cbd-and-alzheimer-researches

CBD And Alzheimer’s: What The Research Says?

January 13, 2020

Alzheimer’s disease is among the leading brain disorders affecting a vast population around the world. It is an irreversible, degradation of the brain that destroys memory, thinking skills, and in the advanced stage hampers the ability to carry out simple tasks.

Alzheimer's disease is also the leading cause of dementia. Early symptoms may involve forgetting events, people's names, and faces, language problem as well as unpredictable behaviour. CBD oil, extracted from the hemp plant, is widely used in the treatment of several ailments and can help with Alzheimer’s as well. Several research studies are undergoing to determine how exactly it impacts patients suffering from mental conditions.

However, the available studies affirm that CBD oil can help to restrain the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Further, research highlights that CBD can influence how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) works.

CBD Oil Works As An Antioxidant

Oxidation is a chemical reaction that leads to the production of freely moving molecules or free radicals in the body. The oxidation brings about an imbalance between the antioxidants and free radicals in the body, referred to as oxidative stress. When this process is prevalent, these molecules become toxic to healthy cells. CBD oil can act as an antioxidant to help stop the production of these toxic agents. Several studies show that cannabinoids can act as antioxidants.

 A study conducted in 2000 observed that CBD and other cannabinoids facilitate antioxidant actions in the neuronal systems, that happen by reducing toxicity in the neurons. Tested against other cannabinoids, such as alpha-tocopherol and ascorbate, CBD demonstrated higher reaction and protective capacity.

In another study, CBD showed the ability to stabilize the production of molecules to prevent the chain reaction triggered by free radicals, which, in turn, helps to maintain standard cell function, thereby inhibiting the possibility of Alzheimer's disease. Ultimately, arresting free radicals in the body is a big step in fighting several disorders, including lifestyle diseases. Although the effects of Alzheimer's disease are irreversible, the consumption of CBD products may deter further progress.

CBD Can Stimulate Neurogenesis  

Neurogenesis is the process of neuron formation within the nervous system. All animal species have a neural network, and their formation process is an essential element of scientific studies. It is critical because neurons play a crucial role in the body's communication system. 

In a patient who has Alzheimer's disease, neuronal tissues deteriorate at a faster rate, causing effects such as memory loss and a decline in cognitive abilities. It also triggers unpredictable behaviour in patients. CBD oil can play a crucial role in enhancing and influencing receptors in the body to perform better. In a lab study, subjects given CBD products for four weeks demonstrated a higher level of neuron survival.

One of the boldest confirmations of CBD-stimulated growth of neurons is a study done on mice. On dosage of 30mg per day for 14 days, the lab-tested mice exhibited a higher increase in neural cells. Researchers concluded that repeated administration of CBD could be an effective way of enhancing the faster regeneration of cells.

Although animal tests may be inconclusive because there are so many variables that can influence the results in the case of human beings, they do help to draw possibilities on how similar efficient processes could be to human beings. By facilitating faster growth of cells in the body, ingesting CBD capsules could significantly slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

CBD Can Reverse Brain Aging 

The complex nature of the endocannabinoid system has elicited the interest of researchers over the years. It regulates some aspects of ageing. Evidence from scientific studies has demonstrated that low doses of CBD administered for a given period can have an impact on ageing and can even decrease inflammation. It also helps to improve cognitive reactions and helps to control chronic pain.

One of the possible explanations given on the ability of CBD products to prevent brain ageing is that it activates a process known as hormesis. Hormesis is a process through which cells exposed to certain conditions may increase or decrease. In the case of Alzheimer’s, CBD administered in low doses can have a beneficial effect while high dosage may have an inhibitory effect. Hence, there’s a need for a regulated dosage determined by age and weight of the patient, the time of administering the dose, among other factors.

These findings form the necessary foundations to age-related changes that affect the brain. Researches argue that if the active elements in CBD help to improve the human brain, then it might be useful in treating depreciative conditions such as Alzheimer's.

CBD As An Anti- Inflammation

An observation in the medical field is that inflammation is a common symptom across several chronic conditions. From heart diseases, hypertension to diabetes, and even Alzheimer's disease, inflammation is at the root of almost every illness that challenges human wellbeing.

When inflammation occurs in tissues, the production of free radicals increases, raising the exposure to oxidative stress, which leads to cell damage. Owing to its antioxidant properties, CBD can be a possible reliever in brain-related inflammations.

CBD is a natural-plant, with anti-inflammatory properties, that can work well with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in supporting the performance of other cannabinoids in the body, hence the possibility of helping in fighting Alhezeirmer disease.

Conclusion

Many people who prefer using natural treatment methods prefer using CBD because it doesn’t cause any severe side effects. Although there many claims that CBD is effective in managing various health conditions, there is still a need for lots of research to substantiate this.

However, positive findings on CBD effects on conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and dementia give hope to patients and their caregivers. CBD can work well in managing the disease, which might make it useful and one of the best alternative treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease.

So, if you or any of your loved one have Alzheimer’s disease then trying quality CBD products might be a good idea to help manage the condition. The good thing is that you can get CBD-infused products online as well.