CBD shows promise in alleviating Alzheimer's symptoms, according to Colombian study

Alzheimer's disease is a neurological condition that progressively impairs memory, cognitive abilities and the ability to carry out daily activities.

With over 55 million people with Alzheimer's worldwide by 2020, this number should double every 20 years, to reach 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.

In the face of this growing crisis, a recent Colombian study highlights the potential of the’CBD oil for the management of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease and CBD

Patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease frequently present with neuropsychiatric symptoms (SPN) such as agitation, depression and anxiety, which have a significant impact on patients and their caregivers. These symptoms are disruptive and often difficult to manage with traditional treatments, many of which have significant side effects.

The cannabidiol caught the eye because of its potential to relieve SPN without the side effects associated with conventional pharmaceuticals.

A team of Colombian researchers has carried out a prospective open cohort study to assess the safety and efficacy of CBD oil in the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's patients aged 65 and over. Published in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, the study spread over three years (2020-2023) and involved 59 patients.

Methodology

Patients received a CBD-rich oil sublingually every 8 to 12 hours, with doses gradually increased on a weekly basis. The primary objective was to achieve a reduction of more than 30% in the NPI-Q severity score (a measure of neuropsychiatric symptom severity) within 12 weeks versus baseline.

Main results

• At baseline, the median NPI-Q severity score was 24, with a caregiver distress score of 29.
• After three months, the median NPI-Q severity score fell to 12, while the caregiver distress score fell to 14.
• 94.9 % of patients experienced a more than 30 % reduction in symptom severity, and 54.2 % improved by more than 50 %
• The benefits lasted until 24 months of treatment
• The median daily dose of CBD was 111 mg/day, and the therapy was found to be safe and well tolerated

The researchers concluded that ‘CBD-rich oil is a effective and safe therapy to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. What's more, it significantly reduces the emotional burden on caregivers, a particularly important factor given the burden that caring for a patient often represents.