Research on the use of hemp cannabinoids, including: CBD in people with Alzheimer's disease shows that they can slow down the progression of the disease, improve cognitive abilities and well-being of patients.

Alzheimer's disease – what is it?

Alzheimer's disease is a dementia disease that is classified as a neurodegenerative disease of the brain. According to WHO data, 55 million people in the world will suffer from dementia in 2023 . Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in people over 65 years of age (60-70% of dementia cases).

Alzheimer's disease is still a progressive and incurable disease. It involves the accumulation of proteins (beta-amyloid peptides) in the brain, which disturb the functioning of the central nervous system. The presence of these proteins leads to the formation of blockages that prevent communication between neurons and the transfer of nutrients, resulting in the degradation of nerve cells .

Alzheimer's disease and memory

Storing memories is possible thanks to the brain's nerve cells, which transmit and process information using electrical and chemical signals . Scientists assume that the temporal lobes are responsible for storing memories in the brain.

This is where the process of neuronal degradation begins in Alzheimer's disease. This process can take years before the first symptoms appear. Brain changes in Alzheimer's disease spread in a pattern, which allows doctors to determine the severity of the disease .

Causes of Alzheimer's disease

There is no clear explanation yet why some people develop Alzheimer's disease. Scientists assume that genetic, environmental and behavioral factors (lifestyle, diet, stimulants) are responsible for the development of the disease. .

Alzheimer's disease is hereditary in approximately 10-15% of cases. In patients with a family history of dementia, symptoms may begin to develop earlier (30-40 years of age) .

Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

People who develop the disease first observe memory loss. It's not about simple forgetting - it happens to everyone, but about constant, constantly deepening memory problems that cover more and more areas of life. Over time, they make it impossible for patients to live and function independently.

Early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include difficulty recalling fresh memories (recent conversations, recent events). Initially, sick people are aware of them and even try to hide them from those around them, who realize when the problems become more serious.

Alzheimer's disease causes changes in the brain that lead to problems with:

- memory: repeated repetition of the same sentences/questions, forgetting about recent events in which the person took part, moving objects and leaving them in unexpected places, getting lost in a familiar area;

thinking and drawing conclusions: problems with concentration and abstract thinking, problems with putting thoughts into words, expressing needs, conducting a conversation;

planning and performing activities: as the disease progresses, routine, everyday activities take more and more time for sick people, until they are finally unable to plan the sequence of activities needed to achieve a certain effect;

assessing the situation and making decisions: social difficulties, behavior that deviates from the social norm, behavior inappropriate to the situation, e.g. difficulty in choosing clothes for the weather;

controlling emotions: brain damage affects the mood of sick people, changes their personality, depression, uncontrolled attacks of anger and aggression, apathy, irritability, delusions may occur.

Treatment of Alzheimer's disease

So far, there is no therapy that would reverse the changes that occur in the brain in Alzheimer's disease. However, there are medications and therapeutic methods that help slow down the progression of the disease and alleviate the symptoms.

For people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, the following are recommended: drugs that stimulate the production of acetylholin - a neurotransmitter responsible for learning and memory. Another group of drugs that regulates the level of glutamate - a neurotransmitter responsible for learning. A neurologist deals with the pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Psychotherapy is also recommended for patients with dementia, which can support cognitive abilities and improve the standard of living of patients.

CBD as a support for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Hemp cannabinoids , including CBD, can support the treatment of people suffering from Alzheimer's on several levels:

Research indicates that CBD has therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease. Cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory properties, also in the nervous system.
CBD has neuroprotective effects and increases the viability of brain cells. Studies on mice have shown that CBD can increase the brain's ability to regenerate.
Studies conducted on mice show that CBD can improve cognitive function in the early stages of the disease by regulating the action of proteins in the brain and reducing the process of embolism. Further research in this area is planned.
CBD can have an anti-anxiety effect, regulate the mood of patients, facilitate falling asleep, and reduce the level of arousal and anxiety.

Scientists agree that further scientific research is needed on the use of hemp cannabinoids in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease because they demonstrate therapeutic potential.