Microdosing Cannabis May Help Slow Alzheimer's Decline: New Study
As the population ages, more people are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. There are no cures, and current medications are not very effective, so researchers are looking for new treatment options. One area of interest is the use of cannabinoids from cannabis.
A small study from Brazil, published in the *International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease*, explored the effects of microdoses of cannabis extract on patients with mild Alzheimer’s. The study found positive results without causing the “high” associated with cannabis.
What is Microdosing?
The study, led by Professor Francisney Nascimento at the Federal University of Latin American Integration (UNILA), involved 24 elderly patients (aged 60-80) diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s. Researchers gave them daily doses of an oil made from cannabis extract. This oil contained equal amounts of THC and CBD in very low concentrations (0.3 mg of each). These small doses do not cause a high.
Microdosing is often associated with the recreational use of psychedelics, so it might seem strange that such low doses could have any effect. However, previous research showed that low doses of THC improved cognition in older mice. They restored gene expression and brain connections to levels similar to those of younger animals.
Other studies also indicated that the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in brain protection and function, declines with age. Inspired by these findings, the research team first tested microdosing on one patient for 22 months. They observed cognitive improvements using the Adas-Cog scale, which tests memory and thinking skills. This encouraged them to conduct a larger clinical trial.
What Did the Study Find?
In the larger study, researchers used various scales to measure the impact of the cannabis treatment. They found improvements in the mini-mental state exam (MMSE), a common test for cognitive function in dementia patients. After 24 weeks of treatment, those using the cannabis extract maintained their test scores, while the placebo group showed signs of cognitive decline.
The improvement was modest but significant; patients who took cannabis scored two to three points higher than those on the placebo (the maximum score on the MMSE is 30). It is important to note that the cannabis treatment did not change other symptoms, such as depression or overall quality of life. There were also no noticeable side effects, likely due to the low dose.
These results echo earlier research showing a decrease in endocannabinoid signaling with aging, which makes brains more susceptible to cognitive decline without the protective effects of cannabinoids.
Changing Perceptions of Cannabis
The biggest challenge in accepting cannabis as a treatment for brain aging may not be scientific but cultural. Many people fear the high associated with cannabis, which can discourage patients and healthcare providers. However, studies like this demonstrate that it is possible to use very low doses that do not alter consciousness but can still positively influence critical biological systems, especially inflammation and neuroplasticity.
More From Soft Secrets:
Should you Swap to Dry Herb Vaping?
L
Liz Filmer
