With medical marijuana legal in 39 U.S. states, people are turning to it in higher numbers to treat health issues, including some dementia symptoms.
Dementia is a condition that causes memory loss and declines in thinking and problem-solving. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, but there are other forms as well. Other common symptoms include:
- Agitation and aggression
- Changes in mood or personality
- Sleep disturbances
- Less appetite
Dementia affects both the person diagnosed with it and their caregivers. Managing symptoms can improve quality of life, so many people are interested in exploring treatments like medical marijuana.
If you have dementia or you’re caring for a loved one with the condition, you may be wondering if cannabis might help. Ganesh Gopalakrishna, MD, a geriatric psychiatrist with Banner Alzheimer's Institute, explained more about what to consider. By understanding how marijuana might help with dementia, you can talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons, based on your situation.
Changes in access to medical marijuana
Even in states where medical marijuana is legal, it might not be approved for use in people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. You’ll have to check the law in your state to see what’s allowed. If it’s legal where you live, you will likely need a provider’s approval to buy it. Once you get that signoff, you can generally buy whatever products are available, up to the limits that your state allows.
If recreational marijuana is legal in your state, you can buy it without involving a health care provider. “In some ways, this is similar to choosing a non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medication at the pharmacy,” Dr. Gopalakrishna said. "But some patients may benefit from consulting a specialist."
Can cannabis help dementia symptoms?
Many families say cannabis helps with their loved one’s pain, sleep, anxiety and aggression and some studies show it may help with mood and behavior. However, more research is needed to understand how it works. There is also no proof cannabis helps with memory or clear thinking. Dr. Gopalakrishna said, "At this time cannabis has no place in treating or preventing dementia."
A synthetic form of medical marijuana, called nabilone, has helped some people reduce agitation. More research is needed to understand how different types of cannabis affect people with dementia.
THC vs. CBD: What’s the difference?
Marijuana consists of about 400 compounds, called cannabinoids, including those that many people are familiar with:
- THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): This part makes people feel high. It may help with stress but it can cause confusion.
- CBD (cannabidiol): This part does not cause a high: It may help with calmness and sleep.
Different strains of marijuana contain different proportions of CBD and THC. With today’s products, it’s easier to get an accurate measure of the amount of THC in an ingestible, edible or gummy, compared to the past.
A health care provider can help you find the right THC and CBD balance. It may take some experimentation to see what effects cannabis causes since everyone reacts to it differently.
Potential benefits and risks
If you are thinking about trying cannabis, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind.
Possible benefits of medical marijuana:
- It may lower agitation, aggression and stress, so it could help with mood.
- It could improve sleep and appetite.
- CBD may offer relief without confusion.
“With limited medications available to treat agitation, sleep problems and anxiety among patients with dementia, cannabis can be an important tool,” Dr. Gopalakrishna said.
Possible risks of medical marijuana:
- It can cause dizziness, so it could increase the risk of falls and accidents.
- It might react with other drugs and cause side effects.
- It could make you sleepy or moody, which could affect your daily life.
- THC may hurt memory or focus and impact thinking skills.
Should you try medical marijuana for dementia?
If you are thinking about trying cannabis, follow these steps:
- Know the law: Make sure you’re getting cannabis legally.
- Talk to a provider: They can explain the pros, cons and alternatives in more detail, considering you or your loved one’s situation, to help you decide if it’s something you want to try. “With an increasing number of states legalizing marijuana, there is also a shift in the attitudes of patients, caregivers and practitioners in the use of cannabis to treat some of the challenging behavioral symptoms of dementia,” Dr. Gopalakrishna said.
- Start with care: If you decide to use it, work with your provider to find the right type and dose.
The future of research
With access to legal medical (and recreational) marijuana increasing and the number of labs certified to grow marijuana for medical studies expanding, providers now know more about how much THC and CBD are in each product and when it might be helpful. Experts have learned more about how cannabis helps with anxiety and agitation.
As laws change, research will grow. More studies will help us know what works best for people with dementia and what doses are helpful and safe.
The bottom line
If you are considering cannabis to manage symptoms of dementia like agitation, anxiety or sleep issues, consult a health care provider or an expert at Banner Health. They can help you decide whether that’s a good option for you and your loved one. They may also be able to help you navigate the many strains and dosage options now available.
