How does cannabis affect the brain?
The cannabinoids in cannabis interact with a network of cell receptors throughout the human body called the endocannabinoid system. This system exists in our bodies to interact with the naturally-occurring endocannabinoids, which play a role in regulating a variety of different bodily functions.
Cannabinoid receptors are found in most tissues and organs, but are particularly numerous in the brain. When cannabis is consumed and its cannabinoids act on these receptors, they alter the release of neurochemicals in the brain, which changes how brain cells communicate with each other. This, in turn, affects various processes within our bodies, including appetite, pain, mood, memory and learning.
Research on cannabis and Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers still have a lot to learn about the long-term effects of cannabis on the brain.
Clinical trials have identified that cannabis can help manage behavioural symptoms in people with dementia, including agitation and aggression, but only in some cases.
Other trials have studied the effects of cannabinoids (including THC and the synthetic nabilone) on behavioural symptoms, but more investigation is required.
The Alzheimer Society Research Program has funded research on how endocannabinoids affect mood and anxiety in dementia and how the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone can treat agitation in Alzheimer’s disease.
If you are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia and have concerns or questions about cannabis, the Alzheimer Society recommends that you consult with your family doctor or other healthcare provider.
https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/how-ca...t-dementia
The cannabinoids in cannabis interact with a network of cell receptors throughout the human body called the endocannabinoid system. This system exists in our bodies to interact with the naturally-occurring endocannabinoids, which play a role in regulating a variety of different bodily functions.
Cannabinoid receptors are found in most tissues and organs, but are particularly numerous in the brain. When cannabis is consumed and its cannabinoids act on these receptors, they alter the release of neurochemicals in the brain, which changes how brain cells communicate with each other. This, in turn, affects various processes within our bodies, including appetite, pain, mood, memory and learning.
Research on cannabis and Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers still have a lot to learn about the long-term effects of cannabis on the brain.
Clinical trials have identified that cannabis can help manage behavioural symptoms in people with dementia, including agitation and aggression, but only in some cases.
Other trials have studied the effects of cannabinoids (including THC and the synthetic nabilone) on behavioural symptoms, but more investigation is required.
The Alzheimer Society Research Program has funded research on how endocannabinoids affect mood and anxiety in dementia and how the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone can treat agitation in Alzheimer’s disease.
If you are living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia and have concerns or questions about cannabis, the Alzheimer Society recommends that you consult with your family doctor or other healthcare provider.
https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/how-ca...t-dementia
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