Brazilian researchers show that microdoses of cannabinoids can reverse memory loss caused by Alzheimer's
Even though the tests were conducted on only one patient, the study showed that a THC-rich cannabis extract can reverse much of the damage caused by the disease
Published on 07/22/2022
By João R. Negromonte
The study published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports, is an unprecedented case where Brazilian researchers from the Federal University of Latin American Integration (UNILA) treated a patient with a THC-rich cannabis extract, the plant's active ingredient, for 22 months, demonstrating its effectiveness in controlling the memory damage caused by Alzheimer's.
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The patient, a farmer named Carlos (79), was diagnosed with the disease 3 years ago and, upon experiencing memory loss, cognition, and movement issues, sought out the researchers who immediately started treatment with cannabis derivatives.
Today, after seven years since his diagnosis and four years of treatment with the cannabis extract, Mr. Carlos leads a normal life, meaning the compounds present in the plant kept him stable and increased his cognitive and memory capacity throughout the study, as shown in the graph below:
It is also possible to observe that the 500mg compositions of the cannabis extract for a longer period of time were more effective during the dosage tests.
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“It is important to note that currently there are only 4 medications available for Alzheimer's treatment and all of them are quite limited in their effectiveness; moreover, they cannot slow down the progression of the disease as cannabis was able to do in this patient,” reveals the research coordinator, Prof. Francisney Pinto Nascimento.
The researcher also emphasizes that this first study is a precursor to two upcoming clinical studies.
“Our group has already conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 6-month clinical trial in partnership with Abrace. We are in the phase of statistical and biochemical evaluations to finish this additional research, in which we treated and evaluated 28 patients. Additionally, we are also finalizing an open-label study with the same 28 individuals, who received two different doses of cannabinoids. By the end of this year, we will conclude 2 years of the open-label study,” the professor concludes.
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