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Alzheimer’s – Research with cannabinoids

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive type of dementia that affects memory, behavior and thinking. The disease causes the degeneration and death of neurons, leading to a continued decline in memory, intellect and socialization. As neuronal cells die, the brain shrinks.

Scientists believe that Alzheimer’s is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors 1. Age appears to be an important factor, as the risk of contracting the disease increases significantly after age 65. The disease affects around half of people over 85 years of age 11.

Characteristics of the disease include plaques, which are clumps of protein fragments called beta-amyloids, and tangles – twisted fibers of tau proteins. These plaques and tangles accumulate in the brain and interfere with intercellular communication and nutrient transport, thus contributing to the death of neurons.

Typically Alzheimer’s disease begins with forgetfulness and confusion, but over time it progresses at a speed that varies from case to case. Memory loss persists and worsens, causing affected individuals to repeat statements and questions, forget conversations, appointments and where they left their belongings and eventually forget the names of family, friends and everyday objects. Alzheimer’s can also cause a person to lose track of the day, have difficulty finding the right words, have problems with concentration and reasoning, in addition to suffering from depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, mood changes and irritability.

There is no cure for the disease or medication, and other management strategies can improve symptoms, but only temporarily.

Discoveries: effects of cannabis on Alzheimer’s disease

Studies reveal that two of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), reduce the accumulation of plaques and tangles, demonstrating their potential as a treatment option for the disease. The efficacy of cannabis has been linked to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which controls several pathological processes associated with neurodegenerative disorder, including neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress 3,5. The endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors have been shown to regulate neurotransmitters involved in excitotoxic neurodegenerative processes, while its CB2 receptors have been shown to reduce inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s disease 4,24.

THC has been shown to be effective in reducing beta-amyloid levels and improving mitochondrial function, leading researchers to conclude “that THC may be a possible therapeutic option for Alzheimer’s through multiple functions and pathways” 7,9. A previous study also found that THC is effective in preventing beta-amyloid accumulation, indicating that it could impact the progression of the disease 10. Another showed that THC reduces nocturnal motor activity and agitation in patients with dementia, suggesting that it may be beneficial in treating behavioral and circadian disorders 24.

The brains of Alzheimer’s patients suffer from an overload of microglia (cells that form myelin), which contributes to excessive accumulation of tau proteins and eventually ends up tangled. However, CBD has been shown to control microglial function and neuroinflammation 19. Additionally, CBD has improved the survival rate of cells through a combination of neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects against toxicity caused by beta-amyloids, showing potential as a treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease 13. One study found that the neuroprotective effects of CBD and its ability to promote neuron regeneration was effective in reversing cognitive deficits caused by by disease 8.

A problem with glucose absorption has been linked to the worsening of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and findings from a 2016 animal clinical study suggest that cannabis could promote an increase in glucose absorption in the brain, suggesting that cannabis may be beneficial in treating the disease through a variety of methods 14.

One study showed that the early damage of Alzheimer’s may be caused by a blockage or deficiency of cannabinoids, suggesting that cannabinoid supplementation could reduce the risk of developing the disease 20.

Cannabinoids offer a broad approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to reducing beta-amyloid levels, managing microglial function and increasing glucose absorption, they protect neurons from the harmful effects of beta-amyloids, reduce inflammation and aid in the brain repair process by improving neurogenesis (generation of new cells) and offering neuroprotective effects 6,11,16,17,18,21. They have been shown to improve psychomotor agitation, aggression and communication in those diagnosed with dementia 2.

  • Recent studies on the effects of cannabis on Alzheimer’s disease

Referências:

  1. Alzheimer’s disease. (2014, June 17). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from
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  2. Amanullah, S., MacDougall, K., Sweeney, N., Coffin, J., and Cole, J. (2013). Synthetic cannabinoids in dementia with agitation: Case studies and literature review. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 10 (3-4), 142-147. Retrieved from
    https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/b8be/e18d22e95dbe90cf6057e9f4648d9b3c5b02.pdf?_ga=1.196675940.916023079.1489098264.
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