CANNABIS might help to calm dementia patients by reducing agitation, according to a study.
People with the disease often become restless and upset, causing them to fidget, pace around, repeat the same tasks, or become emotional or aggressive.
Feeling agitated is a common symptom of dementia (stock image) Credit: Getty
Cannabis chemicals THC and CBD could help to calm patients, the study suggests (stock image) Credit: Alamy
This can be caused by confusion, anxiety or discomfort due to brain damage, or a side-effect of medication.
Research by the Medical University of South Carolina, USA, developed a medicine containing THC and CBD – two of the key chemicals in weed.
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THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is what makes smokers feel high, while CBD (cannabidiol) can slow nerves to induce relaxation.
They were combined in a liquid medicine given by mouth.
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In tests on 120 people experiencing agitation due to late-stage dementia, they found that the drug reduced symptoms in nearly 90 per cent of patients.
After 12 weeks, only 24 per cent of patients still showed signs of agitation compared to 87 per cent of those given a placebo drug.
Study author Dr Jacobo Mintzer said: “These results were extremely impressive and showed a level of response not seen before in clinical trials related to dementia.
“Rarely do we see close to 90 per cent of patients in a trial respond positively to a new medication.
“Agitation affects many people with late-stage dementia, causing symptoms such as restlessness, aggression, and emotional distress that can profoundly impact patients and their caregivers.
“Current treatment options are limited and often carry significant side effects.”
The researchers cautioned that street drugs or over-the-counter cannabis products probably would not work the same way.
What are the early symptoms of cognitive decline?
WE all notice a natural decline in memory and thinking as we age.
This will be more pronounced in some people, as they experience memory and thinking problems that are mild but still noticeable.
This is described as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Unlike dementia sufferers, people with MCI can still get on with day-to-day life.
Research suggests that two out of 10 people over the ageof 65 have MCI, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
About one in 10 people who’ve received an MCI diagnosis will go on to develop dementia.
Symptoms of MCI include:
Memory – Misplacing items or having troubleremembering recent conversations.
Attention problems – finding it difficult to concentrate,e.g. while watching a TV programme or carrying outduties at work
Disorientation – confusion about time, date or place
Thinking skills – problems with planning or completingtasks, e.g. managing money, or cooking a meal
Problems with communication and finding the right words
Mood and behaviour changes – becoming irritable, anxious,or feeling low
These symptoms may affect someone with MCI all thetime, or they might come and go.
There are steps we can take to keep our brains as healthy as possible. These include:
Not smoking
Doing regular physical activity
Staying mentally and socially active
Eating a healthy balanced diet
Limiting the amount of alcohol we drink
Having your hearing checked regularly
Keeping blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterollevels in check
