Patient Education ►
Could Cannabis Aid Alzheimer ’ s Disease ?
More than six million Americans suffer from Alzheimer ’ s disease and numbers are expected to more than double by 2050 .
by Peter Kershaw , contributing writer
Alzheimer ’ s Disease ( AD ) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder . Though it is a form of dementia , it ’ s also far more serious since it eventually progresses to the point of taking the life of its victim . AD is considered an old-folks disease , generally not striking until age 65 and up — 72 % are age 75 and up . However , though rare , “ early-onset ” AD can strike in the 30s . AD often starts with mild symptoms of memory lapses ( e . g ., forgetting where they ’ ve put things , repeating questions , getting lost ), and mood and personality changes such as irritability and aggression . AD often progresses to rendering the patient delusional and bed-ridden , completely dependent on caregivers .
More than six million Americans have AD , and numbers are expected to more than double by 2050 . From 2000 – 2019 deaths due to AD increased 145 %. On average , a person with Alzheimer ’ s lives four to eight years after diagnosis . AD impacts not just the victims but families of the victims who , in 70 % of all cases , become their caregivers . Families suffer physically from caregiving demands , as well as emotionally from witnessing loved ones slowly decline . AD patients often exhibit severe mood swings and can even become antagonistic and belligerent with their caregivers .
There do appear to be genetic predispositions for dementia . It ’ s therefore assumed that Alzheimer ’ s runs in the family too . So , if you have an immediate relative with AD , you may want to be especially vigilant and proactive . Thankfully , there are things we can do that may diminish the risks .
A leading cause of AD is believed to be environmental toxins , such as heavy metals . There appears to be a direct correlation between the growing AD numbers and increased exposure to environmental toxins . In several studies , autopsies revealed large concentrations of aluminum in the brains of those who ’ d died from AD . Holistic health experts advise avoiding products containing aluminum , such as antiperspirants and antacids . Another dangerous neurotoxin is mercury , commonly found in so-called “ silver filling ” dental amalgams . A study from Taiwan showed there to be a significant risk of AD for those with amalgam fillings . If you have amalgams , you ’ d be wise to schedule an appointment with a SMART-certified dentist .
Also of concern is the matter of aluminum and other toxins in drinking water . Nine out of 13 published epidemiological studies of aluminum in drinking water have shown statistically significant correlations to AD . Aluminum finds its way into city drinking water because aluminum-based coagulants are used in water treatment systems . Bottled water may not be immune unless it ’ s distilled or reverse osmosis processed . But there are also other toxic chemicals injected into U . S . city water systems that may increase the risk for AD . Until such time as U . S . water systems ban fluoride and other dangerous chemicals ( as have 97 % of all western European countries ), homes on city water should invest in a reverse osmosis system ( generally affordable at $ 100- $ 250 ).
Studies show that the endocannabinoid system plays a major role in the development of AD , as well as its prevention . As we ’ ve discussed in relation to other diseases previously , it ’ s likely there ’ s a direct correlation between the onset of the disease
“ Cannabinoid receptors are important in the pathology of AD and cannabinoids succeed in preventing the neurodegenerative process occurring in the disease .” and Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency . The obvious solution is to supplement with cannabis .
A 2005 study from Madrid concluded that , “ cannabinoid receptors are important in the pathology of AD and cannabinoids succeed in preventing the neurodegenerative process occurring in the disease .” 1 There are no published studies at this juncture to conclusively show if cannabis can reverse Alzheimer ’ s . However , a 2008 Italian study showed that endocannabinoids produce a response that might counteract both the inflammatory and neurochemical consequences of beta-amyloid-induced tau protein hyperactivity , which is thought to be the most important underlying cause of AD – the buildup in the brain of amyloid-beta plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles . Reference : 1 . Journal of Neuroscience 23 February 2005 , 25 ( 8 ) 1904- 1913 ; DOI : https :// doi . org / 10.1523 / JNEUROSCI . 4540-04.2005
Case studies have proven that cannabis is a neuroprotectant ( see this author ’ s November 2020 “ Cannabis Makes Your Brain Plasticky ” in The EVOLUTION Magazine ). It ’ s therefore not unreasonable to suppose it may have potential , in some cases , for preventing the onset of Alzheimer ’ s in those who may be predisposed to it .
Neuroinflammation is a significant factor in AD . It ’ s not known whether inflammation is a cause of AD or a result . Either way , cannabis is known to be beneficial by reducing inflammation , often
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