Parkinson Patients Turn to Natural Products, Such as Cannabis and Coffee, for Symptom Relief
More than a third of Parkinson's patients are using natural remedies, such as cannabis, coffee, and saffron, to manage their symptoms, according to a study published in the Journal of Parkinson’s. The research also revealed that many of these patients do not discuss the use of natural products with their doctors.
Parkinson's disease, which affects over 8.5 million people worldwide, is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease globally. Although incurable, its symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, sleep problems, and mental health issues can impact patients' quality of life. More than a third of Parkinson's patients are using natural remedies, such as cannabis, coffee, and saffron, to manage their symptoms, according to a study published in the Journal of Parkinson’s. The research also revealed that many of these patients do not discuss the use of natural products with their doctors.
Use of Natural Products by Parkinson's Patients
The study was conducted by researchers from Laval University in Canada and interviewed 367 patients from the Netherlands. Among the participants, 36% reported using natural products to alleviate symptoms, with coffee being the most used (16%), followed by cannabis (13%) and turmeric (10%). Other popular supplements included velvet bean and chamomile.
The research also highlighted that 71% of the respondents expressed interest in learning more about these products. However, only 39% were aware that the use of natural remedies could interact with conventional Parkinson's medications, and 61% did not discuss the use with their healthcare professionals.
Potential for Personalized Therapies
The study authors emphasize patients' interest in natural therapies as an indication of their desire to become active in managing their own health. "This offers an opportunity to develop personalized treatments and promote patient engagement in healthcare decision-making," they stated. However, they caution that the use of therapies without proven efficacy may delay the adoption of evidence-based treatments.
Medicinal Cannabis and Parkinson's
The use of medicinal cannabis is widely reported among Parkinson's patients. In countries like the UK, clinics prescribe the substance to help control the disease's symptoms. Studies conducted in countries such as Norway and the United States indicate that between 11% and 25% of Parkinson's patients have used cannabis.
On the other hand, organizations like Parkinson's UK and Parkinson's Europe urge caution due to the lack of solid evidence on the efficacy and safety of cannabis in treating the disease. Amelia Hursey, research manager at Parkinson's Europe, pointed out that "it is rare to obtain natural products with sufficient concentrations to have a significant therapeutic effect."
Nevertheless, preliminary clinical trials suggest that medicinal cannabis may be promising in relieving symptoms such as tremors, pain, and sleep problems. Parkinson's UK is currently conducting a study to investigate whether CBD, one of the components of cannabis, can help in treating hallucinations and delusions.
With information from Sarah Sinclair - CannabisHealth