When looking into dementia treatment options, one that stands out has got to be CBD oil and dementia.
CBD or Cannabidiol is a compound that comes from the Cannabis plant. This has positive medicinal effects that do not make users feel anxious or “high.”
You should not confuse CBD for Marijuana or the compound Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that makes people “high.”
CBD oil that we mention here has nothing to do with Marijuana and THC, as there are no components in the oil that will cause the “high” effect.
The most common form of administering cannabidiol is through CBD oil that is mostly found in a dropper bottle or gel cap.
Learn how persons with dementia can benefit from CBD oil below.
How Does CBD Help Persons with Dementia?
Multiple studies, including one from California’s Salk Institute, report that cannabinoids like CBD can help to get rid of dementia from brain cells.
There are different ways that people with dementia can benefit from the consumption of CBD oil like:
Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is known to increase the negative effects of dementia. It normally happens where the immune cells in the brain fail to clear the disorienting blockages.
Experts agree that inflammation is a major cause of most of dementia symptoms. Using CBD oil takes care of the inflammation issue, ultimately improving the health of the suffering person.
Acts a Neuroprotectant and Brain Stimulant
Anyone who has dementia experiences rapid destruction and decline of brain cells.
CBD has the potential of stimulating brain tissues in a way that can prevent or reverse the development of the adverse effects of dementia.
A study by Carl Group and Tim Karl researchers from Australia in 2011 revealed that CBD could promote the growth and development of cells in the brain in a bid to reduce memory decline and enhance other brain functions.
Reduces Oxygen Build-up
Individuals with dementia will often experience oxygen build up in their bodies. Dementia releases oxygen as a stress-induced and reactive component of the illness.
As the brain gets more oxygen, essential functions like memory will also decrease.
Loss of memory and other brain deterioration causes increased levels of oxygen in the brain.
In such a scenario, CBD works like an antioxidant that tackles the issues that come about because of oxygen stress.
Using CBD helps to improve brain functions that have been affected by high oxygen levels.
Reduction of Stress and Anxiety
When talking about CBD oil and dementia, many users agree that oil is effective in reducing anxiety and stress.
Risks and Side Effects of CBD
No public health problems are associated with the use of organic CBD, according to WHO (World Health Organization). Some users, however, report side effects like nausea, bloating, and diarrhea.
A small percentage of persons with dementia underwent liver problems, which prompted the discontinuation of CBD use. Others also said that they experienced increased terror while taking high CBD doses.
Because the use of CBD oil as a treatment is relatively new, it is best for caregivers as well as the persons with the illness to monitor the outcomes and effects closely.
This can help a person determine whether the CBD oil and dementia route is right for an individual.
Considerations for Taking CBD Oil
Just like any other medication, one has to be careful when it comes to CBD oil and dementia.
Major factors to consider include the weight, height, and age of the weak person as well as the stage and severity of the illness.
Qualified physicians will be in a position to prescribe the correct dosage after taking into account all the necessary considerations.
Other than taking cannabis in oil form, a professional medic might also recommend other forms of administration like edibles and patches.
Is CBD Legal?
The legality of CBD depends on the plant where it originates from. This is because the Cannabis plant includes both marijuana and hemp.
While you can create CBD from both, CBD oil derived from hemp is what patients with dementia should use.
This is generally legal in more than thirty states. There are still some minor legal issues that exist because of the stigma that surrounds the plant.
Many states approve CBD from hemp because it contains less than 0.3% of THC. This said different states have their laws when it comes to the consumption of CBD.
If you have any concerns when you want to explore the perks of CBD oil and dementia, it is best to do thorough research on the state you are in to know the laws that surround the use of CBD.
Worth noting is that the US food and Drug Administration has not yet approved CBD as a drug for treating dementia.
Bottom Line
While many studies support the fact that CBD oil is excellent for persons with dementia, there is still no hard evidence that cannabis can cannabis oil can prevent, reverse, or stop dementia.
There is still a need for more research as well as clinical trials that will offer more conclusive results.
The future of CBD oil remains bright even though the entire topic of CBD oil and dementia is still in its early stages.
