Hemp and CBD Oil was legalized for cultivation, possession, and use with the 2018 Farm Bill. While it’s been growing in popularity since becoming fully legal, CBD or Cannabidiol has been researched for many years prior. As social acceptance of the plant grows, research is becoming more widespread and less taboo.

CBD oil products continue to grow in popularity at a rampant rate. This is partially due to Charlotte Figi’s CNN exposure but mostly in part due to its medicinal benefits. We’re discovering new symptoms, conditions, and ailments that CBD can treat or help with in some way every day. From Anxiety and Depression to Alzheimer’s Disease and other variations of Dementia, CBD can play a role in helping a wide range of conditions.

In this article, we’re diving into CBD as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of Dementia. We want to remove the stigma against taking CBD, explain the ins and outs of the plant, how it can interact with the disease, and much more. Let’s jump into our comprehensive guide on how one might be able to use CBD oil to tame the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that robs people of their memory and other important brain functions. It typically starts out with people not being able to remember recent events. Meanwhile, they typically also recall things that happened years or even decades ago. As the disease progresses, they may even lapse into a former frame of mind, where they think they’re in a different year or memory.

Generally, Alzheimer’s effects people over the age of 65, breaking down their brain tissue in a series of ways. Heartbreaking for the other family members involved, patients often forget their loves ones. Eventually, they may even forget how to use the toilet, feed themselves, dress themselves, or any other number of everyday tasks.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s that may present themselves as time progresses are:

• Trouble communicating
• Poor coordination, trouble walking, or adopting an odd walk
• Trouble focusing
• Getting lost easily and feeling disoriented
• Dramatic mood swings – outbursts of intense depression, anxiety, and especially anger
• Feeling frustrated or confused, particularly at night

What is Dementia?

Not a specific disease, dementia is a group of conditions that Alzheimer’s belongs to. Generally, it must be characterized by impairment of at least two important brain functions, such as judgement and memory loss. Any form of dementia can cause some sort of loss in cognitive functioning.

The symptoms of most types of dementia that may present themselves as time progresses are:

• Confusion and disorientation
• Difficulty with motor functions and coordination
• Difficulty problem-solving or reasoning
• Difficulty handling complex tasks
• Some form of memory loss, noticed first usually by a close family member
• Paranoia, agitation, anxiety, or depression
• Hallucinations and forms of inappropriate behavior
• Sometimes even rapid personality changes

What is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is the most common variation of dementia, so dementia is just the main category that Alzheimer’s Disease belongs to. Yet, besides Alzheimer’s, there are a range of other forms of dementia.

What are the Different Forms of Dementia?

Frontotemporal Dementia

In the case of this disease, the nerve cells in the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain degenerate or break down. This means this type of dementia affects the language, behavior, and personality part of the brain.

Lewy Body Dementia

One of the more common types of progressive dementia is Lewy Body Dementia. It occurs when doctors find abnormal clumps of protein in the brain.

Vascular Dementia

The second most common type of dementia, Vascular dementia typically leads to blood vessel conditions or a stroke. This form of dementia is when damage occurs to the blood vessels that provide a direct blood supply to the brain.

Mixed Dementia

However, patients typically have some combination of Alzheimer’s Disease and the other three forms. While Alzheimer’s may affect those over the age of 65, mixed dementia occurs when it has progressed much further.

Stages of Dementia

To best help inform plans for care and treatment, it’s always useful to know and keep an eye out for the stages of both dementia and Alzheimer’s. There is a 3-stage model: the mild or early stages that indicates early signs of something worse, the moderate or middle stage as things start to progress, and then the severe or late stage when the symptoms are at their most advanced. In the latter stage, typically patients are no longer able to care for themselves and have a full-time caretaker.

Does CBD Oil Help with Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia?

Here’s the biggest consideration: CBD is, unfortunately, not a cure for these neurodegenerative diseases. However, this does not mean CBD cannot greatly help those with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. As mentioned before as CBD is so new into legalization they are new studies that show there might be a chance is will help.

CBD oil can help with symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. While this may not sound like it does a whole lot, this can make a world of difference for the patients that are actually facing the disease. Some consider CBD life-saving because it provides moments of clarity and a sense of calm.

In short, CBD can help with the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, though it depends on the individual. There are other treatment medications, but as CBD gains popularity, it’s becoming more accepted as an effective all-natural alternative to standard prescription medications.

Does CBD Oil Help Stop the Progress of Alzheimer’s?

A study published in the US National Library of Medicine studied the effects that long-term cannabidiol (CBD) treatment had on the social recognition memory deficits in mice that had Alzheimer’s Disease.

The study found that the development of social recognition deficits was prevented through long-term cannabidiol treatment. In layman’s terms this means using CBD oil for a long period of time the mice were more capable to recognize other mice instead of forgetting or not recognizing.  This is a step in the right direction to solving the neurodegenerative disease. We need more research before there can be confirmation that CBD oil can help fully stop the progress of Alzheimer’s.

What Can CBD Help With?

While we’ve been discussing CBD as an all natural treatment for these neurodegenerative diseases, it’s the other symptoms that CBD helps, that makes it so effective. Instead of just acting as a neuroprotectant, CBD can greatly impact or improve the tasks performed on a daily basis. CBD can provide the following benefits:

• Reduce anxiety
• Promote appetite
• Reduce inflammation
• Optimize motor control
• Promote good or better sleep

CBD and Dogs with Dementia

CBD products are not just becoming popular for helping humans. On the contrary, man’s best friend can take part in the medicinal benefits that CBD has to offer. While dogs don’t react well to THC (what makes you feel high) over a long-term period, signs are more positive for a dog’s long-term reaction to CBD.

Senior dogs or dogs dealing with dementia may find some relief by having CBD incorporated into their daily diet. Maybe you know your furry friend is in pain, is blind or missing other senses, or is losing their memory, but you’re not ready to put them down. CBD may be the best answer to enhance their quality of life, improve their mood, and make their time on this earth a lot more enjoyable.

As mentioned, CBD oil isn’t a cure-all medicine. It may be able to help with some of the symptoms that your little furry friend has to deal with on a regular basis. Whether they’re suffering dementia or another degenerative disorder, you might try introducing CBD into their daily diet. Over the course of a few weeks or a few months, you may notice some distinct changes in your beloved pooch, including more energy, less stress, and less pain.

What are the Negative Side Effects of Using CBD Oil for Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease?

There are only mild side effects that may come with taking CBD oil. Side effects could be a slight change in blood pressure as well as dry mouth, are two of the most common symptoms. Make sure if an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient takes CBD oil that they have water available on hand for when they get parched.

In summary, there are mild potential negative side effects, which include:

• Dry mouth
• Change in blood pressure

Best Dosage of CBD for Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia

While more research is needed on the subject, various studies on the efficacy of CBD for Alzheimer’s patients have been performed. This includes how much CBD one would have to consume before it starts becoming effective.

A study done in 2014 found that CBD might not have any neuroprotective effects until you start taking a lot. The study indicated 10 to 20mg of CBD for every 2.23 pounds of human body weight. In this case, if the person weighs 150 lbs. + it would be important to ensure you were supplementing them with a ~650 MG + vs a smaller dosage.

Additionally, for Dementia, there’s evidence that may suggest a more powerful combination may be CBD and THCa combined. The non-activated form of THC, THCa is nutritious, edible, and can be found in an abundance in cannabis leaves. Dr. Jordan Tishler believes taking CBD alone may be less effective than taking it with THCa.

A 2017 study reinforced that CBD alone may not be as effective as a combination of CBD and THC. In fact, the 2017 study found THC and CBD together might provide greater therapeutic benefits than the phytocannabinoid alone.

Acting as a neuroprotectant, many believe that cannabis may be able to help prevent the progress of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Potentially protecting the brain cells from neurodegenerative disorders, CBD and the rest of the medical marijuana industry might be onto something that’s potentially life-saving. At the very least, extending the time you have or preventing those diseases from occurring is a potential possibility now.

CBD Oil and Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is when something causes damage to the brain because of the impaired blood flow to the brain. This impairment starts to effect memory, judgement, planning, reasoning, and many other important thought processes.

A 2016 study from NIH (the United States National Institute of Health) discovered that the brain has a recovered, better blood flow to the brain when the CB2 receptors in the brain have been activated. The CB2 receptors respond directly to CBD and THC. Using CBD to activate the receptors, this helped reduce brain cell damage commonly associated with the type of dementia and promoted an increased brain cell activity.

CBD Oil and Frontotemporal Dementia

Sometimes referred to as Pick’s Disease, frontotemporal dementia is typically caused by nerve cell loss in the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes. The disease progresses typically towards depression and psychosis.

CBD doesn’t lead to an increased risk of death like other anti-psychotic medications can. Likewise, the other medicinal benefits that CBD can provide play a huge role in its efficacy in treating dementia. CBD can be an effective anti-inflammatory agent, reduce motor symptoms like tremors, reduce anxiety and depression, and help maintain the circadian rhythm while you sleep.

Is Cannabis a Good Sleep Aid for Dementia or Alzheimer’s Patients?

Cannabis and CBD have already been found to act as a natural substance for promoting better sleep. Both act as excellent sleep aids for dementia or Alzheimer’s patients. CBD can help maintain the circadian rhythm, which helps determine how restful your sleep will be. Instead of tossing and turning all night, only to wake up feeling like you didn’t rest at all, CBD can help you sleep longer, more relaxed, and get to sleep faster at night.

This is particularly useful in those with some form of neurodegenerative disease. The disease often keeps them up at night or makes them especially irate or manic at night. Overall, if you’re in a state where the plant is fully legal or at least medicinally so, we would recommend utilizing cannabis as a sleep aid and seeing how you respond to it on an individual level.

Remember, CBD isn’t for everyone, so what works as an effective sleep aid for many may not be as effective for you. Likewise, you may have to experiment with the different strengths and types of cannabis strains before you know what really works. For example, the differences between CBD-rich edibles, THC-rich concentrates, and regular flower you smoke are substantial, and they can all provide vastly different effects.

How to Buy CBD Oil For Alzheimer’s/Dementia

CBD only continues to grow in popularity, but with that growth introduces many low-quality brands offering subpar or in worst case scenarios unsafe products. We’re going to explain how to find the best quality CBD oil for different ailments, including dementia and Alzheimer’s. Likewise, we’ll explain the differences between full-spectrum and CBD isolate products. We will talk about how full-spectrum products are typically more beneficial to you. Finally, we’ll dive into what you should stay away from when choosing to buy CBD oil.

Choose Your Buying Criteria

Everyone has their own individual standards for what they want out of a product. We’re going to break down some variables to consider while you’re shopping for your own CBD oil.

Immediacy of Effects – Delivery Methods Of CBD

Generally, they type of CBD oil delivery method determines the amount of time to have an effect on the body. For example, vaping CBD oil has the fastest effects on the body. Making the assumption you’re choosing high quality CBD oil, here are the general delivery methods and time to effect the body:

• Inhalation – This would be vaping or smoking CBD Oil, where it would directly enter the bloodstream from the lungs. The onset of effect would be immediate and the estimated duration would be approximately 2-4 hours.
• Ingestion – This would CBD oil in form edibles or soft gels/capsules, which would be taken orally. The onset of effect would be slower than inhalation because the CBD soft gels travel through your digestive system prior to blood stream, and the onset of effect could take 30 minutes to 2 hour depending on metabolism, weight, etc. The estimated duration of effect would be approximately 6-8 hours.
• Oral or Sublingual – This would be lozenges or liquid CBD Tinctures absorbed in the mouth but not swallowed. The CBD Oil would be administered through the mouth and enter the bloodstream through the mucous glands sublingually. The onset of effect would be immediate, anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour and the estimated duration would be approximately 4-6 hours.
• Topical – This usually would be in form of a CBD balm, salve or skin cream, where you would apply the topical solution for localized relief only (does not enter the bloodstream). The onset of effect would be immediate, approximately 15 minutes. The estimated duration of effect would be approximately 2-4 hours.

Strength or Concentration

In general, the cheaper a CBD product, the more likely it has a lower strength of CBD milligrams per product. For example our 750MG Daily Restore soft gels are priced higher than our 500 MG Strawberry Tincture. The strength matters greatly for how effective the product is going to be, depending on your condition, weight, tolerance, metabolism, etc. Be sure to fully understand the total CBD milligrams in the total bottle but also the milligrams per individual dose. For example, if you’re looking to dose at 25mg, you don’t want to make the mistake of buying edibles that are 10mg per total package.

Price

Understanding prices for CBD oil is essential, in general, price plays a role in the quality. Not every CBD brand priced at a premium is worthwhile – but almost every cheap CBD brand has additives, has been manufactured poorly, does not adhere to safe formulation, is not grown in the US or uses isolate. The list goes on here so it’s important to identify these upfront, please read our article’s about; The Types of CBD, How To Find High Quality CBD, & Why Whole Plant CBD Is Better.

Taste

Finally, your taste buds matter too. As effective as CBD oil can be, it won’t be a good experience if you don’t like the flavor. Also keep a close eye on the preservatives used in the CBD oil. The longer it sits, the more the preservatives steep. This can change the flavor of the CBD oil entirely. If you’re not sure, strawberry, orange and mint flavors are popular and always a safe bet. Likewise, try a natural hemp flavor if you’re feeling adventurous! This can be very earthy however, and not recommended if you know you need something delicious. We also recommend to stay away from flavors that are too abstract such as caramel as we’ve had poor experiences with them.

Whole Plant CBD (Full Spectrum) VS CBD Isolate

As we mentioned earlier, a combination of CBD and other cannabinoids are what doctors recommend for dementia. However, those aren’t the only two cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. On the contrary, there are over 100 other cannabinoids that can interact to enhance the effects. This means a non isolate or whole plant CBD product still contains all the other cannabinoids besides THC.

A CBD isolate, then, is when the CBD has been solely extracted from the hemp plant. No other cannabinoids come with the CBD, so you are given the bare-bones benefits that the substance can offer. Always select full spectrum and broad spectrum over these products!

Conclusion

While Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia are tragic diseases that are still very complicated, research is showing some potential benefits to using CBD and cannabis for treating symptoms. We recommend for readers to take this article as a starting point to doing more research and understanding the bodies Endocannabinoid System as well. Although, nothing is absolutely conclusive, the research is very promising regarding Alzheimers/Dementia and Cannabidiol. We, here at Japa Organics will be actively reading and learning more about new case studies and research leading into 2019 and onwards.

Medical Disclaimer

Information listed, referenced or linked to on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not provide professional medical or legal advice.

Japa Organics does not condone, advocate or promote licit or illicit drug use. Japa Organics cannot be held responsible for material from references on our pages or on pages to which we provide links, which condone, advocate or promote licit or illicit drug use or illegal activities. Please consult your Doctor/Health care Practitioner before using any products/methods listed, referenced or linked to on this website.