Last year, Minnesota added Alzheimer’s disease in its list of MMJ qualifying conditions.
Chemical compounds in marijuana possess ultimate medicinal properties. And, researchers have found that cannabis can help in treating a wide range of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. However, the herb can also play an important role in alleviating symptoms of neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
As per federal regulations, marijuana is illegal. But, you can still access cannabis products legally in several states including California. For that, you need to apply for Riverside medical marijuana evaluations.
This blog post provides information about what is Alzheimer’s disease and how can marijuana help patients with this condition.
What’s Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a mental disorder that can interfere with thinking, memory, and behavior. Patients with this condition experience memory loss, difficulty planning things & solving problems, trouble understanding visual images, and confusion with time & place. In older adults, this condition is one of the most common causes of dementia. It was named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer who noticed changes in brain tissues of a patient who died from an unusual mental disorder.
In America, Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death. According to Alzheimer’s Association, 5.8 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease. However, the number is projected to rise to about 14 million by 2050.
How Can Marijuana Help in Treating Alzheimer’s Disease?
One of the major causes of Alzheimer’s disease is the buildup of amyloid plaques. A 2008 study published in Molecular Pharmaceuticals found that THC slowed the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) overgrowth. THC is a psychoactive compound in marijuana, and it causes high effects.
Additionally, inflammation around amyloid plaques is another contributor to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In a 2006 report published in Neuroscience, researchers determined the role of the endocannabinoid system on the development of Alzheimer’s disease, activation of CB1 receptors delivered anti-inflammatory effects. An animal study found that lack of CB1 receptors can lead to faster cognitive degeneration.
Moreover, marijuana’s non-intoxicating compound cannabidiol (CBD) can help in preventing cell death, thus helping Alzheimer’s patients promote a healthy lifestyle. In 2004, researchers found that CBD has anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective properties, which can help in reducing neurotoxicity caused by amyloid buildup.
Additionally, cannabinoids can help in promoting the growth of neural tissue in the brain area hippocampus associated with memory. Other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease that can be managed with the help of medical marijuana are—lack of appetite, motor functioning, and agitation.
However, for alleviating your Alzheimer’s symptoms completely, it’s important to buy the right strains with optimal levels of THC and CBD. So, talk to a licensed doctor to discuss your condition, and seek professional help for medical marijuana treatment.
Cannabis Strains For Alzheimer’s Patients
Here’s a list of top marijuana strains that can help in alleviating symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease completely-
- Blue Bastard
- Papa’s OG
- Brains Damage
- Blissful Wizard
- Blues
- Grand Hindu
- Ash
- Kill Bill
- Special Kush #1
- Pineapple Purps
- Critical 47
- OG Ringo
- Paris XXX
- Bhang Mango OG
- Toxic Punch
To sum up, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder, which can affect your memory and thinking skills. It can interfere with your ability to perform daily tasks. Marijuana’s amazing compounds (cannabinoids) can help in treating Alzheimer’s disease. CBD, a non-psychoactive compound, provides anti-inflammatory effects and can help in reducing neurotoxicity caused by amyloid buildup. Moreover, cannabinoids are effective in controlling other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease such as lack of appetite, motor functioning, and agitation. When treating Alzheimer’s disease with medical marijuana, choosing the right strains is important. Talk to your doctor and seek professional help for what will work well for your condition.
To access cannabis products legally from state-licensed dispensaries, apply for Riverside medical marijuana evaluations.