There is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) products can help treat or prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. However, initial studies show that CBD could relieve specific symptoms of the disease.
A look at CBD products for Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia worldwide.
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease in which irregular masses and tangled fibers, known as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, respectively, along with neuronal transmission problems, cause changes and damage to the brain. This damage causes difficulties with:
- memory
- language
- reasoning
- behavior
- basic physical processes, over time
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may include:
- have difficulty carrying out daily tasks, such as cooking or driving
- lose things
- put things in unusual places
- asking the same questions over and over again
As the disease progresses, people may become anxious, angry, and unable to function independently.
Researchers currently argue that the following factors contribute to Alzheimer’s disease:
CBD is one of more than 100 different phytocannabinoids present in the Cannabis sativa plant (C. sativa). Its growing popularity may be due to its reported effects on inflammation, sleep, and mood.
CBD does not always contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), CBD products cannot contain more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
The main types of CBD are:
- Full spectrum CBD: It contains all the compounds present in the cannabis plant, including THC.
- Broad spectrum CBD: It contains almost all the compounds of the C. sativa plant and traces of THC, although sometimes there is no THC.
- CBD Isolated: It is CBD in its purest form, with no other compounds or THC.
Research into the effects of CBD on Alzheimer’s disease is in its early stages. However, some initial reports are promising.
A 2021 study found that high doses of CBD given to people with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease increased protein levels, which play a key role in removing plaque from the brain.
In addition, a 2019 review suggests that CBD may help suppress the factors that cause Alzheimer’s disease and may be more effective when used in combination with THC.
Although there is currently no clear evidence confirming the beneficial properties of CBD, initial research shows that it could help with associated behavioral symptoms, such as aggression.
In addition, CBD products can help reduce inflammation and insomnia.
Physical effects
A study of the effects of nabilone, a cannabinoid-based drug approved to treat nausea in people undergoing chemotherapy, found that it reduced agitation and improved behavior in people with dementia.
In the United States, nabilone is an FDA-approved prescription drug.
Here, we look at some CBD products that a person may want to consider.
Best for High Power: Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture
This product has been tested by third parties and, being full spectrum, contains all the compounds present in the plant C. sativa.
It may take more than 2 hours to take effect.
The company reports that the product may not be suitable for people who have been told by a doctor to avoid grapefruit. A person should consult a healthcare professional before using the product.
Best for the environment effect: CBD R + R Medicinal tincture (tasteless)
This product contains 500 ml of CBD per bottle.
The company advises that a person shake the bottle before using it and drop 1-2 full dropper under the tongue, holding for 60 seconds before swallowing.
Best Broad Spectrum: cbdMD CBD oil tincture
This product is available in a 30 ml or 60 ml bottle and has the following CBD strengths:
- 300 mg
- 750 mg
- 1,500 mg
- 3,000 mg
- 5,000 mg
- 7,500 mg
The company claims that the product has been tested by third parties.
People can place the dye under the tongue. They can also add the recommended dose to food or drink, although this can be done more slowly.
Best non-alcoholic: Saha Self-Care CBD Tincture
This product is available in concentrations of 500 mg, 1,000 mg, 1,500 mg and 2,500 mg and comes with a mint flavor.
It does not contain THC or alcohol. People can decide their own dose, up to 1 ml in the provided dropper.
A third-party certificate of analysis (COA) is available for viewing on the company’s website.
Best Flavor: Joy Organics Tropical Sunrise Tincture
This product is available in concentrations of 450 mg, 900 mg, 1,350 mg and 2,250 mg.
People can see third party COAs and the company claims that the product is cruelty free.
A person can use this tincture during the day or night.
Best full spectrum: CBDistillery full spectrum oil dye
This product is available at Concentrations of 500 mg, 1,000 mg, 1,500 mg, 2,500 mg and 5,000 mg.
All items have been tested by third parties to determine THC levels, as well as pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals.
The company recommends placing 1 drop of the tasteless tincture under the tongue and holding it there for 15-20 seconds before swallowing.
Best for accurate dosing: CBD Medterra oil tincture
This product is available in concentrations of 750 mg, 1,500 mg, 3,000 mg and 6,000 mg.
It has been tested by third parties and the dropper has measuring markers to help a person accurately measure their CBD dose.
To see most of the benefits, the company advises people to use the dye regularly for an extended period of time.
A person living with Alzheimer’s disease should have regular checkups to monitor and monitor the progression of the disease.
They should also discuss the potential use of any CBD product or supplement with a healthcare professional.
Here are some common questions about CBD for Alzheimer’s disease.
Is CBD safe for people with dementia?
The Alzheimer’s Association supports research into all potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Note, however, that the FDA has not authorized CBD to treat Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
People with these conditions should always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medications or supplements.
Which CBD Oil is Best for Dementia?
It is difficult to choose a single CBD oil that is better for dementia.
Some clinical reports suggest that broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD may have a better effect due to the number of phytocannabinoids and other plant-containing compounds that work together. Experts refer to this as the environmental effect.
Interest in CBD for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is growing. There is currently no scientific evidence that CBD products can help treat or prevent the symptoms of the disease.
However, CBD can help relieve the specific symptoms that health experts associate with Alzheimer’s disease, such as anxiety, inflammation, agitation, malaise, and difficulty sleeping.
Anyone interested in using CBD for Alzheimer’s should first discuss the topic with a healthcare professional.
