Like always, we'll start with the bad news first which is Alzheimer's Disease - the leading cause of Dementia. It's a wicked disease that causes brain cells to wither and die. As a result, patients experience a continuous decline in their thinking, memory, emotional control and social skills, ultimately leaving the patient's ability to function independently no longer an option. It is a heartbreaker all around for the patients, caregivers, family and friends.
- Over 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer's or another form of Dementia
- 124,000 Canadians were diagnosed with Dementia in 2020
- 61.8% of patients living with Dementia are women
- 955,900 Canadians are projected to be living with Dementia by 2030
- Worldwide, at least 44 million people are living with full on Dementia which is more than the entire population of Canada
The good news is once again, Cannabis!
We already knew that centuries ago cannabis was used to treat mental health, including Dementia. In the 1890's Queen Victoria's physician published findings on using cannabinoids to treat dementia patients (and menstrual cramps) with great results, particularly around "sundowning". His name was Sir John Russell Reynolds, MD.
You may first think, how on earth could cannabis possibly help someone with Alzheimer's or Dementia?! It may surprise you to learn that there are terpenes found in cannabis that can, and do, specifically help patients with the anxiety, pain, weight loss, paranoia and insomnia that come along with AD. A cure does not yet exist but by using the natural medicines we have available to us, it seems the symptoms can be managed.
In fact, there was a study published in 2016 by the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease where nursing home patients with AD were given THC oil (in addition to their regular medications) and all reported improvements in irritability, agitation, sleep and caregiver distress after treatment.
Sativa dominant strains have been found most effective for AD and Dementia patients as the terpenes found in these strains have a direct effect on their symptoms. Strains with high levels of linalool, myrcene and THC have shown the best results.
Linalool promotes relaxation and has been helpful in treating lung damage caused by tobacco as well as effectively supporting reduction in opioid abuse. A study published in the journal Neuropharmacology in 2016, found that linalool can reverse the hallmarks of AD and restore cognitive and emotional functions. Aside from cannabis, linalool can be found in over 200 plants including lavender, roses, basil, mint, citrus and birch trees.
Myrcene (found in both Sativa and Indica strains) enables the cannabinoids to transfer from the blood to the brain more quickly and has sedative effects along with anti-inflammatory properties. It also aids in the growth of protective mucous lining in the GI tract and inhibits tumour growth. Research shows that as it relates to AD, myrcene slows damage and disease progression. Myrcene has a scent similar to sweet cloves with tones of earthy balsam. It's also found in mangos and hops which is what helps give beer it's peppery flavour notes.
THC has proven to help slow disease progression and significantly decrease pain and agitation. Not only that, THC and other compounds found in cannabis, work in harmony to promote the removal of toxic plaque proteins found inside the neurons of brains in Alzheimer's patients.
One should always consult with their physician before changing or adding new medications to their regular healthcare regime.
To learn more about Alzheimer's and Dementia please visit the Alzheimer Society.
To learn more about how you can support patients with AD and their families, please visit the Alzheimer's Association.
