition and CBD concentration in the product. It is important to note that dosing recommendations are not with any condition yet. Before introducing it into your diet, talk with your health care provider first. Unless they give a recommendation, start with a low dose first.

How to Take Cannabis and CBD

• Tinctures. These are liquids taken orally and placed under the tongue using a dropper. Tinctures are quickly absorbed and is a great option for those who cannot take CBD pills. • Topicals. These are lotions and creams used to treat joint and muscle pain. They are best for localized pain. • Pills. Pills contain an equal dose of CBD throughout and are easy to take. Compared to other forms, they take longer to take effect. • Edibles. The most common and popular way to take CBD is with gummies. Each piece has the same amount of CBD per package, so you can easily keep track of the amount you consume. Dementia causes deterioration of physical and mental function. Cannabis and CBD has shown to help a patient with symptoms of this condition, but more research is still needed to determine how effective it can be. CBD can help deal with symptoms associated with dementia, including depression and anxiety. Make sure to talk to your doctor before starting CBD.