Medical Marijuana and Alzheimer's What Is Alzheimer's? Alzheimer’s is classified as a form of dementia, which relates to memory and cognitive loss that interferes with daily life. To put it simply, Alzheimer's disease damages and kills brain cells leading to fewer connections than a healthy brain has. It was originally thought to be a strictly genetic condition, but according to The Mayo Clinic, less than 5% of cases can be linked directly to genetic variables. While the exact cause is still unknown, scientists believe that genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors affect the brain over time, eventually leading to a loss of function. It is estimated that Alzheimer's accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases1. This disease affects 36 million people worldwide2, according to the National Institutes of Health. While Alzheimer's is linked to old age, it is estimated that 200,000 Americans below the age of 65 have an early onset version of the disease3. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that worsens over time with survival ranging from 4 to 20 years. Every Alzheimer's case is slightly different, but there are a few common symptoms: ● Memory problems such as repeating statements or questions and forgetting conversations, appointments, etc. ● Recognition problems such as not recognizing friends or family and getting lost in familiar places. ● Difficulty with speech and finding the right words to describe objects, feelings, places, etc. As the disease develops, other symptoms can become apparent such as ● Changes in personality and behaviour (depression, withdrawal, mood swings sometimes violent ones, irritability, delusions, etc). ● Disorientation such as not knowing where you are.
Current Treatments for Alzheimer's Alzheimer's is currently managed by a variety of different prescription medication options. Some of these work to improve the ability of nerves to transmit messages or block the reabsorption of too much glutamate (a chemical that sends signals between nerves). However, the lifespan of these medications is two to three years, maybe longer. According to the Alzheimer Society of
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https://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp https://www.nih.gov/research-training/accelerating-medicines-partnership-amp/alzheimers-disease 3 https://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp 2
Canada, this is due to the fact that nerve endings degenerate past the point where medications can be effective. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, prevention is the most powerful fighter that we have against this incredibly debilitating disease.
How Cannabis Can Help Since prescription medications can only do so much for managing or delaying onset of Alzheimer’s, scientists are looking further into ways to help prevent this disease. One of which are the cannabinoid components (THC and CBD) found in marijuana. So how do these components work to help prevent or alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer's?
Reduce Inflammation A 2009 study4 found a correlation in Alzheimer’s patients and failure of or alterations to the endocannabinoid system. The belief is that either the endocannabinoid in an Alzheimer’s patient does not work properly, resulting in the disease; or that the disease itself destroys this system. Scientists are now linking chronic inflammation to this kind of deterioration due to the continued stress placed on the cells within the brain. While living a healthy lifestyle can reduce dangerous, chronic inflammation and damage to healthy cells, THC and CBD are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This has been proven in many studies, including a 2009 study5 that uncovered how cannabinoids control the immune system, thereby suppressing inflammatory responses. This gives them an edge on reducing damage to this system. This is especially important to manage the development of Alzheimer’s as well as similar diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
Act as an Antioxidant Inflammation can be linked with dangerous levels of oxidative stress. Without getting too technical, this refers to an imbalance in the body's ability to detoxify or repair damage from the improper breakdown of oxygen. Chronic inflammation result in a lower antioxidant capacity, reducing the cell's ability to manage byproducts of oxygen. As chronic inflammation stresses the cells, it also results in an increase of free radicals in the body. These eventually cause the synapses and neurons in the brain to break down. However, several studies have shown that cannabinoids act similarly to antioxidants. This means that they deactivate free radicals in the body, thereby mitigating their effects as well as reducing oxidative stress. In turn, this protects precious neurological cells from damage.
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http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/sj.bjp.0707446/full https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/
Reduce Beta-Amyloid Proteins Several studies, including one published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease6 and one from the Salk Institute7, support the effectiveness of THC against beta-amyloid proteins. These proteins are a trademark indicator of Alzheimer’s Disease. Beta-amyloid proteins are believed to cause the degenerative qualities of this disease due to creating a buildup of plaque and cellular inflammation in the cell8. A 2016 study9 found that THC reduced the levels of this protein and even stopped the nerve cells inflammatory response caused by Beta-amyloid, thus allowing the nerve cells to survive. Additionally,, a 2011 study exposed the fact that alongside the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, cannabinoids were also able to induce neurogenesis in the hippocampus10. Beyond reducing production of this dangerous protein, cannabis can also assist with other brain functions and is a great preventative measure.
Best Strains To Fight Alzheimer's While CBD is often praised for its medicinal qualities, the best strains for Alzheimer’s are actually high THC-low CBD. This is due to THC's ability to reduce beta-amyloid clumps from nerve cells11. While CBD can work in conjunction with THC, research is still in progress on the effects of CBD in individuals suffering from Alzheimer's. However, research has shown that the following strains are ideal to treat Alzheimer’s: ● Green Crack is predominantly popular for recreational use, but its origins are linked to reducing inflammation in medical users. With a THC content of 15-25% and low CBD, Alzheimer's patients will love the benefits. On the lower end, it is perfect for medical marijuana beginners but can also come in a more potent form. Plus, it brings an energizing and happy high perfect for the daytime. ● Skunk No. 1 is praised by medical patients of all ages and delivers a 50:50 body:mind high. This strain is ideal for fighting disease-related mood disorders and fatigue thanks to its ability to simultaneously improve outlook and generate calm. With THC of 15-19%, it is suitable for less-experienced users. ● Bio Jesus is a hybrid well-known for it's potency and pain relief. Featuring 15-18% THC and CBD levels below 0.01%, this strain is perfect for battling the effects of Alzheimer's. ● Bubba OG originated in Canada and has low CBD levels of 0.4% with potent THC reaching 22-25%. Due to the high THC levels, it is recommended for more experienced users. 6
https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad140093 https://www.salk.edu/news-release/cannabinoids-remove-plaque-forming-alzheimers-proteins-frombrain-cells/ 8 https://www.greenrushdaily.com/cannabis-can-remove-alzheimers-plaque-brain-cells/ 9 https://www.nature.com/articles/npjamd201612 10 http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0028668 11 https://www.nature.com/articles/npjamd201612 7
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LSD has THC content up to 24% and is recommended for patients who have experience with cannabis. Not only can patients benefit from the heavy-hitting THC properties, but it comes with a powerful euphoria to help with mood disorders common to Alzheimer's.
Instead of paying hundreds for prescriptions that will eventually stop working, Alzheimer's patients are turning to medical marijuana as an option to help manage their disease. We understand that it is not always easy to access a medical marijuana dispensary, especially for older individuals who have trouble getting downtown. Fortunately, using a mail-order marijuana service is easier than getting groceries and many of these disease-fighting strains can be found in an online cannabis dispensary. Fair Canna Care is just one of these services. Comprised of a group of compassionate growers, we believe that every Canadian should have access to high-quality affordable medical marijuana. Check out the shop at Fair Canna Care and read our frequently asked questions for more information on how to buy cannabis online!