Dementia, a mental condition that causes memory loss and decreased cognitive function. Although most patients with dementia develop Alzheimer’s disease over 65 years of age, some cases can also occur in young adults.
The symptoms for dementia can vary, and include short term memory loss, changes in mood, and difficulty communicating.
As CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 and HHC quickly gain popularity as an alternative medicine and recreational product, research and reviews are rising in numbers about how hemp products, particularly CBD, may help with symptoms of dementia.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD), is a cannabinoid found in both hemp and marijuana cannabis plants. Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive, and doesn’t get you high.
CBD is reported to help with several conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, and depression. When we consume CBD, our CB1 and CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system located throughout our central and peripheral nervous systems react with the cannabinoid to self-regulate our body to help treat various conditions.
Despite us knowing that CBD and other cannabinoids do in fact react with our bodies in a way that alters our physical and mental conditions, we do not know how exactly and to what extent these cannabinoids are able to treat medical conditions. These uncontrolled and unknown variables are why many medical practitioners as well as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not recommend cannabis as a treatment for any condition or illness.
CBD Oil and Symptoms of Dementia
Unfortunately, there has been little clinical research behind the medical benefits of CBD and CBD oil tinctures. That being said, there have been reports from consumers and studies suggesting that there could be some significance in CBD treating dementia.
Dementia related symptoms that are found to be treated by CBD include anxiety, agitation, depression, difficulty sleeping, and declined motor function.
Does research support the use of CBD oil for dementia?
Research does not believe that CBD can prevent or slow down the growth of dementia, however, CBD can help treat its symptoms to be more tolerable.
From a 2019 study, CBD was shown to help patients with dementia treat their behavioral symptoms, but not physical symptoms. Depression, agitation, and anxiety are all symptoms that have had significant reductions as a result of CBD use. Physical symptoms like memory loss, and decline in cognitive function were not treatable.
In a 2015 study, the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) had found CBD to be a great means of reducing stress as shown in rats.
Research is still lacking in human testing, but has nonetheless shown promise.
Is CBD safe to use?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified CBD as safe to use. However, the FDA does not recommend the use of any CBD oil or over the counter CBD product to treat any conditions or illnesses. That means that although CBD may be safe to consume, it is not proven to be useful in a medical context.
Side effects still exist for the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, including diarrhea, and change in appetite and weight.
If you think you can benefit from CBD, consult with your medical practitioner before deciding whether or not CBD is right for you.
How do I know how much CBD is right for me?
Since CBD has not met any clinical research, the proper dosing for CBD has not been officially established. The amount of CBD you should take varies from a person’s weight and medical condition.
In any case, it is important to start with small doses, and work your way up as needed. Depending on how you consume CBD will also determine how quickly your body will react to the cannabinoid, and give you a better understanding of whether or not taking more CBD is the right decision.
As previously mentioned, make sure to talk to a health professional before incorporating CBD into your diet and lifestyle.
How do I take CBD?
CBD like many cannabinoid products, come in may shapes and sizes. There are no best way to take CBD, such as long as you are obtaining the proper consistent dosage that is right for you.
Some of the most common CBD products come in the form of tinctures, topicals, pills, and edibles like gummies.
- Tinctures: Fatty oils like MCT coconut oil or hemp seed oil are infused with CBD to act as a tincture to consume through a liquid dropper placed under your tongue. This is a fast and easy way to receive your dose of CBD.
- Topicals: Lotions and balms are also infused with CBD to be used for topical pain relief by applying it to your inflicted area on your skin. Some tinctures can also be used in this way.
- Pills: Taking pills orally is a quick and easy way to consume CBD, but may take longer to activate than other methods, as your digestive tract takes time to break down the pill before the CBD can react with your body.
- Edibles: CBD gummies and other candies is a delicious way to consume CBD. If you want a more casual way of taking CBD, consider a little sweet treat as a means of medicating.
- Isolate: CBD can also be consumed in its most pure isolated form. CBD isolate can be consumed the same way as THC concentrates through vaporization or combustion.
The Bottom Line
Dementia is a condition that deteriorates cognitive function and memory, while also inducing behavioral changes. CBD is unable to prevent or stop dementia, but it is able to treat the anxiety and depression associated with the condition. Overall, more research especially at a clinical level are required to bring out a greater understanding of the medical benefits behind CBD. Speak to your medical practitioner before trying CBD or any other cannabis product.
Is CBD Legal?
In 2018, the Farm Bill was signed to redefine hemp as federally legal and separate from marijuana. Such as long as the cannabis product contains less than 0.3% of delta 9 THC by dry weight, the product is considered to be industrial hemp and federally permissible. Individual states have been creating their own forms of regulation to control the sale of hemp-derived products, however, they are primarily seeking to regulate psychoactive cannabinoids, and are more lenient on CBD. Until more regulations are in place and the market matures, it is important to conduct your best due diligence to know that the CBD product you are using does in fact contain the contents listed on the label.
