Medicinal Cannabis Shows Efficacy for Alzheimer's Palliative Care
According to research conducted by the University of South Florida, small doses of THC decrease the concentration of beta-amyloid protein in the brain. The accumulation of this protein is one of the causes of the disease.
Published on 09/23/2019
World Alzheimer's Day, observed on September 21, is an international campaign created to raise awareness about Alzheimer's and what can be done to help those living with this disease.
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to progressive dementia, reduces cognitive functions, and interferes with the patient's behavior and personality, diminishing work and social relationship capabilities. The first symptom is recent memory loss. As the condition progresses, Alzheimer's affects the ability to learn, focus, orient, understand, and communicate, making the patient increasingly dependent on the help of others, even for basic daily activities.
According to the Brazilian Alzheimer's Association (Abraz), it is estimated that there are around 35.6 million people with Alzheimer's disease worldwide. In Brazil, there are approximately 1.2 million cases, with most still undiagnosed.
Although it is an incurable disease, it is possible to reduce the patient's and their families' suffering, improving the quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer's. Palliative treatment with medicinal cannabis, for example, has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing stress and aggression levels in patients. According to research conducted by the University of South Florida, small doses of THC decrease the concentration of beta-amyloid protein in the brain. The accumulation of this protein is one of the causes of the disease.
"We have been following the treatment of many elderly individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease and have witnessed the evolution of treatment with cannabinoid therapy. Medicinal cannabis helps regulate sleep, reduce stress and aggression. In addition to controlling the progression of the disease without side effects, providing a better quality of life for patients and families," comments Camila Teixeira, CEO of Indeov, a company that represents two of the leading cannabis companies in the world, Charlotte's Web and Elixinol.
