Alzheimer's is the first neurodegenerative disease in the world, since it is considered that currently, more than 46 million people suffer from it around the world, that every 3.2 seconds a new case is diagnosed and that by 2050 the figure of affected will be around 131 million people.
The treatment of Alzheimer's is still in the research phase, so to slow down its appearance and reduce its symptoms there are various therapies. Today we will explain everything about Alzheimer's and CBD, specifically if it can be helpful for its approach and treatment and what benefits and improvements it could bring to people with this neurodegenerative disease.
What is Alzheimer's and why does it occur?
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia in which cognitive abilities such as memory, thinking and behavior are affected. It was first observed in 1906 by the German neurologist and psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer, from whom Alzheimer's disease gets its name.
Although its causes are still controversial, the most accepted theory is that a gradual deposition of the beta-amyloid protein occurs in some layers of the brain, producing plaques.
The accumulation of this protein in large quantities causes brain inflammation, which eventually leads to cell death of neuronal cells.
Advanced age and genetic inheritance are proven risk factors for the onset of Alzheimer's.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer's?
By affecting neuronal tissue, the symptoms of Alzheimer's are as follows:
- Memory loss.
- Attention problems.
- Difficulty getting your bearings.
- Impaired ability to move.
- Difficulties communicating.
- Personality and mood changes.
- Difficulty carrying out normal cognitive processes.
The relationship of the endocannabinoid system and Alzheimer's
The endocannabinoid system is a group of cannabinoid receptors found in the mammalian nervous system that participates in physiological processes such as appetite control, the sensation of pain or humor.
Some studies have suggested that this system protects the brain against excitotoxicity (excessive release of neurotransmitters), oxidative stress and inflammation, all three factors in the development of Alzheimer's.
It is also believed that it decreases the permeability of the neuronal membrane, complicating the entry of the beta-amyloid protein that causes the death of neurons.
CBD in Alzheimer's treatment
CBD is a cannabinoid known for having no psychotropic effects and being an excellent anti-inflammatory, as well as neuroprotective. These characteristics make it an effective option to support other Alzheimer's treatments.
CBD has a great medicinal trajectory throughout History and it is now that more and more studies and medical professionals endorse it for various pathologies.
In the case of Alzheimer's, in a 2006 study published in the scientific journal Molecular Pharmaceutics, and carried out by researchers at the University of Connecticut, it was stated that CBD “could be considerably better at suppressing the abnormal clustering of malformed proteins, than any other currently approved prescription ”.
If you want to know more about the properties and health benefits of using CBD, we recommend you follow the articles on our blog and we invite you to get to know our products.
