Private sector and medical community with well-respected doctors advocates sees it as a potential treatment to chronic and illnesses, some studies show that medical marijuana can treat Alzheimer’s disease.
“It is reasonable to conclude that there is a therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease,” wrote David Schubert, senior researcher and a professor at Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
Studies led by Kim Janda of the Scripps Research Institute, THC was the active ingredient that slows amyloid plaques formation by blocking the enzyme in the brain that makes them. The plagues are the main purpose of killing brain cells potentially leading to Alzheimer’s disease.
“It was one of the first papers that showed there could possibly be a link,” Janda said. “There was huge pushback when we published it.”
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
It is a type of dementia that causes problems with your memory, thinking, and even behavior. A general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities are serious enough to interfere with daily life. It has 60 to 80% of dementia cases around the world.
Marijuana as Alzheimer’s disease treatment?
Many researchers have been conducting studies regarding marijuana as a treatment or preventing Alzheimer’s diseases.
Israeli researchers observed the effects of medical marijuana on 11 people that live with Alzheimer’s for four weeks.
Despite a small number of study, researchers that “Adding medical cannabis oil to Alzheimer’s patients’ pharmacotherapy is actually safe and gives a promising treatment result!”
How does cannabis affects the brain?
It targets a system in our brain known as endocannabinoid system. It involved in memory, appetite regulation and responding to stress. It naturally produces endocannabinoids, which affects receptors.
Receptors are called CB1 and CB2.
- CB1 receptor is found throughout the brain including in the hippocampus which is the memory and learning centre.
- CB2 receptor is found on specialised immune cells called microglia.
Conclusion:
There are tons of interesting evidence at laboratory or individual that certain cannabis or marijuana may able to target or treat Alzheimer’s disease or demntia. Which studies would you take a risk with?
Are you convinced that medical marijuana can treat Alzheimer’s disease? Let us know your thoughts.