Could marijuana, a substance known for potentially causing memory and cognitive effects, benefit those with Alzheimer's and dementia? Several research articles and scientific literature reviews suggest the possibilities, including a 2021 review listed in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) that explores the utilization of cannabis and cannabidiols in the treatment of Alzheimer’s patients.
"The use of marijuana and THC [tetrahydrocannabinol] has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential in addressing neuronal inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases like AD [Alzheimer’s disease]," an excerpt from the review states.
Dr. Kyron Tamar, a qualified medical marijuana physician practicing in the Central Florida cities of Brooksville and Clermont, underscores the established anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis. "Inflammation is a basis for all diseases," he states, noting the efficacy of cannabis in suppressing inflammation. “Cannabis is AAARP — anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and restorative and protective.”
Dr. Tamar is a proponent of medical cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) to not only help relieve symptoms of Alzheimer’s, such as anxiety, sleeplessness, and agitated behavior, but also to prevent the onset of the disease.
“Let me say this, CBD protects the brain. It's neuroprotective,” he says, adding that taking CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, helps improve mental acuity.
Dr. Tamar suggests increasing CBD intake for improved focus, concentration, daily activities, academic performance, and overall effectiveness. He claims CBD enhances mitochondrial efficacy, benefiting various aspects of life, from parenthood to personal development.
Dr. Tamar says Alzheimer’s shares similarities with the qualifying conditions of Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“If you have anything related to anxiety, depression, sleep, pain, and appetite issues, you will qualify,” he adds.
