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Treatment with the cannabinoid CBD reduces inflammation and cognitive decline associated with aging, according to the results of a recent study. The research, which the Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded, was published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, according to a report from Marijuana Moment.
The study by researchers at the University of Lethbridge and McGill University investigated the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on aging mice. Researchers focused on how the long-term administration of the non-intoxicating cannabinoid affected cognitive functions linked to key areas of the brain, including memory, motor control functions, and coordination.
The researchers determined that “CBD treatment has a positive impact on object memory processes mediated by the [perirhinal cortex] and spatial memory functions centered on the [hippocampus].”
“Brain pathology results showed that the aged mice treated with CBD showed reduced inflammation” in some areas of the brain, including the hippocampus, which plays a key role in memory and learning, the authors of the study wrote. Previous research has suggested that inflammation of those regions is linked to age-related dementia and other cognitive conditions.
The researchers administered CBD daily to 10 laboratory mice for seven months, while nine additional mice received a daily placebo over the same period to act as a control. Throughout the study period, researchers subjected the mice to a series of behavioral tests, including a “novel object recognition” task to assess visual memory, “fear conditioning,” and a balance beam task to gauge motor control.
“The results indicated that aged mice treated with CBD showed improved performance on the [novel object recognition] and [spacial learning], suggesting that CBD treatment has a positive impact on object memory processes mediated by the [perirhinal cortex] and spatial memory functions,” the study says.
The research team also noted that a full-spectrum cannabis formulation could be even more effective at treating the inflammation and cognitive decline associated with aging.
“The findings of this study show that CBD targets inflammatory responses in the brain and can improve cognitive decline associated with aging,” the authors said, adding that it’s “possible that the effects of CBD treatment can be enhanced if an extract with THC and terpenoids is used.”
Study Is Consistent with Other Research
The study is consistent with previous research into the potential relationship between cannabinoids and aging. A separate review of related research published in the Journal of Cannabis Research in July found that cannabinoids may promote healthy aging. The study by researchers in the United Kingdom reviewed 18 studies conducted over a 15-year period, encompassing both animal models and human participants.
“By synthesizing findings from preclinical models, clinical studies, and real-world evidence, we aimed to elucidate the potential of cannabinoids, in fostering healthy aging, mitigate age-related decline, and promote well-being in older populations,” the authors of the study wrote, according to a report from Science Alert.
The researchers focused their efforts on the cannabinoids CBD and THC and found strong results for anti-aging effects in animal studies. The results in studies involving human participants were mixed, however.
The researcher determined that overall, the results were “promising” for reducing inflammation and protecting the brain. In animal studies, cannabinoids have been associated with longer lifespans, improved learning, and reduced inflammation.
However, the researchers advised against reading too much into the promising results. Other research has shown that cannabis can have an anti-aging effect on the brains of lab mice. At least one human study has suggested that cannabis can protect against cognitive decline, but a different study has suggested that cannabis may damage memory function.
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