A study found using small doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a chemical found in marijuana, can slow the production of certain toxic proteins that cause plagues. These plaques clog the brain and kill brain cells, and are thought to be a contributor to the progression of Alzheimer’s. THC is considered a superior inhibitor of plaques in the brain and cannabinoid molecules may directly impact the progression of this
debilitating disease. But there are individuals loaded with plaques that are cognitively normal and others that have no plaques but still have dementia.
THC has been shown to help cells communicate, coordinate and prevent the death of nerve cells. Dying nerve cells in the brains of Alzheimer's patients
nerve cells. Dying nerve cells in the brains of Alzheimer's patients contribute to their loss of memories and mental abilities. If you could stop the many individual cell deaths, you might slow the progress of Alzheimer's. Unfortunately, there are still no effective therapies for stopping Alzheimer's. One reason is that these diseases cause very complex damages to the brain. More research will help better understand which compounds in marijuana could be used to help elderly patients.
Studies also show THC can be useful in treating the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Currently, the only medications used to treat these symptoms are antipsychotics with all their known side effects. THC helped decrease symptoms of delusions, agitation or aggression, irritability, apathy and sleep in patients with Alzheimer's disease. While THC is showing promise in treating some Alzheimer’s
symptoms, whole-plant cannabis medicine use by Alzheimer’s patients is a risk without further research. Some psychoactive strains could cause or increase psychological discomfort, paranoia and short term memory loss while being consumed.
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