Dementia affects nearly 7 million Americans. It is the gradual loss of cognitive function. This is the loss of memory, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities to the point where it interferes with daily life. In addition to cognitive decline, people living with dementia experience emotional distress and isolation, which is also experienced by their caregivers.

There is growing interest in the possible role of cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential complementary therapy for dementia care. Drawing insights from Healthnews, this article explores the limitations of traditional dementia treatments, the emerging potential benefits of CBD for dementia, and how to choose the best CBD for seniors..

Understanding dementia

Dementia is a general term that describes the gradual decline in cognitive function. There are four main types of dementia:

• 1. Alzheimer’s disease: This is the most common type. Its symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty thinking.
• 2. Vascular dementia: Its symptoms include problems with decision-making and movement.
• 3. Lewy body dementia: Its symptoms include visual hallucinations and sleep issues.
• 4. Frontotemporal dementia: Its symptoms include personality change and behavioral disturbances.

Dementia places a huge physical, emotional, and financial burden on caregivers. A 2019 3-year longitudinal study reported that 47.4% of caregivers had significant burden levels; this value increased to 56.8% after 3 years. 
The role of CBD in dementia care

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) controls different processes in the brain. For example:

• It controls mood and stress
• It controls cognitive function by controlling neural signaling for memory and focus.
• It helps to stop brain inflammation. This is the cognitive decline experienced through dementia. It is caused by inflammation in the brain.

The ECS has CBD receptors that are activated when CBD interacts with them. This helps the body to regulate its cognitive function, mood, and stress.

Currently, there are no scientific studies or evidence that support the use of CBD for dementia. A 2021 review of the safety and effectiveness of CBD for dementia treatment concluded that the benefits of CBD for dementia treatment remain inconclusive. However, a 2022 study of 19 older adults with severe dementia reported that a long-term combination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD may provide overall improvements, even if the older adults are taking other medications. Yet, more thorough testing in a randomized trial is needed to confirm these results.

There are studies that support the use of CBD to relieve some of the symptoms of dementia, like anxiety, agitation, and sleep disturbances.

CBD for specific dementia symptoms

CBD may be helpful in relieving some dementia symptoms.

• Agitation and aggression. CBD has been suggested to reduce agitation in people with severe dementia. A review of different studies concluded that CBD improved aggression in people with dementia.
• Anxiety and depression. CBD has been reported to decrease anxiety, which, in turn, causes relaxation. CBD has also been shown to significantly reduce depression.
• Sleep disorders. An online survey of 2,409 people reported that 62% of CBD users use it as therapy for different conditions like anxiety and sleep disorders.
• Pain management. A 2021 study of data from 9,766 older adults reported that most adults had significant pain improvement after using CBD.
• Reduced cognitive health and memory. In rat/mice models, CBD was shown to improve memory and cognitive health. These models included rat models of Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is currently no scientific study on the link between CBD and cognitive health or memory in humans.

CBD dosage and administration for dementia patients

Using the right CBD dosage is as important as choosing the best CBD for seniors. Currently, there are no specific guidelines and research on the right CBD dosage for dementia patients.

However, a 2019 review showed a wide dosing range of CBD in the studies reviewed (between <1 and 50 mg/kg/day). So, based on this, it may be ideal to start with a small CBD dosage (for example, 0.5 mg). Then, after a week, if you do not experience any side effects at this low dosage, you could slowly increase the dosage under medical supervision.

Talk to your healthcare provider before you use CBD to make sure you are using the right CBD product and the right dosage and to find out any potential risks relating to dementia.

There are different ways to take CBD, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Some of these ways are:

• Oral CBD. These could be in the form of capsules, gummies, or oils.
• Sublingual. These could be oils dropped under your tongue.
• Topical. These could be creams, lotions, or balms.
• Inhalation. These could be vaped or smoked.

You may need to try different methods to see what works best for you. This should be done under medical supervision.

Here are some things to consider to make sure you are buying the best CBD product:

1. Organic and non-GMO CBD options. These options do not contain harmful pesticides or extra additives. Using these options ensures optimal health benefits.
2. Third-party lab testing. CBD products that have gone through third-party lab testing have certificates on them or in their packaging. These tests ensure the purity and potency of the CBD products.
3. Consult your healthcare provider. They can recommend reputable CBD products that are based on your health conditions or any medication you may currently be taking.
4. Read the ingredient list. Avoid CBD products containing artificial flavors or low-quality carrier oils. Instead, look out for CBD products that contain natural ingredients like hemp seed oil as the carrier oil.

Safety and side effects of CBD for dementia patients

Some side effects linked to the use of CBD in older adults have been reported. Common side effects of CBD include:

• Dizziness.
• Dry mouth.
• Nausea.
• Drowsiness.

A randomized controlled trial of CBD in patients with dementia reported some side effects. These included hallucinations, sleepiness, red, irritated eyes, increased heart rate, and headaches.

CBD may interact with some medicines that are usually prescribed to dementia patients. Some of these medicines are blood thinners, sedatives, and blood pressure medications. So, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before using CBD so that you can be closely monitored.

Final word

Dementia is a gradual decline in cognitive health. The four main types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Dementia has a huge physical, emotional, and financial burden on patients and their caregivers. Different studies suggest potential benefits of CBD, such as reduced pain and anxiety. This could improve the quality of life for dementia patients and their caregivers. Side effects of CBD include drowsiness, dry mouth, and nausea. Thus, always consult with your healthcare provider to help you explore different forms of CBD, to pick the right one for you, and to make sure it is suitable for your health.

• Category: Seniors, Сlinicians