The University of Kentucky in the United States is conducting a clinical trial that may pave the way for the treatment of patients in advanced stages of dementia and Alzheimer's. The research evaluates the effects of using medicinal cannabis, especially the cannabinoids THC and CBD, to reduce agitation and bring more comfort to patients.

Six months after the start of the study, the initial results are already considered encouraging. According to neurologist Greg Jicha, professor and lead researcher, the level of comfort observed in patients and the reduced need for other medications, which often cause harmful side effects, are truly surprising.
 

Despite the progress, the project still faces a crucial challenge: the lack of volunteers. With the legalization of medicinal cannabis set to take effect in Kentucky in January 2025, researchers hope that more families will feel encouraged to participate.

More comfort, less suffering

According to Dr. Jicha, the goal is not to reverse the disease or prevent its progression, but to offer quality of life. He emphasizes that, regardless of curing or not, the role of the physician is always to provide comfort.

Preliminary results indicate that cannabis may reduce the dependence on traditional medications, often associated with intense side effects, and promote a state of greater tranquility for patients, something that also directly impacts family members and caregivers.

Regulatory challenges and hope for the future

An important point raised by the researchers is that, although Kentucky has approved medicinal cannabis, Alzheimer's and dementia are not included in the official list of conditions covered by the new law. The physician's team hopes that the data obtained in the study will help change this scenario. The researcher also made a public appeal, highlighting the need for dozens, or even hundreds of people, to engage in addressing the problem and helping to transform this reality.

Even though a cure for Alzheimer's is distant, science points to new care possibilities. Dr. Jicha summarizes this vision by stating that, while one day medicine may be able to cure Alzheimer's, at the moment the focus should be on slowing down the disease in its early stages and providing peace and comfort as it progresses.

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