Studies on the use of cannabis cannabinoids, including CBD, in people with Alzheimer's disease show that they can slow the progression of the disease, improve cognitive abilities, and improve the well-being of patients.

Alzheimer's disease – what is it?

Alzheimer's disease is a dementing disease classified as a neurodegenerative brain disorder. According to WHO data, 55 million people worldwide will suffer from dementia in 2023. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in people over 65 years of age (60-70% cases of dementia).

Alzheimer's disease remains a progressive and incurable disease. It involves the deposition of proteins (beta-amyloid peptides) in the brain, which disrupt the functioning of the central nervous system. The presence of these proteins leads to the formation of blockages that prevent communication between neurons and the transfer of nutrients, resulting in the degradation of nerve cells.

Alzheimer's disease and memory

Memories are stored thanks to the brain's nerve cells, which transmit and process information using electrical and chemical signals. Scientists believe that the temporal lobes are responsible for storing memories in the brain.

This is where the process of neuronal degradation begins in Alzheimer's disease. This process can take years before the first symptoms appear. Alzheimer's disease changes spread throughout the brain in a pattern, allowing doctors to determine the disease's progression.

Causes of Alzheimer's disease

There is currently no clear explanation for why some people develop Alzheimer's disease. Scientists assume that genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors (lifestyle, diet, and substance abuse) are responsible for the disease.

Alzheimer's disease is hereditary in approximately 10-151 cases. In patients with a family history of dementia, symptoms may begin to develop earlier (30-40 years of age).

Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

People who develop the disease first notice memory loss. It's not just forgetfulness—that happens to everyone—but persistent, ever-deepening memory problems that take over more and more of their lives. Over time, they prevent sufferers from living and functioning independently.

Early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include difficulty recalling fresh memories (recent conversations, recent events). Initially, people with the disease are aware of these memories and even try to hide them from those around them, who realize when the problems become more serious.

In Alzheimer's disease, changes occur in the brain that lead to problems with:

- memory: repeating the same sentences/questions many times, forgetting recent events in which the person was involved, moving objects and leaving them in unexpected places, getting lost in familiar surroundings;

thinking and drawing conclusions: problems with concentration and abstract thinking, problems with putting thoughts into words, expressing needs, conducting a conversation;

planning and carrying out activities: as the disease progresses, routine, everyday activities take up more and more time for people with the disease, until they are finally unable to plan the sequence of activities needed to achieve a certain effect;

assessing the situation and making decisions: social difficulties, behaviour that deviates from the social norm, behaviour that is inappropriate to the situation, e.g. difficulty in choosing clothes for the weather;

controlling emotions: Brain damage affects the mood of the affected people, changes their personality, and may result in depression, uncontrolled fits of anger and aggression, apathy, irritability, and delusions.

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease

There is currently no treatment that can reverse the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. However, there are medications and therapeutic methods that can slow the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms.

Alzheimer's patients are recommended medications that stimulate the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for learning and memory. Another group of medications regulates the levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter responsible for learning. Pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease is handled by a neurologist.

Patients with dementia are also recommended to undergo psychotherapy, which can support cognitive abilities and improve the quality of life of those suffering from it.

CBD as a support for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Hemp cannabinoids, including CBD, can support the treatment of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease on several levels:

Research indicates that CBD has therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease. Cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory properties, including those affecting the nervous system.
CBD has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and increase brain cell viability. Studies in mice have shown that CBD can enhance the brain's ability to regenerate.
Studies conducted in mice show that CBD can improve cognitive function in the early stages of the disease by regulating the activity of proteins in the brain and limiting the formation of blockages. Further research in this area is planned.
CBD may have an anti-anxiety effect, regulate patients' mood, facilitate falling asleep, and reduce the level of agitation and anxiety.

Scientists agree that further research is needed into the use of cannabis cannabinoids in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, as they show therapeutic potential.