Texas Medical Marijuana for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

The causes of Alzheimer’s aren’t 100 percent clear yet. However, one specific genetic mutation has been identified in half of Alzheimer’s patients. Researchers believe the condition might be caused by environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. 

Alzheimer’s disease is indicated by tangled bundles of fibers called neurofibrillary or tau tangles in the brain. Also, clumps of abnormal proteins known as amyloid plaques are often present. These conditions damage the brain and result in progressive dementia. In the final, deadly stages of Alzheimer’s, patients become delusional. Moreover, performing even basic functions such as swallowing can become extremely difficult. 

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, apparent symptoms are mild. Patients become forgetful and easily confused. They often start to suffer from depression and become socially withdrawn. They also experience mood swings, irritability and aggressiveness, and insomnia. 

There is no treatment that is 100 percent effective at eliminating the tangles and plaques that come with Alzheimer’s. However, medical marijuana has been shown to be effective at treating each of these symptoms — not in all patients, but in a sizeable percentage. 

Many patients with Alzheimer’s disease are responding well to cannabis therapy. Cannabinoids have been shown to reduce behavioral symptoms of dementia including agitation and aggression. 

Evidence also suggests that marijuana can be effective in reducing the amyloid plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.