If you are in your 50’s or older, you may remember the Jerry Lewis Labor MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) Telethon. It was televised annually and I remember Jerry Lewis staying up all night, raising money, singing and smoking cigarettes on live TV. I didn’t realize at the time that the MDA was responsible for not only research in muscular dystrophy, but ALS as well.
What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS?
ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by the selective and progressive injury and death of motor neurons located in the spinal cord, brain stem, and motor cortex. When cells in these regions die, the individual loses voluntary muscle control and movement, making chewing, speaking, and walking difficult to impossible.
Once the nerve dies, it can no longer send signals to muscles, which causes them to twitch, spasm, become progressively weak, and eventually waste away. Once the disease begins, it almost always progresses, shortening life span dramatically, leading to an early death. Despite this, the progression is not always a straight line, meaning that periods of arrest have been seen in people in which there is little to no loss of function for a few weeks or months.
What Causes ALS?
While it is not clear what causes ALS, we do know there are two different forms of the disease. Sporadic ALS has no known etiology or origin and accounts for 90% of all cases and Familial ALS is genetic and represents roughly 5-10% of cases.
It appears that athletes and people who have served in the military have a higher risk of developing ALS and the US Department of Affairs has recognized ALS as a service-connected disease. Two specific groups of military personnel have shown a higher incidence of ALS – those who served in Guam in the late 1950s and more recently, those serving in the Gulf War. There is now ongoing research investigating exposure to neurotoxins as the potential cause of the disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ALS include progressive weakening of muscles, slurred speech, abnormal fatigue in the arms and legs, and uncontrollable periods of laughing, yawning or crying, called the pseudobulbar effect. Individuals may also experience problems with coordination, muscle spasms and pain, excessive drooling, mild cognitive impairment, severe constipation, shortness of breath and severe unintentional weight loss.
Research Findings
Research examining the effects of CBD for symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has shown mostly positive results. While CBD does not cure the disease, it can help manage symptoms and improve quality of living. Here are some general findings:
- CBD has been found to ease pain due to its analgesic properties
- It helps reduce muscle tension and induces relaxation
- It acts as a bronchodilator, opening airways so that people with ALS can breathe easier
- It has shown the ability to reduce or slow the overproduction of saliva which leads to drooling
- It stimulates the appetite, enhances diet and induces sleep
Early Research
Research going back to 2007 found that CBD has anti-inflammatory actions and delayed the progression of neuroinflammation caused by ALS. In a study using mice with ALS symptoms, researchers discovered an increase in survival of 56% when cannabinoids were introduced to CB1 and CB2 receptors. It was also found that cannabinoids exert antioxidant actions, target multiple neurotoxic pathways, and may become a valuable treatment for ALS.
The Endocannabinoid System’s Role
Several years later, researchers discovered the natural ability of the endocannabinoid system to help reduce symptoms of ALS as well as the ability of cannabinoids to alleviate limb spasticity and neurodegeneration. Cannabinoids act as neuroprotectant agents which may slow disease progression and delay the onset of symptoms.
ALS medication and CBD Combined
Further studies reported that a combination of ALS medication and CBD together can improve symptoms and bring some functioning back for the individual dealing with multiple symptoms. It is also believed that CBD is a natural fit in treating any motor neuron disease, such as ALS. It is well-tolerated even at high doses and with chronic use and can easily be combined with other existing medical treatments.
Final Thoughts on CBD and ALS
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS is one of if not the most devastating neurodegenerative disease known. We don’t know what causes it and there is no cure. It is a progressive disease that ends in complete disability. While there are pharmaceuticals and other treatments to help manage symptoms, perhaps more research will find that CBD and other cannabinoids – either on their own, or in combination with ALS medications, will delay and greatly improve symptoms, slow the progression and improve the lives of people living with this disease.