Apr 19th 2024
A Look at the Potential Benefits of Taking CBD for Alzheimer’s
Taking CBD for Alzheimer’s may sound like a bit of wishful thinking, but believe it or not, initial research has indicated that the non-psychoactive cannabinoid has the potential to prevent and alleviate the symptoms associated with the devastating neurodegenerative disorder.
It’s important to point out that due to the decades-long federal prohibition of the cannabis plant, the research on CBD and Alzheimer’s is only just now entering its earliest phase, but the results thus far have led some scientists to believe that CBD may indeed have the potential to slow the progression and alleviate symptoms of the disorder.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of this initial research, and take a look at which CBD products may be best for helping to prevent and relieve some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s affects more than 6 million people in the U.S. alone. The progressive neurodegenerative disorder affects memory, thinking, and behavior, and is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain that interfere with normal brain cell functioning, the symptoms of the disease develop slowly and worsen over time, from memory lapses and changes in personality to confusion, disorientation, and impaired judgment, eventually leading to severe cognitive decline and a loss of independence.
There is currently no market-level cure for the disease.
How May CBD Be Beneficial to Those Suffering from Alzheimer’s?
One of the defining aspects of Alzheimer’s pathology is neuroinflammation. This leads to synaptic and neuronal damage, which has led many medical researchers to highlight the importance of addressing inflammation and preserving neuronal integrity.
CBD Oil, meanwhile, has been found to have significant neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in initial studies. With a capacity to counteract the cognitive and memory impairments caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, it also inhibits hyperactivation of microglia and astrocytes, while augmenting the release of neurotrophic factors. Additionally, CBD may play a helpful role in modulating critical genes within the inflammatory cascade.
In layman’s terms – CBD has shown the potential to enhance cognitive functioning and offer protection against certain proteins that have been identified as biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition, initial studies have found that CBD could also be beneficial in reducing the symptoms of agitation and aggression in Alzheimer’s patients.
What is the Best CBD Oil for Alzheimer’s?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the question of which CBD is best for Alzheimer’s. There are three types of CBD products that you’ll find available on the market:
- CBD Isolate – These products have been decarboxylated (heated) to remove all the elements except the CBD molecule, so they are THC-free.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD – Contains most of the compounds from the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC.
- Full-Spectrum CBD – Similar to broad-spectrum, full-spectrum or “raw” CBD products contain all the compounds present in the cannabis plant, including THC.
While any of those CBD oils could potentially be the right match for you, there’s been some indication that full-spectrum products, in which the entourage effect between CBD and THC is present, could enhance the potential health benefits to those seeking relief from Alzheimer’s.
At My Health Etc., we believe in education first and foremost. We encourage our customers to understand the ins and outs of any CBD product they may be taking, from CBD gummies to Tinctures.
When you contact the specialists at My Health Etc., we’ll help you make an informed decision before purchasing any of our CBD products. Reach out to us today to get started.