Dementia describes a group of symptoms resulting from decreased cognitive function. Although it is common in older adults, dementia is not a typical part of the aging process.
The term “dementia” has been used for centuries to describe many psychiatric and neurological conditions. Still, it wasn’t until 1797 that doctors recognized dementia as a medical condition.1 In recent years, the medical community has begun to refer to dementia as a “major neurocognitive disorder” and “mild cognitive disorder.”
A leading cause of death, dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide, and over 10 million new cases are diagnosed yearly.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. In 2022, researchers studied the first medication that can slow the progression of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients, albeit with negligible results.2
What Causes Dementia?
The causes of dementia can vary and, in some cases, are unknown. Changes in the brain and, in rare cases, genetic mutations may increase the development of dementia.
Dementia is a symptom of some medical conditions, including
- Alzheimer’s disease,
- Stroke, or conditions involving blood flow to the brain,
- Side effects from medication,
- Vitamin deficiency,
- Pressure in the brain,
- Thyroid imbalances.
Certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing dementia:
- Older age, especially when 65+
- Family history of dementia
- African Americans and Hispanics are more at risk than Caucasians
- Heart conditions, including high blood pressure and cholesterol
- Smoking
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Dementia Signs & Symptoms
If you have dementia, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Memory loss and confusion
- Communication difficulties
- Visual and spatial impairment
- Difficulty with reasoning or complicated tasks
- Difficulty with planning and organization
- Impaired coordination and motor function
- Personality changes
- Depression or anxiety
- Paranoia
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Inappropriate behavior
These are common cognitive and psychological symptoms of dementia. These symptoms can vary among patients and depend on the cause of dementia.
Besides Alzheimer’s, other progressive types of dementia include:
- Vascular dementia,
- Lewy body dementia,
- Frontotemporal dementia,
- Mixed dementia, a combination of multiple types of dementia.
In many cases, dementia progresses, and its effects are permanent, but in some cases, conditions that cause dementia-like symptoms can be reversed, including those caused by
- Infection or immune disorders,
- Metabolic and endocrine abnormalities,
- Nutritional deficiencies,
- Medication,
- Subdural hematomas,
- Brain tumors,
- Normal-pressure hydrocephalus.
Can Cannabis Aid in the Treatment of Dementia?
Cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids have been found to have potential neuroprotective properties.3 Research into how cannabis affects the human brain is ongoing. Still, when it comes to dementia, there is no conclusive evidence as to whether the condition may be improved by cannabis.
- A 2019 review looked at the efficacy of cannabis for the treatment of dementia. Limited evidence showed that cannabis may be effective against certain symptoms, but results were not significant enough to determine any clinical guidance around treatment methods. These results were limited because the quality of the studies was not great, and they only looked at oral cannabis.4
- In a small 2016 pilot study, experts found that medical cannabis oil containing THC appears to be a safe and effective option for treating symptoms of dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease, including delusions, agitation, and sleep issues. These results support more extensive clinical trials to corroborate these findings and determine the best course of treatment.5
- Another study from 2016 looked at whether cannabis use was related to cognitive decline in 3,385 people under age 55. Researchers found that while cannabis users may experience deficits in verbal memory, they did not experience deficits in other cognitive functions.6
- A review published in 2021 looked at randomized controlled trials centered around cannabis use and cognitive decline. While cannabis use seems to affect memory and executive function, these effects are more likely explained by certain genetic and environmental factors that could predispose people to cognitive decline and the use of cannabis.7
Cannabis may not treat dementia, but it seems like it may address some of its symptoms. Until further research takes place to decipher the risks and benefits of using medical cannabis for dementia, clinical guidance will remain limited.
Cannabis use appears to be associated with some form of cognitive decline. Still, experts have been unable to determine whether this is due to the cannabis itself or other genetic and environmental factors. The cognitive effects of cannabis may greatly depend on the amount and method of consumption.
Small studies have shown that THC may be safe and effective for people with Alzheimer’s disease to address psychiatric and behavioral problems, but more extensive clinical trials are needed. Please consult a healthcare provider before using medical cannabis to treat dementia, mainly because it may interact with certain medications.8
While some people may use medical cannabis for symptoms of dementia with positive results, it may not prove effective in all cases.9
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers dementia a qualifying condition for medical cannabis, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes dementia or its symptoms as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get your medical cannabis card in your state.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical cannabis technology platform, serving patients in over half the states in the U.S. We’ve connected over 1,300,000 patients with their new medical cannabis doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Dementia
Does cannabis help with dementia?
No clinical evidence exists proving cannabis has any effect on dementia. Some studies have shown that cannabis may potentially improve dementia-related psychiatric and behavioral symptoms, mainly with Alzheimer’s disease.5 Future research will hopefully uncover more about the potential risks and benefits of combining cannabis and dementia.
What type of cannabis is suitable for symptoms of dementia?
CBD and THC have been found to have neuroprotective properties, and a small study has shown that THC may be especially beneficial in symptoms related to Alzheimer’s disease.3,5 More research is required to explore the long-term safety and efficacy of medical cannabis as a treatment for symptoms of dementia.
Can someone with Alzheimer’s disease use cannabis?
While some people with Alzheimer’s disease report using medical cannabis with positive results, we do not know its long-term effects. Until clear clinical guidance is available, it is important to use caution regarding cannabis and diseases involving cognitive decline, as adverse events may be possible.
References
- Yang HD, Kim DH, Lee SB, Young LD. History of Alzheimer's Disease. Dement Neurocogn Disord. 2016;15(4):115-121. doi:10.12779/dnd.2016.15.4.115
- van Dyck CH, Swanson CJ, Aisen P, et al. Lecanemab in Early Alzheimer's Disease. N Engl J Med. 2023;388(1):9-21. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2212948
- Cásedas G, Moliner C, Maggi F, Mazzara E, Víctor López. Evaluation of two different Cannabis sativa L. extracts as antioxidant and neuroprotective agents. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2022;13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.1009868
- Peprah K, McCormack S. Medical Cannabis for the Treatment of Dementia: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; July 17, 2019.
- Shelef A, Barak Y, Berger U, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study. J Alzheimers Dis. 2016;51(1):15-19. doi:10.3233/JAD-150915
- Auer R, Vittinghoff E, Yaffe K, et al. Association Between Lifetime Marijuana Use and Cognitive Function in Middle Age. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2016;176(3):352-352. doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.7841
- Bourque J, Potvin S. Cannabis and Cognitive Functioning: From Acute to Residual Effects, From Randomized Controlled Trials to Prospective Designs. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.596601
- Antoniou T, Bodkin J, Ho JM. Drug interactions with cannabinoids. CMAJ. 2020;192(9):E206. doi:10.1503/cmaj.191097
- Kaskie B, Bobitt J, Herrera J, et al. Cannabis Use among Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers: Lighting up an Emerging Issue for Clinical Gerontologists. Clinical Gerontologist. 2020;44(1):42-52. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2020.1852465
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
