Cannabis and Dementia

How can plant-based cannabinoids offer benefits for Dementia? Read Bonni Goldstein MD's summary of the research on cannabis and Dementia.

The endocannabinoid system plays an important role in regulating mood, memory and neuroinflammation, which are processes implicated in dementia. Cannabinoids are being studied for their potential to alleviate symptoms associated with dementia, particularly behavioral and psychological symptoms such as agitation, aggression and sleep disturbances. Observational studies suggest cannabinoids can improve agitation and sleep, and may reduce the need for antipsychotic medications in this population. Although cannabinoids are generally well-tolerated, it is strongly recommended that anyone with dementia be under medical supervision when initiating cannabinoid treatment. 

Sources

Shelef, Assaf, et al. "Safety and efficacy of medical cannabis oil for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: an-open label, add-on, pilot study." Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 51.1 (2016: 15-19.; Broers, Barbara, and Federica Bianchi. "Cannabinoids for behavioral symptoms in dementia: an overview." Pharmacopsychiatry 57.032024: 160-168.; Alexandri, Foteini, et al. "The Effect of Cannabidiol 3% on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Dementia–Six-Month Follow-Up." Clinical Gerontologist 47.52024: 800-807.)

With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Goldstein is the CEO and co-founder of Goldstein Wellness and serves as the Medical Director/Owner of Canna-Centers Wellness & Education. Her patient roster, numbering over 20,000 individuals, includes more than two thousand children who have benefited from medical cannabis under her care.
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