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

Alzheimer's disease - what is it?

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

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

Alzheimer's disease and memory

The storage of memories is made possible by the brain's nerve cells, which use electrical and chemical signals to transmit and process information. Scientists assume that the temporal lobes are responsible for accumulating memories in the brain.

This is where the process of neuronal degradation begins in Alzheimer's disease. The process can take years before the first symptoms appear. Changes in the brain in Alzheimer's disease spread according to a pattern, allowing doctors to determine the progression of the disease.

Causes of Alzheimer's disease

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

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

Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

People who develop the disease first see memory lapses. It's not a matter of simply forgetting - it happens to everyone, but of constant, steadily worsening memory problems that take over larger and larger areas of life. Over time, they make it impossible for sufferers to live and function independently.

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

In Alzheimer's disease, there are changes in the brain that lead to problems with:

- memory: repeatedly repeating the same sentences/questions, forgetting recent events in which the person participated, rearranging items and leaving them in surprising places, getting lost in familiar surroundings;

thinking and drawing conclusions: Problems with concentration and abstract thinking, problem with putting thoughts into words, expressing needs, carrying on a conversation;

Planning and execution of activities: as the disease progresses, routine daily activities take up more and more time for sufferers, until eventually they are unable to plan the sequence of activities that are needed to achieve some effect;

assessing the situation and making decisions: Social difficulties, behavior that deviates from the social norm, behavior that is inappropriate to the situation, such as the difficulty of matching clothing to the weather;

controlling emotions: Damage in the brain affects the mood of sufferers, changes their personality, depressive states, uncontrolled tantrums and aggression, apathy, irritability, delusions may appear.

Alzheimer's disease treatment

So far, there is no therapy to reverse the changes that occur in the brain in Alzheimer's disease. There are, however, drugs and therapies to slow the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms.

Alzheimer's patients are recommended, among other things, drugs that stimulate the production of acetylholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for learning and memory. Another group of drugs that regulate levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter responsible for learning. Drug treatment of Alzheimer's disease is provided by a neurologist.

Patients and patients with dementia are also advised to undergo psychotherapy, which can support cognitive abilities and improve the patients' standard of living.

CBD as support for Alzheimer's disease treatment

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

Research indicates, that CBD has therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease. Cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory properties, including within the nervous system.
CBD exhibits effects neuroprotective and increases the viability of brain cells. In mouse studies, it has been shown that CBD can increase the brain's ability to regenerate.
Studies conducted on mice show that CBD may improve cognitive function in the early stages of the disease, by regulating the action of proteins in the brain and reducing the formation of congestion. Further research in this area is planned.
CBD can have anti-anxiety effects, regulate patients' moods, facilitate sleep, and reduce agitation and anxiety levels.

Scientists agree that more scientific research is needed on the use of hemp cannabinoids in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, as they show therapeutic potential.