CBD Reduces Plaque, Improves Cognitive Function in Model of Familial Alzheimer's

There is a dire need for novel therapies to improve outcomes for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, which is considered one of the fastest-growing health threats of our time. 

In a promising new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, investigators reported that a two-week course of high dose CBD helped reduce plaque and improve cognitive function in an experimental model of early onset familial AD.

Familial disease is an inherited version of Alzheimer’s in which symptoms typically surface in the 30s and 40s and occurs in about 10-15% of patients.

Next steps include determining optimal doses and giving CBD earlier in the disease process. They also are exploring delivery systems including the use of an inhaler that should help deliver the CBD more directly to the brain. 

See article below for more information. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210309192548.htm 

Citation for journal article, available here https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33612548/

Can CBD Help A Loved One With Dementia?

An estimated 50 million people around the world have been diagnosed with some form of dementia, and every year, there are approximately 10 million new cases. There is no cure, current treatment options are limited and it’s been described as a global health crisis requiring urgent action. Despite this, like so many issues affecting our seniors, it doesn’t get a lot of airtime. 

Kudos to Amy Marturana Winderl and Health Central for this extremely informative article about how advances in research are showing cannabinoid medicine to be a safe and effective treatment option in the management of behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with dementia. I was really pleased to be a part of this story. 

Every 65 seconds someone in the USA is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease - and after age 65, 1 in 5 women have a chance of developing the disease. This is a topic we should all care about.

Read the full article here.

Landmark Study Proves CBD Has No Impact on Driving

A landmark study published in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association has shown that CBD does not impair driving, while moderate amounts of THC (the main intoxicating component) produce mild driving impairment lasting up to four hours. 

This is the first study to illustrate the lack of CBD effects on driving and to also provide a clear indication of the duration of THC impairment.

Why this is so important:  “With cannabis laws changing globally, jurisdictions are grappling with the issue of cannabis-impaired driving. These results provide much needed insights into the magnitude and duration of impairment caused by different types of cannabis and can help to guide road-safety policy not just in Australia but around the world. These results should allow for evidence-based laws and regulation for people receiving medical cannabis,” said Dr. Thomas Arkell, lead author on the study.

The study was led by the Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics at the University of Sydney (Australia). Summary is available here and the full study is available in the current issue of JAMA here.

Patient Testimonial - Marsha | Chronic Pain & Sleep Disorder

In my practice, I see a number of patients with osteoarthritis. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing OA symptoms, but for many people, it’s a vicious cycle as their pain is preventing them from being as active as they would like to be. In these situations, cannabinoid therapy can be very effective, as it has both strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relief) properties.

Here’s what my patient Marsha has experienced after beginning cannabinoid therapy. Marsha has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and experienced severe pain in her shoulder and wrist. As a result of the pain, she has also developed a sleep disorder: 

“I have never felt better after beginning treatment for my pain using CBD oil. I have been able to manage my day without constant pain and feel less irritable and more focused. Thank you to Dr. Pearson and his team for helping my 62 year old body feel young again.”