Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurological disorder of unknown origin that is characterized by a progressive loss of both memory and learned behavior. Patients with Alzheimer’s are also likely to experience depression, agitation, and appetite loss, among other symptoms. As many as 5.8 million Americans are estimated to be afflicted with the disease. No approved treatments or medications are available to modulate the progression of AD, and few pharmaceuticals effectively treat symptoms of the disease.

In 2016, Israeli researchers assessed the safety and efficacy of THC-infused oil in Alzheimer’s patients in a four-week trial. Participants experienced decreased incidences of delusions, agitation, irritability, and apathy following treatment. Their quality of sleep also improved. “Adding medical cannabis oil to AD patients’ pharmacotherapy is safe and a promising treatment option,” investigators concluded.

Source: National Library of Medicine