As we age, we unfortunately become more susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. This condition particularly affects people aged 65 and over.
Still poorly understood by the medical community, Alzheimer’s disease currently has no effective treatment. However, there are some solutions to delay the onset of certain symptoms.
Is CBD, or cannabidiol, one of them? Can it help prevent the disease? We answer all your questions in this article. What is Alzheimer’s disease?Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that affects approximately 200,000 new people each year in France. This disease manifests as various cognitive impairments such as memory loss (dementia, etc.), language difficulties, and mood disorders. After numerous studies and scientific research, we now know that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by two types of lesions in the brain’s neuronal connections:
Senile plaques: a dysfunction of the amyloid precursor protein, which is notably responsible for memory.
Neurofibrillary tangles: an abnormality of the TAU protein, causing signal loss and ultimately the death of essential neurons.
We also know that these lesions occur several years before the onset of the first symptoms of the disease. Once a diagnosis has been made by a doctor, the patient’s health progresses through several stages. Gradually, the person with the disease loses their independence and experiences a decline in their mental and physical abilities. While incurable, Alzheimer’s disease is often managed with the regular use of medications to slow down or partially stabilize the inevitable progression of the disease. Research continues, and many products are being studied worldwide.
- What should you know about CBD?
- CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid found in hemp, a plant also known by its Latin name: Cannabis Sativa. However, CBD should not be confused with THC.
Although both are found in hemp, these two molecules have different properties. In France, the consumption of products with a high THC content is completely illegal, as they are classified as psychotropic substances.
CBD, on the other hand, is perfectly legal as long as its THC content is very low (0.2% maximum in France).
According to several studies, CBD can help combat stress, anxiety, and physical pain. This cannabinoid is most often used in oil form, but it can also be purchased as flowers, e-liquids, and more. When using the oil, simply place a few drops under the tongue and let it sit for a minute. It should quickly help relax the body and mind. These benefits might lead us to wonder if CBD is effective in other areas, such as Alzheimer’s.
Can CBD prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease?
As a reminder, there is currently no treatment that can prevent or cure Alzheimer’s disease. CBD (cannabidiol) is no exception to this reality. However, it could potentially reduce some of the symptoms experienced. Among them, we can mention:
Improved sleep: as with other users, patients with Alzheimer’s disease could benefit from falling asleep more quickly and from better sleep quality, particularly because it acts on stress and anxiety.
Reduced behavioral problems: Some scientific studies suggest that CBD may help reduce certain behavioral issues caused by the disease, such as aggression and agitation.
Less chronic pain: CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which could alleviate musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain.
Although cannabidiol cannot prevent or cure the disease, it could still improve the patient’s quality of life. By acting directly on certain symptoms, the patient would feel better overall.
- Which form of CBD is most effective for Alzheimer’s patients?
- For patients, it is recommended to consume CBD in two forms: oil and infusion. In the first case, patients and their caregivers can opt for a bottle of CBD oil with a concentration between 10 and 30%.
- The higher the cannabidiol concentration, the more noticeable the effects will be. Don’t hesitate to start with a low dose to see how the patient reacts, then adjust it according to their response. You can also vary the number of drops placed under the tongue.
In the second case, as an infusion, you will need to use CBD flowers derived from Cannabis Sativa. There is a relatively simple recipe to use them:
Crumble yourCBD flowers (approximately 0.5 grams) and mix them with water.
Add a fat (butter, coconut oil, whole milk, etc.) to your infusion to help the body absorb the CBD.
Infuse for 5 to 10 minutes on average.
- Infusion is ideal for older people as it allows them to stay hydrated while enjoying the calming effects of CBD. If you’d like to try CBD, you’ll find a wide selection of oils and flowers in our online shop. Now that you know everything, we invite you to explore our products.
