Medical Marijuana & Dementia
Written by: Katie Fournier, LPN, CDP, Owner & co-founder of Ember Holistic Care LLC
Most people that are affected by a dementia related diagnosis come from a generation where there was a huge stigma surrounding cannabis use. Often referred to in the past as a “hippy drug,” or “devils lettuce,” has come a long way from just getting you high, but potentially a new intervention for helping with a dementia related symptom. From anxiety and agitation, to poor appetite, to pain management and inflammation, just to name a few. CBD and THC are being looked at as having true potential to be used regularly to aid in relief.
The possibilities are endless with the market Massachusetts has now. It is common to see dispensaries popping up on every corner with inventory that can resemble a seltzer water or a gummy bear. Imagine the idea of using the temporary truth twist that you are getting your loved one with dementia to have an “All natural Vitamin to help you feel better.“ This would have sounded far-fetched 10 to 20 years ago when being considered as a direction to take when looking to combat dementia symptoms.
There have been various studies and research conducted on Marijuana, THC, and CBD and how it can aid in various ailments. What I find so fascinating about these studies and research is how public the information is, yet so many still don’t know how to access it themselves. So, I wanted to take some time to share some of my favorite studies that are specific to dementia related illnesses and where you can find the information yourself.
My favorite, not only because it happened right in our back yard, but because of how promising its results were, was a study done at Tufts University and John Hopkins. This study was spanned from 2017 to 2024. It looked at individuals who were inpatient for psychiatric care due to agitation secondary to an Alzheimer's diagnosis. The study looked at groups at several sites spanning from McCleans in Boston to as far as sites in Pennsylvania surrounding John Hopkins Campus. The criteria for the study was that the participants must have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's and were in an inpatient setting where they were being evaluated and monitored for psychiatric care secondary to their dementia related illness of Alzheimer's. The study spanned over a few weeks in which some participants were given a placebo while others were given a synthetic form of Marijuana known as Marinol. Marinol has historically been used prior to the study for terminal illness and appetite enhancement with those suffering from terminal cancers and HIV/AIDS. The controlled group that received the marinol were seen to have a 30% overall improvement in their dementia related behaviors. The participants received the drug Marinol twice daily over a few weeks span.
Although this is still ongoing, the University of Kentucky has launched a study called the LiBBY study focusing on use of both CBD and THC to aid in moderate to severe dementia related symptoms. They tackle the advanced stages with a holistic approach and use of both non psychoactive CBD and the psychoactive THC to aid in pain, psych management, and other related symptoms that go hand in hand with an advanced stage dementia illness or progression. They have sites throughout the US that may be a fit for those willing to try and be part of their ongoing research. So far promising results including end of life relief, improvement in anxiety and agitation, and increase in pain relief have been reported.
There was literature published in Ottawa, Canada that reviewed several trials with the use of both synthetic and natural forms of THC and CBD. The information published was with a group of those under medical care, with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or a dementia related illness, with a moderate to severe advancement showing signs of agitation or other psychiatric related behaviors secondary to their dementia. The studies were positive indicating improvements in their day to day function, decrease in agitation and anxiety, and improvement in overall quality of life. The participants with a diagnosis were monitored and given various doses of THC through edible routes and low doses of CBD. After a few weeks time, the results measured showed improvements overall in their behavior and cognitive testing scales.
There is a free platform that lists out every study or clinical trial ever conducted for every ailment and how THC or CBD played a role in the study. I want to share this with you in hopes of encouraging you to do your own research, but also with great optimism that if this crosses your path you have a new insight, and a new lens of hope for your loved one or yourself that medical marijuana could be a possible avenue. I believe with this knowledge of the power of CBD and THC in combating dementia related symptoms, that we will open up a larger conversation of the natural alternatives such as hemp to aid in anyone's dementia journey and make it a more positive one.
For more information on how Ember Holistic Care LLC is utilizing CBD and THC with their clients and families, or to learn more about Ember in general, fill out our contact form to set up your complimentary consultation!
