detrimental because neurons use their dendrites to communicate. Studies by the Salk Institute have found that when these amyloid-beta proteins are exposed to THC, the destructive properties in these neurotoxins are no longer as effective.1 Why this happens is still being researched. However, this provides a great treatment option for Alzheimer’s patients, as it greatly decelerates the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Another promising component of marijuana that seems to aid in the fight against Alzheimer’s is the interaction of cannabis with endocannabinoids in the brain. Endocannabinoids are receptors in the brain that allow for transmission of neurochemicals, which also contribute to allowing communication to run smoothly in the brain. In a brain affected by Alzheimer’s, the endocannabinoid receptors react much slower than they should be. When this dysfunction happens, inflammation of the brain tissue occurs. However, when interacting with chemicals produced by cannabis, it is almost as if the cannabis “oils” the endocannabinoid receptors, and they are able to run smoothly again. Therefore, cannabis helps to relieve some of the inflammation happening in the brain.
Whilst marijuana treatment can neither reverse nor repair the damage that has been done by Alzheimer’s, these studies have proven that it can greatly prolong the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Now, the main obstacle that stands between Alzheimer’s patients reaching this treatment is the pharmaceutical industry itself. Unfortunately, if marijuana is truly the solution to preventing Alzheimer’s, this is bad news for the pharmaceutical industry. This is because consumers would not have to necessarily buy their treatments from the pharmacies themselves -- something like marijuana can be as accessible as growing it in your own backyard, in some states. Yet there is still hope that with more studies revealing the benefits of marijuana treatment on Alzheimer’s patients, there will be more pressure on the industry to make it a plausible medical solution.