The Observer - Sarnia Doctor Wants Health Insurance Coverage for Medical Cannabis Use

Although we have made huge gains in improving patient access to medical cannabis in Canada, for many patients, one of the main barriers continues to be cost. 

For many of my patients, starting cannabinoid therapy has been life-changing and has allowed them to reduce or eliminate other medications that weren’t providing benefit or that were causing intolerable side-effects. 

Unfortunately, despite the success they are having on cannabinoid therapy, some individuals are ultimately forced to make the tough decision to go back on their previous medications (opioids, anti-psychotics, antidepressants, etc.) since they are covered by insurance. In Canada, with one of the world’s most admired health systems, that’s a VERY tough pill to swallow. 

At the very least, treatment for the most vulnerable individuals - like seniors with dementia and children with treatment resistant epilepsy - must be covered.

Huge thanks to Tyler Kula from The Observer for helping me raise awareness of this important issue. 

Read the full article here.

Alzheimer's - Let's Talk About It

British artist Tony Husband has created this thought-provoking cartoon to show that it doesn’t matter where or when, it’s important to start the conversation about dementia. This #WorldAlzheimersMonth, Alzheimer’s awareness advocates around the world are encouraging everyone to start talking about dementia and break the stigma. 

Picking the right moment and words to say or not say can be difficult, but your local Alzheimer’s associations are here to help. 

We’ve already shared some resources from Canada and the USA,  so today I’d like to spotlight some of the great resources available from the UK.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month

New Warnings About Benzodiazepine Use and Dementia Risk

There have been several studies that have indicated that have linked benzodiazepine use to an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

This is one out of Finland is one of the largest. 

Lead author Vesa Tapiainen, MD, PhD, said: “These drugs are often used to treat sleep problems, but their efficacy for this indication diminishes over time, whereas the risks for adverse events remain.”

In addition to insomnia, benzodiazepines and other so-called "Z" drugs, such as zolpidem (multiple brands) and zopiclone (Lunesta, Sunovion), are used to treat other neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, such as anxiety.

Commenting on the study’s findings, David S. Knopman, MD (Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer's Association Medical and Scientific Advisory Council), noted that many studies have suggested that patients who are exposed to certain psychoactive drugs, such as those with cholinomimetic properties, are at increased risk for dementia.

"I therefore find it plausible that benzodiazepines and related drugs could carry the same risks," he said. 

The "bottom line" for Knopman is that use of certain psychoactive drugs seems to increase the risk for dementia. However, it is unclear whether the drugs are temporarily worsening cognition or symptoms are being treated with these drugs, said Knopman.

"In other words, the direction of causality from drugs to dementia could go in either direction, and this study that used administrative data can't determine the direction of causality," he said.

Nevertheless, a take-home message is that benzodiazepines and related sleep medications should be avoided "if at all possible" in older individuals, said Knopman.

Similar to benzodiazepines and “Z” drugs, cannabinoid-based medicines have anxiolytic, anticonvulsive and relaxing effects. When dosed low and slow by an experienced healthcare practitioner, cannabinoids can be equally or more effective than these medications in managing symptoms, but with a far superior side-effect profile. 

Read the full study here.

Brain Health & Alzheimer's Prevention

Founded by Maria Shriver, the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement (WAM) was created to answer the question of why two out of every three brains that develop Alzheimer’s belong to women, and why women of colour are at even higher risk. 

WAM is an incredible resource for anyone interested in understanding more about what steps they can take to prevent or slow Alzheimer’s.

Check out their website for research, stats and helpful guides like the ones linked here https://thewomensalzheimersmovement.org/wam-guides/. They’re also active on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and are regularly posting helpful tips like the one I’ve re-shared here.