Together with THC, CBD is one of the main cannabinoids of the Cannabis Sativa plant. But, contrary to THC, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive properties. For this reason, this cannabis compound remains legal in most places.
Like THC, CBD has been the subject of many studies and research to try to determine its properties and benefits on the human system. And some of these studies are focused on the possible uses of CBD for Alzheimer’s and dementia. But how does CBD for Alzheimer’s and dementia work? Is it effective? We’ll try to answer these questions below.
What Are Alzheimer And Dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. In fact, more than 44 million people suffer from Alzheimer’s worldwide. Moreover, the term dementia is used to name any condition that prevents the brain from working correctly.
It’s important to note that although Alzheimer’s is one type of dementia, both conditions are not necessarily the same thing. Whilst Alzheimer’s symptoms tend to aggravate over time, this is not always true in dementia. However, there are similarities between the two:
- Both conditions are degenerative diseases
- They are irreversible
On the other hand, the main difference between Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia is that, unlike dementia, Alzheimer’s disease typically results in death.
Alzheimer’s And Dementia: Symptoms and Causes
Most people experience situations of memory loss or concentration problems. But this doesn’t mean that they suffer from any brain condition. In fact, these situations are a normal part of the aging process. But people who suffer from Alzheimer’s or any other type of dementia will suffer from these problems more frequently. So, it is important to know the typical signs of Alzheimer’s to determine when it is necessary to consult with a doctor.
Since Alzheimer is the most common type of dementia, let’s see the most common symptoms:
- Change of personality
- Low energy
- Difficulty to move or walk
- Memory loss
- Mood changes
- Difficulty to communicate
- Attention and orientation problems
- Difficulty to solve simple arithmetic problems
If the above situations repeat over time or interfere with daily tasks, it is recommended to visit a doctor.
The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not clear. However, it is believed that a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors can affect brain function and provoke this condition. Additionally, researchers have found that some brain proteins stop working properly, and this will affect the neuronal function.
CBD for Alzheimer’s And Dementia
CBD holds many properties and has little to no side effects. Additionally, it doesn’t have any psychoactive properties, which makes it a good option to alleviate the symptoms of many conditions. But how does CBD for Alzheimer’s and dementia work? Can it be an effective way to combat its symptoms?
CBD has shown neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. According to early research, CBD has shown the ability to reverse and reduce the development of cognitive deficits in rodents with Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, CBD has effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the central nervous system. So, it can help eliminate or counteract the action of toxic molecules that affect it.
On the other hand, CBD can help reduce stress and anxiety caused by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Additionally, research has shown that CBD can help reduce the decline of memory and other brain functions.
Although more research is needed regarding this subject, CBD shows promising results when dealing with these types of conditions.
How to Take CBD?
The market offers different types of CBD products. But, probably, the most popular is CBD oil. If you plan to buy CBD oil, make sure that it doesn’t contain THC. Typically, CBD oil comes in small bottles with a dropper to help administer the dose.
To take CBD oil, you’ll simply need to place a few drops under your tongue and let it dissolve there.
Finally, remember that if you suspect that you or your loved ones may suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of dementia, you should consult with your doctor asap. On the other hand, if your plan to use CBD for any purpose, you should ask your doctor first, especially if you are taking any medications, to prevent any interactions.
