Exploring Cannabinoids as Potential Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease

In this article, we will unveil in 5 key points, the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids such as hemp-derived CBG, CBD, and low concentrations of THC to the incurable form of dementia known as Alzheimer’s disease.

What’s Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is like a slow, cruel game of hide-and-seek where the brain starts hiding important memories and abilities. Imagine your brain is a library filled with books (your memories and skills). In Alzheimer’s, it’s like someone is putting more and more dust on the shelves, making it harder and harder to find the books you need. This happens because the brain develops clumps of proteins and tangled fibers that interfere with normal brain function.

Currently, there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, and the medicines we have don’t stop the disease from getting worse. Researchers are always on the lookout for new treatments, and one interesting area of study involves cannabinoids — compounds found in cannabis plants. Two key cannabinoids are CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).

Here’s how this happens in the brain:

1. Plaques and Tangles: In Alzheimer’s, the brain accumulates sticky clumps called amyloid plaques. These plaques are made up of abnormal protein fragments that interfere with brain cell communication. Additionally, twisted fibers known as tau tangles form inside the brain cells, disrupting their ability to function properly.
2. Cell Damage and Death: These plaques and tangles cause damage to brain cells, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress. Over time, this damage causes brain cells to die. As more cells are lost, the brain shrinks and loses its ability to perform essential functions, like memory and thinking.
3. Neurotransmitter Loss: Alzheimer’s also affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that help brain cells communicate. A key neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is important for memory and learning, decreases significantly in people with Alzheimer’s.
4. Disrupted Brain Networks: The combination of cell damage, plaque formation, and loss of neurotransmitters disrupts the brain’s networks, making it hard for people to remember things, solve problems, and perform daily tasks.

In the United States, Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 6.7 million people aged 65 and older. The average age of diagnosis is around 75 years old, although symptoms can begin much earlier. As the disease progresses, it gradually impairs memory, reasoning, and daily functioning, making it a challenging condition for those affected and their families.

1. Cannabinoids and the Brain

Our brain’s functionability depends on its own system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps manage various functions, like mood, memory, and inflammation. In Alzheimer’s, this system doesn’t work as well as it should. Some researchers believe that the intake of cannabinoids derived from the plant of hemp might help fix this broken system.

2. Therapeutic Potential of Cannabinoids

• CBD (Cannabidiol): This compound does not make you feel high. It seems to help reduce inflammation and protect brain cells. In experiments with mice that have Alzheimer’s, CBD helped reverse memory problems and reduce the harmful effects of Alzheimer’s. It also helped clear away some of the harmful clumps and tangled fibers in the brain.
• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): Unlike CBD, THC can make you feel high. In small doses, it appears to help improve memory and learning in mice. THC also helps with some of the symptoms related to Alzheimer’s, like agitation, but its effects can vary.
• CBG (Cannabigerol): Is another compound found in hemp, it is known as the mother of all cannabinoids, due to the fact that both CBD & THC and other cannabinoids originate from CBG. CBG shows even more promise for helping with Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s how CBG appears to be beneficial:

1. Protecting Brain Cells: CBG may help shield brain cells from damage caused by Alzheimer’s. It seems to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are harmful to brain cells.
2. Reducing Plaque Buildup: Studies suggest CBG might prevent the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, a key feature of Alzheimer’s. By slowing or stopping plaque buildup, CBG could help slow the disease’s progression.
3. Supporting New Brain Cell Growth: CBG has been shown to encourage the creation of new brain cells in animal studies. This could help replace damaged cells and improve brain function.
4. Calming Effects: Alzheimer’s often comes with anxiety and agitation. CBG might help alleviate these symptoms, making it easier for patients to manage their emotions and improve their overall well-being.
5. Better Sleep: Many people with Alzheimer’s experience sleep problems. Preliminary research indicates that CBG may help improve sleep quality, making it easier for patients to rest and recover.

3. The Entourage Effect

An exciting discovery is that CBG, CBD and THC might work better together than alone. This is because of something called the “entourage effect,” where the multiple, different cannabinoid compounds in cannabis interact in a way that enhances their effects. Think of it like a team where each player’s strengths complement the others to win the game more effectively.

4. What We Need to Know

While the initial findings are promising, there’s still a lot to learn. Researchers need to find out the best doses and combinations of cannabinoids that will be most effective and have the least side effects. They also need to see if these treatments are safe and beneficial for people with Alzheimer’s in real-world settings.

In summary, cannabinoids might offer new ways to tackle Alzheimer’s by helping to fix some of the brain’s problems caused by the disease. Even though we need more research to fully understand how to use these treatments effectively, for now, the idea is that using these cannabinoids together could be a promising approach to help manage Alzheimer’s disease. And, non-psychotropic cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG are emerging as safe options to incorporate as supplements for people with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. If you’d like to consider trying CBG as a potential treatment for yourself or a loved one, please consult with a healthcare professional experienced in endocannabinology or cannabinoid-based therapies for personalized guidance as this is not medical advice.