Alzheimer's

Did you know that, despite listing Cannabis as a Schedule 1 Drug with no accepted medical uses, the US Government held a patent for the neuroprotective applications of certain cannabinoids? The hypocrisy is especially disappointing considering the federal status of cannabis continues to limit our ability to learn more about this incredible plant. This week we’re looking into emerging research that shows cannabis could be a potential breakthrough treatment for Alzheimer’s and dementia. To better understand some of these discoveries, let’s first discuss Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, and how it works. Our brains are a collection of billions of neurons that communicate with each other through connections called synapses, where various chemicals and proteins are exchanged. This is where we process memories, cognitive functions, emotions, and more. There are also some endocannabinoid receptors here that help give cannabis its effects. In Alzheimer’s, these synapses and neurons are damaged and destroyed, believed to be in part caused by Amyloid-Beta plaques, a buildup of common proteins that are not harmful by themselves. However, over time, the buildup of these plaques becomes toxic, causing a number of degenerative processes in the brain (including synapse degradation, inflammation, and tangles of brain matter) that often leads to memory loss, cognitive impairment, and dementia. While there is no known cure, cannabis is quickly emerging as a potential therapy - and there are many reasons to be hopeful about its abilities to combat Alzheimer’s. According to one study published in the journal Biochemical Pharmacology, scientists have shown that cannabinoids can decrease the toxicity of Amyloid-Beta plaques, preserving neural function. It is believed this happens in part due to the cannabinoids stimulating certain molecules with CB2 receptors whose function is to clear away these Amyloid-Beta proteins. Additionally, cannabinoids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties that could mitigate some of the negative consequences of these plaque build-ups.

There are several other theories to help explain why cannabis could become such a promising tool to help prevent or treat Alzheimer’s and they have to do with neuroplasticity and slow wave sleep. Let’s begin with neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. This refers to the ability of the brain to change and grow new neural pathways and networks. With Alzheimer’s, this is beneficial as the damage done by destroyed and deteriorating neurons can be mitigated by the creation of new pathways and new neurons. In a study published by the journal Progress In Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, researchers showed that CBD treatments for mice with brain damage stimulated neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Cannabis is not alone in stimulating neuroplasticity, however. Early research is also showing that many psychedelics like LSD and Psilocybin also increase neuroplasticity - which is just one more reason to be excited for what we hope will be a future filled with new treatments and therapies.

Another theory to explain cannabis’ potential to help with Alzheimer’s is slow wave sleep. This refers to a deep stage of sleep, prior to Rapid Eye Movement (REM), during which numerous restorative processes take place in the brain. According to a study published in the journal Science, this stage of sleep sees the brain stimulate the release of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) which helps clear away various toxins in the brain, Amyloid-Beta plaques among them. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s inhibits this stage of deep sleep, depriving the brain opportunities to clear away Amyloid-Beta plaques, which leads to a cycle where the condition continues to worsen. Cannabis, however, has been proven to promote longer periods of this Slow Wave deep sleep and could therefore help in the removal of these toxic plaques and stop this harmful cycle of deep sleep deprivation. One study published in the journal Sleep showed that doses of low THC and high CBD increased the duration of this slow wave sleep state. However, that study also showed that high THC and low CBD could interfere with the quality of REM sleep, which is also important to cognitive functions. Again, more research is needed.

Even in advanced cases, a recent study from Dr. Vered Hermush in Israel has shown that cannabis can help many of the behavioral and cognitive impairments that stem from Alzheimer’s. Like with cancer treatment, it is important to note that while some have seen benefit from certain combinations of cannabinoids, others could experience detrimental effects and worsen their condition. What is abundantly clear is that this is another area where more research is desperately needed.