Rates of dementia are rising precipitously in our nation–by 2050 1 in 2 seniors will die with dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is responsible a majority of cases of dementia. The compounds in cannabis possess properties that have potential to treat the symptoms of AD as well as potential to slow or prevent AD. Below is an interesting discussion on that subject.

A  study published in the journal Molecular Pharmacology in 2006, found that cannabis contains a compound with  two therapeutic properties that are perfect for addressing  the symptom (memory problems) as well as root cause (brain plaque) of Alzheimer’s disease.

This study is a few years old, but even recent research has found that in Alzheimer’s disease, compounds found in cannabis, like THC and CBD for example, might actually improve memory and ward off some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The newest findings were presented last year at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, it’s the world’s largest source of news about brain science and health.

The new findings showed that treating Alzheimer’s disease mice with the psychoactive compound found in marijuana improves memory and reduces neuronal loss, suggesting a possible therapy for the human disease.

“Today’s findings lend new understanding of the complex effects that cannabis has on the brain,” said press conference moderator Michael Taffe, PhD, of Scripps Research Institute and an expert in substance abuse research. “While it may have therapeutic potential in some situations, it is important to get a better understanding of the negative aspects as well, particularly for pregnant women, teens, and chronic users.” (source)