CBD is known to support those suffering from dementia and alzheimer’s disease.
Although CBD oil is most popular for treating pain, anxiety, and insomnia, it has the potential to help with a wide range of disorders.
One such cluster of conditions is dementia, which causes a decline in memory and thinking skills.
In Australia alone, 1 in 10 people over 65 and 3 in 10 over 85 have dementia. Most cases of dementia (70%) are caused by Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that progressively damages brain cells.
Studies suggest that CBD may help protect brain cells from Alzheimer’s disease.
Here’s a closer look at what the research says and our guide to using CBD for dementia or similar neuro-degenerative diseases.
CBD’s Benefits for Dementia and Alzheimers Disease
There’s growing research evidence that CBD oil can defend against Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and alleviate its symptoms.
To begin with, several studies have shown that CBD has neuro-protective properties, meaning that it protects brain cells from damage caused by Alzheimer’s and other neuro-degenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.
One particular study reported that CBD protected neurons against beta-amyloid plaques, which are critically involved in Alzheimer’s disease.
Meanwhile, a 2014 study found that CBD helped prevent cognitive decline in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.
Similarly, a 2017 study reported that CBD lowered brain inflammation and reversed or prevented the development of cognitive decline in mice with Alzheimer’s.
More recently, a pilot study of people with advanced dementia found that a cannabis oil extract containing a 2:1 ratio of CBD to THC significantly improved behaviour, daily care requirements, and reduced the use of prescription medication.
As a whole, the findings are promising and researchers are hopeful about the potential of CBD and other cannabinoids in the treatment of dementia. However, further research is needed.
How CBD Works
CBD can produce beneficial effects in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders by interacting with certain parts of the brain.
Most notably, CBD interacts with receptors for adenosine and serotonin, two key brain chemicals.
CBD also supports the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
This integral system helps maintain a state of balance in the body by regulating major processes, including those related to healthy brain function, such as inflammation, learning, memory, and sleep.
As a result of these interactions, CBD can reduce oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and other processes involved in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
CBD vs Prescription Medication
The growing popularity of CBD is part of an overall trend of people opting for safer, natural alternatives to prescription medications.
Drugs used for Alzheimer’s disease, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, are synthetic and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and other issues.
Besides, they only work to manage the symptoms of dementia rather than delaying its progression.
In comparison, CBD oil is a natural substance that’s considered generally safe and has only been reported to have minor side effects at very large doses.
How to Use CBD for Dementia and Alzheimers Disease
Since Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are chronic conditions, it’s best to take CBD regularly, two or three times a day.
Many people find that the effects of CBD build up over time.
While there are many types of CBD products available, CBD oil is the ideal choice for dementia thanks to its effective absorption and relatively long-lasting effects (4-6 hours).
In particular, it’s best to use a full-spectrum CBD tincture providing all of hemp’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds.
These compounds work together in synergy, producing greater benefits than CBD alone.
We also recommend using CBD oils backed by third-party lab tests.
Performed by an independent lab, these tests are the only way to confirm the oil you’re buying contains as much CBD as it should.
That’s why the full-spectrum CBD oil available here comes with third-party lab reports.
As for dosage, there isn’t enough research to say what amount of CBD is best for dementia.
There are many factors that can influence the ideal dosage, such as body weight, tolerance, the severity of symptoms, and the type of CBD you’re using.
The best approach is to start low and observe the effects.
If you don’t notice any changes, you can gradually increase the CBD dosage over time until you reach the amount that provides the desired effects.
