Cognitive decline is easily one of the biggest fears among people over the age of 50. Nearly everyone has experienced losing their keys, forgetting a name, or walking into a room not remembering why at some point in their lifetime.

But imagine that happening more frequently, combined with thoughts and behaviour changes. The fear of developing a form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, is real for so many people. That same fear is the reason that learning more about the disease, including prevention and new Alzheimer’s treatments is very important to living the most fulfilled and healthy existence possible.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

As a form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease wreaks havoc with a person’s memory, as well as thoughts and behaviour. While symptoms typically worsen slowly, each case can vary. But the result is often the same. It typically leads to daily activities becoming very difficult to manage for both the patient and the caregiver.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for at least 60-80% of cases of dementia. Based on findings by the Alzheimer Society of Canada (updated 2020), the numbers are alarming:

• 1 in 5 – That’s how many people have experience caring for someone with dementia.
  45% – The risk of developing dementia increases by 45% for smokers
• 65% – Nearly two-thirds of people diagnosed with dementia are women over the age of 65.
• 16,000 Canadians under the age of 65 living with dementia
• 25,000 – Number of Canadians diagnosed with dementia annually.
• 56,000 – Canadian dementia patients annually treated in hospitals
• 564,000 People in Canada who are currently living with dementia
• 937,000 – Canadians who will be living with dementia within 15 years
• 500,000 – Over half a million Canadians are living with some form of dementia.
• $10.4 billion – Annual cost in Canada to care for dementia patients

And, with it being such a tragic disease impacting so many people, the drive to find more effective and new Alzheimer’s medication and treatments are on the rise. For example, cannabis oils medical benefits are gaining attention.

Clinical evidence of the effects of CBD oil on dementia

Brain cells in Alzheimer’s patients normally follow a path of rapid destruction and decline. However, CBD clinical trials have been shown to stimulate brain tissue. In trials CBD has demonstrated the ability to prevent and even reverse the development of Alzheimer’s effects. An Australian study in 2011 found that CBD promotes the growth and development of brain cells. This had the consequential effect of reducing memory decline and brain function.

Other studies have shown that cannabinoids such as THC remove amyloid protein from the brain. Amyloid clumps are a key marker of Alzheimer’s disease. The study showed positive effect in lab grown nerve cells.

A study involving mice – given both CBD and THC – showed an improvement in learning and reduced evidence of amyloid clumps.

Cannabis Oil Medicinal Benefits for Alzheimer Patients

Alzheimer’s disease progresses in patients until they can no longer care for themselves. Unfortunately, there is no cure at this point. However, new Alzheimer’s treatments, such as cannabis oil, may slow the progression of the disease.

Cannabidiol (CBD) comes in various forms, including the oil mentioned above. And, its popularity for helping in a medicinal manner is growing significantly. What does CBD help with while treating Alzheimer’s? Good question. Take a look at the following:

Cannabis Oil Works as an Anti-Inflammatory

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s, often involve inflammation of the neural tissue. The initial inflammation that occurs is thought to be acting as a defence mechanism in the earlier stages. But after a while, it could develop into uncontrolled chain reactions, leading to chronic neuronal deterioration and inflammation. So, utilizing cannabis oil as an anti-inflammatory could help slow down the progression of the disease, allowing patients the option of an alternative, new Alzheimer’s medicine.

Cannabis Oil as an Antioxidant

The release of reactive oxygen and oxidative stress are both key components of Alzheimer’s disease and tied to immune inflammation. Oxidative stress is generated when inflammation happens. This decreases the antioxidant ability of cells, causing free radicals production and reaction with proteins and fatty acids within cell membranes. When the amyloid beta is present, there is an elevation of reactive oxygen species in adjoining cells through exchanges with the membranes. This results in a loss of neurons and synapses within the brain, resulting in memory loss and a variety of other neurological symptoms. An antioxidant would help to slow it down.

Cannabis Oil as a Neurogenesis Stimulant

Cannabis oil is getting attention for potentially aiding in the neurogenesis process (new neural tissue). With Alzheimer’s disease, neural tissue is on a course of rapid destruction, leading to debilitating neurological effects such as memory loss, cognitive loss, and severe changes in personality. In fact, people who were once thought of as loving, kind, and gentle, can become mean and selfish, something loved ones have difficulty understanding. And, one of cannabis oil medical benefits are thought to be slowing down the progression of these devastating effects, if it stimulates neural tissue.

Alzheimer’s disease is a very difficult disease to live with, for the patient and their family and friends. So, when there is a new Alzheimer’s medication to consider, it’s worth diving in and researching as much information on it as you can, especially when discussing it with the medical professionals involved in your case. If you want to learn more about what CBD oil helps with and how it can help you, fill in an application.