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Alzheimer’s Disease and Medical Marijuana: What You Need to Know

By November 30, 2017April 25th, 2022No Comments

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death among people aged 65 and older in the United States. It is a progressive neurological disorder that destroys brain cells. Alzheimer’s disease usually starts slowly and gets worse over time, causing memory loss and deteriorating thinking ability and other mental functions. Even before the first symptoms manifest themselves, it is believed that a protein called amyloid beta starts accumulating in the nerve cells. It creates a harmful plaque in the brain that can cause cell death.

The cure for Alzheimer’s is yet to be found but many patients turn to medical marijuana stores in Orange County, CA to alleviate its symptoms. Medical cannabis can help them deal with anxiety, appetite regulation, sleep disturbances, agitation, and depression.

Here’s what you need to know about the effects of medical marijuana on Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment.

How does cannabis affect the brain?

Components of cannabis target a system in the brain known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system plays an important role in the human body. It acts in response to illness and it’s involved in regulating numerous basic functions, such as appetite, metabolism, mood, sleep, pain, inflammation, digestion, memory, and learning, etc.

ECS consists of a series of two main receptors called CB1 and CB2. They interact with endocannabinoids, compounds that our bodies produce naturally. Together, they are responsible for regulating homeostasis.

It is precisely the modulation of the endocannabinoid system that may be key to combating chronic neurologic and immune conditions. There is another way to trigger this process. CB1 and CB2 are also configured to accept THC and CBD, cannabinoids found in medical marijuana. By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, THC and CBD are known to produce therapeutic effects.

Scientists have been exploring the benefits of medical marijuana in treating many diseases and conditions. THC mostly binds to the CB1 receptors, which are concentrated in the brain and spinal cord. They play a major role in memory, emotional processing, pain reduction and appetite regulation. On the other hand, CBD can bind to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. When the CB2 receptors are activated, they work to reduce inflammation. Together with CBD, the CB2 receptors work as anti-inflammatory agents.

How can medical marijuana prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease?

The hippocampus is responsible for memory and learning and it’s known to be vulnerable to the causes of Alzheimer’s disease. It also contains the CB1 receptors, which is why a combination of THC and CBD can alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. A study conducted on the mice showed that this combination improved their learning skills and reduced amyloid clumps in their bodies.

There’s also evidence that the microglia play a vital role in the development of Alzheimer’s. Microglia are a type of glial cells located throughout the brain and spinal cord and the primary immune cells of the central nervous system. Microglia contain the CB2 receptors, which are activated by CBD.

Can cannabis manage Alzheimer’s disease symptoms?

Patients who visit medical marijuana stores in Orange County, CA have noted considerable difference after starting using medical marijuana. Because THC and CBD activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors, they can alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease that are regulated by the endocannabinoid system.

This means that medical marijuana treatment can help the patients sleep better, stimulate their appetite, enhance motor functioning, and regulate their mood. Medical cannabis is a powerful ally in alleviating anxiety, aggression, and depression, making it easier for Alzheimer’s patients to deal with everyday tasks.

Other benefits of using medical marijuana in Alzheimer’s treatment

The team at the Salk Institute showed that THC reduced the amount of amyloid beta in the brain cells with high levels of this protein, preventing their death. A study in 2006 found that cannabis can even prevent this memory-inhibiting protein from forming in the brain.

There’s evidence that cannabinoids in marijuana can not only reduce inflammation, enabling the brain cells to survive, but may also stimulate cell growth. There’s still much to explore regarding the effects of medical marijuana on the human body. In sum, medical cannabis holds promise as an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, as well as many other debilitating conditions.

The best among medical marijuana stores in Orange County CA

If you are looking for medical marijuana stores in Orange County CA, People’s OC is your go-to dispensary! Visit our facility, see our medical marijuana doctor, and get your medical marijuana recommendation.

In the meantime, feel free to check out our selection of the industry’s highest quality medicines or call us at (714) 582-3446. We will answer all the questions you may have and find the optimal solution for your health condition.