September 21st is World Alzheimer's Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the disease and promoting research into potential treatments. This year, we would like to shine a spotlight on CBD oil as a possible treatment for Alzheimer's Disease. Recent studies have shown that CBD may help protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer's and could even slow down the progression of the disease.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is a degenerative brain disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and eventually, death. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases. Alzheimer's is incurable, and treatments are only effective at managing symptoms. There is no known cause of Alzheimer's, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease symptoms can be divided into three categories: early onset, mild, and severe.
Early onset symptoms
- Memory loss
- Difficulty planning or solving problems
- Confusion about time or place
Mild symptoms
- More significant memory loss
- Trouble completing familiar tasks
- Disorientation
- Mood changes
- Withdrawal from social activities
Severe symptoms
- Severe memory loss
- Complete disorientation
- Difficulty speaking and writing
- Mood swings
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
The progression of symptoms can be very gradual or happen much more quickly, depending on the individual. No matter the speed of progression, Alzheimer's Disease eventually leads to a complete loss of cognitive function and the ability to care for oneself.
Management for Alzheimer's Disease
As there is no cure for Alzheimer's, treatments are focused on easing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Management options include:
-Medications: A few different types of medications can be prescribed to help with Alzheimer's symptoms. These include cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, and antidepressants.
-Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy and other types of counseling can help Alzheimer's patients deal with the psychological effects of the disease, such as depression and anxiety.
-Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can help improve both cognitive function and overall quality of life.
CBD for Alzheimer's Disease
Recent studies have shown that CBD may help protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer's and could even slow down the progression of the disease. CBD is thought to work by reducing inflammation in the brain, which is a major contributing factor to Alzheimer's. It can also promote neurogenesis, the growth of new nerve cells.
CBD is a safe and effective treatment option for Alzheimer's Disease, with few side effects. If you or a loved one is living with Alzheimer's, CBD oil may be worth considering as a treatment option.
CBD and Memory
One of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer's is memory loss. CBD has been shown to improve memory in animal studies. One study found that CBD could help rats with memory impairment caused by THC. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.
While more research needs to be done on humans, the results of this study suggest that CBD may be able to help improve memory in people with Alzheimer's disease.
CBD and Anxiety
Anxiety is another common symptom of Alzheimer's disease. CBD has long been known for its anti-anxiety effects. A study on people with social anxiety disorder found that CBD was able to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. The results of this study suggest that CBD may also be able to help reduce anxiety in people with Alzheimer's disease.
CBD and Inflammation
Inflammation is thought to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. CBD has potent anti-inflammatory effects and has been shown to reduce inflammation in animal studies.
A study on mice found that CBD was able to prevent the development of inflammatory bowel disease. The results of this study suggest that CBD may also help reduce inflammation in people with Alzheimer's and possibly prevent the disease from progressing.
My Story
Watching a loved one slowly lose their memories and sense of self is one of the most challenging experiences a family can go through. That process began for my family when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. As the disease progressed, we found ourselves grieving for the woman she once was, even as she was still alive.
My grandmother had always been very resourceful. She kept all her grandchildren in her home whenever we needed a place to stay. She fed us when we were hungry and nursed us back to health when we were sick. She loved to decorate her home, constantly switching out the drapes or hanging new wallpaper. And she knew how to cook these elaborate meals for the holidays and throw a family gathering or wedding better than anyone else.
It was hard to see this strong woman I grew up with become someone new because of dementia. It seemed like overnight. She changed from the grandma I knew into someone completely different.
Caring for her became a full-time job for many family members, taking an emotional and physical toll. Ultimately, we made the difficult decision to place her in a nursing home and add hospice care.
In those final years, I made a conscious decision to love the woman she had become rather than mourn the loss of the grandmother I once knew. Looking back, I wish I had known about CBD oil and its potential benefits for Alzheimer's patients. It might have made those last years just a little bit easier for us.
New Season Wellness Supports Alzheimer's Patients and Their Families
At New Season Wellness, we know how challenging it can be to care for a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease. We offer CBD oil as a natural alternative to help support patients and their families.
Our CBD oil is third-lab tested, and quality assured, so you can be confident you're getting a product that meets the highest standards. We offer a variety of formulations, potencies, and sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
Sources:
Potential and Limits of Cannabinoids in Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy - NCBI
Caring for behavioral symptoms of dementia (CBD): A new investigation into cannabidiol for the treatment of anxiety and agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia - Alzheimer’s Association