Alzheimer’s disease is an incurable, irreversible, and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that accounts for between 60-80% of dementia cases around the world. In the United States, 13.8 million people will develop the disorder by the year 2050 and the majority will experience a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms for which there are no FDA-approved treatments. It is therefore hoped that science will develop a CBD-based medication to naturally and safely treat these symptoms.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Neuropsychiatric symptoms affect nearly 97% of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease sometime during the course of the illness and include anxiety, aggression, restlessness, agitation and combativeness. These can lead to greater caregiver burden and burnout and families seeking nursing home placement sooner. Anxiety and agitation alone affect between 25-70% of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Current Treatments
Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications that treat the neuropsychiatric symptoms accompanying the disorder. Off-label antipsychotic drugs are used and include an FDA warning of possible death as there have been increases in mortality among this population due the use of these drugs. Other treatments include various behavioral therapies that are time-intensive and must be provided by trained professionals. It is obvious that a safe and efficacious treatment is sorely needed for people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and have neuropsychiatric disturbances.
How It Works
Cannabidiol or CBD has been found to have modifying effects within the endocannabinoid system. The analogy often used is that CBD is the key that unlocks the endocannabinoid system’s ability to regulate major systems of the body and brain and to bring homeostasis or balance.
Specifically, CBD is thought to moderate effects of the 5-HT serotonergic system, Mu-opioid receptors and TRPV1 and TRPV2 receptors, all of which help to regulate mood, anxiety, and depression and may play an important role in protecting brain cells from dying. It also is known to have neuroprotective properties as well as the ability to reduce tau hyperphosphorylation, a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s disease.
Final Thoughts on CBD and Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s has been called the disease of the 21st century and for obvious reasons. It is the leading cause of dementia and affects millions of people around the world. It is incurable and progressive. It is also associated with a number of troublesome behavioral symptoms that cause early admission into nursing homes and caregiver burnout. Since there are no FDA-approved medications currently available, scientists are working to find a CBD-based treatment that may reduce these symptoms, keep people with Alzheimer’s home longer, and reduce the heavy burden placed on caregivers.