Study shows cannabis may improve memory in older adults
As more older adults begin using cannabis, researchers are looking into how it affects their thinking and memory. A recent study published in the journal Psychopharmacology explored this by testing cannabis on older rats.
The main focus was on THC, the part of cannabis that makes people feel high, and how it influences memory in ageing brains. The researchers found some interesting results. When older male rats inhaled cannabis smoke, their working memory improved, but the opposite was true for older female rats, who performed worse.
However, when older rats were given THC orally over a longer period, both males and females showed improvements in working memory without harming their spatial memory—how they navigate and remember spaces.
How Many Older Adults Are Using Cannabis?
From 2015 to 2023, the number of U.S. adults over 65 using cannabis nearly tripled, often to help with chronic pain, anxiety, or sleep issues. While it’s known that cannabis can affect memory in younger adults, scientists are still figuring out its effects on older brains.
The study, led by Jennifer L. Bizon and Barry Setlow, involved a series of experiments comparing how different ways of consuming cannabis—smoking versus eating—affected memory. They noticed that young rats weren’t impacted by cannabis smoke, whereas older male rats showed improved working memory.
In contrast, older female rats struggled more with their memory tasks. One notable finding was that the positive effects of taking THC orally lasted longer and helped improve working memory in older rats, but not in younger ones. This suggests that THC might specifically help older adults who face memory challenges as they age. The researchers also found that older rats processed THC differently from younger ones, which could play a role in how cannabis affects their brains.
There are two theories behind the benefits observed in older rats: one suggests that THC may help improve communication between brain cells, while the other points to its anti-inflammatory properties, which might help reduce brain inflammation that comes with age. It's worth noting that the older female rats’ lower performance could stem from their initial higher memory capabilities compared to the males.
The research aligns with a long-term Danish study, which indicated that individuals with a history of cannabis use experienced less cognitive decline over decades. Looking ahead, researchers want to investigate how other components in cannabis, like CBD, might also affect memory as people age. They aim to further explore various ways to administer cannabis and understand how it influences thinking in older adults.
More From Soft Secrets:
L
Liz Filmer
