Alzheimer's Information: Cannabis More Widely Accepted for Alzheimer's Patients

By Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM

This November, voters in the state of Florida will be deciding on whether or not to allow the medical use of marijuana as a treatment for certain debilitating conditions. Already there are 13 states in the union where medical marijuana use is legal. Some of those states, including New Mexico, are seriously considering adding Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia to the list of illnesses eligible for medical marijuana.

Also known as cannabis, marijuana has been used for medical purposes for decades. However, strict laws surrounding recreational cannabis use have somewhat stunted public acceptance of cannabis for medical purposes. Yet the tide is turning. In New Mexico, medical marijuana supporters successfully convinced the medical advisory board of New Mexico's Medical Cannabis Program to include Alzheimer's disease on the list of treatable conditions. However, the state health secretary ultimately makes the final decision.

If the secretary moves in favor of medical cannabis for Alzheimer's disease, New Mexico will join a small number of other states already allowing the practice. It should be noted that the original petition to the medical advisory board only named Alzheimer's disease specifically. The board decided to expand their authorization to include multiple forms of degenerative dementia.

How It Helps

Proponents cite three ways in which cannabis can help Alzheimer's patients, beginning with reducing brain swelling. Ohio State University professor Gary Wenk has been studying various pharmaceutical compounds to see if any of them reduced brain inflammation associated with dementia. After years of frustrating results, he finally turned to cannabis. He told the Drug Policy Alliance he believes cannabis is the most powerful anti-inflammatory available for the human brain.

The second benefit of cannabis appears to be one of pain relief. Obviously, it is already in use for a number of other conditions where traditional medicines are ineffective for pain. As Alzheimer's progresses, the pain it causes increases dramatically. If pain can be relieved through medical marijuana, it should be an option.

Third, cannabis appears to help Alzheimer's patients manage anxiety, which, in turn, helps to increase their appetites. Numerous studies have shown that patients suffering from Alzheimer's related anorexia were able to put on significant weight thanks to the calming effects of cannabis. Those using the drug experienced a return to normal appetite levels.

Smoked or Swallowed

The idea of medical marijuana as a treatment for Alzheimer's and other diseases is sure to be hotly debated in legislative halls this spring and summer. Those in favor of cannabis as a medical treatment are quick to point out the millions of people around the country suffering from conditions that would benefit from cannabis use. They make a very strong case in support of it.

On the other hand, critics of medical marijuana fear that approving it is a gateway to recreational cannabis use. They also have a point. Unfortunately, the medical benefits of cannabis are largely achieved by smoking marijuana. By making the leaf form of the drug available as a medicine, you open the door to approving it for recreational use later on.

One possible solution offered by medical marijuana opponents in Florida is to insist the drug only be available as a prescription pill or liquid. This would remove some of the social aspects of using marijuana recreationally. Of course, doing so would not prevent addicts from seeking cannabis, but it might prevent casual users from using the drug recreationally by way of a medical prescription.

It is a complicated question that certainly deserves further discussion and analysis. If cannabis is useful as a treatment for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, it seems to be the least we can do for patients suffering from a disease that will ultimately claim their lives.

Remembering4You.com does not recommend cannabis for Alzheimer’s as there is not sufficient evidence it would minimize pain and confusion. The other problem we see is the danger of fire and accidents unless there is 24/7 one-on-one supervision which is extremely difficult to provide for any living at home or in community living. Cannibis can be added to cooking and other form as suggested above. Medical advice is always recommended before adding any supplements to someone who is living with Alzheimer’s. 

At Remembering For You - Ethelle G. Lord, M.Ed.,DM has created a unique Caregiver Partnership Agreement Program that promotes inter-professionalism in organizations and changes the way long-term care is delivered. She is also a pioneer in Alzheimer's coaching having been the first to create a certification program (15-week study course) and delivered on Webinar technology so that nobody needs to leave the comfort of their office/home to take this program. Dr. Lord is also the author of HOW IN THE WORLD... AND NOW WHAT DO I DO? A Primer for Alzheimer's: 12 Major Points for Coping Better available at http://AlzheimersPrimer.com.