The second most diagnosed neurodegenerative disorder, right behind Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, is a devastating condition that has no known cause or cure. While there are various medications, including psychotropic drugs, to help manage symptoms, they come with mild to severe side effects which cause some people to stop taking them. Research has shown promising use of CBD for Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Quick Overview of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is characterized mainly by movement symptoms including tremors, slowness of movement, rigidity and impaired balance. People affected by the disease also experience non-motor symptoms including cognitive changes, memory problems, early signs of dementia, constipation, low blood pressure and fatigue.
Numbers
Around 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease annually and roughly 1 million Americans are diagnosed with it today. While many more may be undetected or undiagnosed, Parkinson’s affects more people than multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) combined. Rates of newly diagnosed cases increase with age. Around 4% are diagnosed before age 50 and men are 1.5 times more likely to develop the disease than women.
The Role of Dopamine
Neurons in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra malfunction and eventually die. Some of these neurons are responsible for producing dopamine, an important neurotransmitter responsible for muscle movement and coordination. Parkinson’s disease is progressive, meaning that symptoms become worse over time until the individual is no longer in control of movement. The progression is slow and only after 70% to 80% of the nerve cells have been lost do symptoms begin to appear, making it a challenge to accurately diagnose.
Diagnosis
There are no specific clinical tests to diagnose Parkinson’s. Most likely, neurologists will diagnose it after reviewing the person’s family and medical histories, reviewing signs and symptoms, and performing neurological and physical examinations. Lab tests can be used to rule out other possible conditions. Imaging tests like SPECT, PET, MRI and CT scans can also be helpful in obtaining a clear diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
Traditional Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease
While Parkinson’s cannot be cured, there are medications that can help manage symptoms and improve daily living. Most medications are prescribed to help with motor movements and manage walking and tremors. Because most people with Parkinson’s have low levels of dopamine, these medications increase or substitute for dopamine.
Side Effects of Prescription Medications
Perhaps the most unfortunate side effect of prescription medications for PD, is that they become less and less effective over time. Some medications can also cause nausea, light-headedness and increased involuntary movements at higher doses. Other potential side effects include:
- Hallucinations
- Compulsive behaviors
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Cognitive difficulties
Research Findings
Research on the potential effects of CBD on Parkinson’s symptoms in rats began in 2007 and found that it has antioxidant properties and reduced oxidative stress leading to neuroprotection. The very next year in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, researchers reported that CBD could be useful in people with PD who experience psychiatric symptoms like hallucinations. For the first time, the study declared that CBD is safe and well-tolerated for decreasing psychiatric symptoms associated with PD.
More studies throughout the years have found that CBD has anti-inflammatory and “memory-rescuing” effects, and anti cataleptic effects like muscular rigidity and pain. CBD was also found to help with REM Sleep Behavior disorder which is characterized by the loss of muscle relaxation during REM sleep, nightmares, and behaviorally acting out during these nightmares.
Later studies found that CBD has the ability to protect against MPP+, which is a neurotoxin relevant to the disease. CBD was also found to reduce stress, anxiety and depression in people with Parkinson’s disease.
A fascinating study found that the endocannabinoid system is highly represented in the basal ganglia and has been found to be altered in various movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Other studies suggest that CBD may be able to limit neurological damage, alleviate certain symptoms, delay or arrest the progression of the disease and possibly repair damaged neural structures.
Final Thoughts on CBD and Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder second only to Alzheimer’s disease. It affects 1 million people in the U.S. and millions more around the world. There is no cure and certain medications may be helpful but come with negative side effects. CBD has been shown in many studies to have positive results for several symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is safe and well-tolerated and has few to no serious side effects. Can CBD one day become a valid medical treatment for not only Parkinson’s but other devastating neurodegenerative disorders?