CBD Reduces Plaque, Improves Cognitive Function in Model of Familial Alzheimer's

There is a dire need for novel therapies to improve outcomes for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, which is considered one of the fastest-growing health threats of our time.

In a promising new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, investigators reported that a two-week course of high dose CBD helped reduce plaque and improve cognitive function in an experimental model of early onset familial AD.

Familial disease is an inherited version of Alzheimer’s in which symptoms typically surface in the 30s and 40s and occurs in about 10-15% of patients.

Next steps include determining optimal doses and giving CBD earlier in the disease process. They also are exploring delivery systems including the use of an inhaler that should help deliver the CBD more directly to the brain.

See article below for more information. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210309192548.htm Citation for journal article, available here https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33612548/

The #CoverCannabis Project: A Look Into Long-Term Care

According to a recent report from the Ontario Long Term Care Association, approximately 64% of residents living in long term care have been diagnosed with dementia and 90% have some form of cognitive impairment.

This is one of the first areas that the Government should consider covering.

Not only have we seen that cannabinoid medicines have a strong treatment success rate, they have a safer side-effect profile compared to other traditionally used medications and are multi-modal, meaning we can often treat more than one symptom at a time and reduce other meds. This is super important amongst the elderly, as polypharmacy (taking multiple medications) is the number one cause of hospitalizations due to adverse drug reactions amongst seniors.

So, not only can we improve quality of life and decrease side-effects through cannabinoid therapy, we can often reduce other medications, which has an inherent cost savings. Who else sees this as a win-win?

September marks World Alzheimer's Month

September marks World Alzheimer’s Month and this year, the Alzheimer’s community is facing more significant challenges than ever.

Nearly 750,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Due to the significant and prolonged changes brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic, many patients are experiencing increases in symptoms including increased agitation, depression, insomnia and aggressive, and sometimes violent, behaviours.

Current pharmaceutical therapies, including antipsychotic medications, may provide some reduction in behavioural symptoms but carry an increased risk of severe side-effects including stroke and death. As a result, many families are proactively asking for safer alternatives.

There is a growing body of evidence for the use of cannabinoid-based medicines in the treatment of dementia-related symptoms and clinically, we’ve been seeing some outstanding outcomes since beginning therapy. I hope you’ll have a quick watch of this video to learn more.