How to use CBD if you have Alzheimer's disease or dementia?

• CBD and Alzheimer’s – study results
• The combination of CBD and THC and its effect on Alzheimer’s disease
• The effect of CBD on gene expression in stem cells
• CBD as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
• Recommended CBD dosage regimen for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease
• Daily dosage of CBD for Alzheimer’s disease
• Vaporisation for acute attacks

CBD and Alzheimer’s – study results

A 2004 study demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of CBD in relation to Alzheimer’s disease (AD).  “Alzheimer’s disease is associated with oxidative stress, partly due to the membrane action of beta-amyloid peptide aggregates … Our results indicate that cannabidiol exhibits a combination of neuroprotective, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects that counteract beta-amyloid peptide toxicity.

In other words “CBD helps prevent the onset of AD by limiting the effects of beta-amyloid peptide toxicity, the main cause of the disease.”

More information about this study can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15030397

A 2012 study aimed to evaluate the potential of the endocannabinoid system in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. “Based on the complex pathology of ACH, a preventive multimodal approach focused on treating a combination of pathological symptoms seems ideal. Importantly, cannabinoids exhibit anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antioxidant properties and have immunosuppressive effects.

The cannabinoid system should therefore be a primary target for the treatment of ACH. In addition, the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol is particularly interesting because it lacks the psychoactive and cognitively negative properties of other cannabinoids. “

More information about this study can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22448595

The above-mentioned study also found that long-term treatment with CBD prevents the deterioration of social memory, thanks to an experiment with genetically modified mice with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Control and genetically modified mice with ACH were treated orally from 2.5 months of age with CBD (20 mg/kg) daily for 8 months.  This study is the first to demonstrate that CBD can prevent the deterioration of social cognition in genetically modified mice with ACH. Our findings provide the first evidence that CBD may have potential in the preventive treatment of ACH, particularly in the areas of social isolation and facial recognition.

More information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25024347

The combination of CBD and THC and its effect on Alzheimer’s disease

A 2017 study examined the evidence for the therapeutic properties of CBD in Alzheimer’s disease. The study “demonstrates the ability of CBD to reduce reactive gliosis and neuroinflammatory response, as well as to promote neurogenesis.

Importantly, CBD also prevents the development of cognitive deficits, as seen in rodent models. Interestingly, combined treatment with CBD and THC, the two main active ingredients in cannabis, shows that CBD can antagonise the psychoactive effects associated with THC, which may ultimately mediate greater treatment benefits than when the substances are used alone.

The studies provide “principle evidence” that CBD, and possibly a combination of CBD and THC, are valid candidates for new treatments for ACH. Further investigation should address the long-term potential of CBD and evaluate the mechanisms involved in the described therapeutic effects.

More information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5289988/

The effect of CBD on gene expression in stem cells

Another study from 2017 evaluated the effect of CBD on the expression of genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease in stem cells. “Preliminary treatment with CBD in GMSCs (mesenchymal stem cells derived from gingival cells) altered the transcriptional profile of these cells by attenuating the expression of genes associated with the etiopathogenesis of ACH. This preliminary study demonstrated that GMSCs pre-treated with CBD have better therapeutic potential compared to CTR-GMSCs, and we believe that their transplantation in the early stages of ACH may play an important role in preventing or alleviating the disease.”

More information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5297661/

CBD as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease

A 2018 study then demonstrates for the first time that cannabidiol (CBD) acts to protect synaptic plasticity in an in vitro model of Alzheimer’s disease. Our data suggest that this important component of cannabis sativa, which lacks psychoactivity, may have significant potential for the treatment of ACH.

More information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29574668

As the above studies show, CBD has neuroprotective properties that are effective in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Recommended CBD dosage regimen for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease

When creating a CBD regimen for a specific disease such as Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to note that CBD should be used regularly. This also means that it should first be used for prevention. It can also be used to manage acute symptoms, but prevention is the most important! Think of it as any other medicine or dietary supplement for which you want to build up a basic concentration in your body.

Daily dosage of CBD for Alzheimer’s disease

To manage symptoms associated with ACH and dementia, we recommend taking full-spectrum CBD oil daily in the form of tinctures or gel capsules. The ingredients are the same in both products, the only difference being the form and dosage. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, we recommend starting with 15 mg of CBD per day. If you do not feel relief at this dose, we recommend increasing the dose by 5-10 mg. You will notice that the gel capsules are pre-filled and contain either 15 or 25 milligrams each.

However, starting treatment above 15 mg will not cause any harm, as CBD cannot be overdosed and there are no significant side effects. These edible products usually provide relief from symptoms for several hours, but many people feel relief for up to a day. The only thing to keep in mind with edible CBD products is the delayed onset of effects – it can take up to 90 minutes for the full effects of tinctures or capsules to kick in.

Vaporisation for acute attacks

Beyond daily use for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, as described above, many people find that they still need a way to manage acute attacks. Regardless of the specific triggers, we recommend vaporisation to combat these attacks. The advantage of this method of using CBD is that relief can be felt almost immediately. We recommend using either 99% CBD isolate or pre-made CBD-infused cartridges, as they provide a wave of relief that can be felt throughout the body.

CBD can also be used in the form of tinctures and pills to combat these acute symptoms, but keep in mind that the onset of the effect will take longer than with the method described above.

Author: Elena Moreau

PHOTO: AI

“All information provided on this website, as well as information provided through this website, is for educational purposes only. None of the information provided herein is intended to replace medical diagnosis, and such information should not be considered medical advice or recommended treatment. This website does not endorse, approve or advocate the legal or illegal use of narcotic or psychotropic substances or the commission of any other illegal activity. For more information, please see our Disclaimer.”