CBD for Alzheimer’s: Safety, products, and more

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia around the world.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition in which irregular masses and tangled fibers, known as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, respectively, along with neuron transmission problems, cause changes and damage to the brain. This damage results in difficulties with:

• memory
• language
• reasoning
• behavior
• basic physical processes, over time

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may include:

• having difficulty carrying out daily tasks, such as cooking or driving
• losing things
• putting things in unusual places
• asking same questions repetitively

As the condition progresses, people can become anxious, angry, and unable to function independently.

Researchers currently maintain that the following factors contribute to Alzheimer’s disease:

CBD is one of more than 100 different phytocannabinoids present in the Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) plant. Its increasing popularity may be due to its reported effects on inflammation, sleep, and mood.

CBD does not always contain delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the cannabis plant’s psychoactive compound. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), CBD products may contain no more than 0.3% dry weight THC.

The main CBD types are:

• Full-spectrum CBD: This contains all compounds present in the cannabis plant, including THC.
• Broad-spectrum CBD: This contains almost all compounds from the C. sativa plant and trace amounts of THC, although sometimes, there is no THC at all.
• CBD isolate: This is CBD in its purest form, with no other compounds or THC.

Research on the effects of CBD on Alzheimer’s disease is in its early stages. However, some initial reports show promise.

A 2021 study found that high doses of CBD administered to individuals with late stage Alzheimer’s disease increased levels of proteins that play a key role in removing plaque from the brain.

Additionally, a 2019 review suggests that CBD could help suppress factors that cause Alzheimer’s disease and that it might be more effective when used in combination with THC.

Although currently there is no clear evidence to confirm the beneficial properties of CBD, initial research shows that it could help with associated behavioral symptoms, such as aggression.

Also, CBD products may help reduce inflammation and insomnia.

Physical effects

A study into the effects of nabilone, a cannabinoid-based medication approved for treating nausea in people undergoing chemotherapy, found that it reduced agitation and improved behavior in individuals with dementia.

In the United States, nabilone is an FDA-approved prescription medication.

Here, we look at some CBD products a person may wish to consider.

Best for high potency: Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture

This product has undergone third-party testing, and being full-spectrum, it contains all compounds present in the C. sativa plant.

It may take more than 2 hours to take effect.

The company advises that the product may not be suitable for people whom a doctor instructed to avoid grapefruit. A person should consult a healthcare professional before using the product.

Best for entourage effect: R+R Medicinals CBD Tincture (Unflavored)

This product contains 500 ml of CBD per bottle.

The company advises a person shake the bottle before use and drop 1–2 full droppers under the tongue, holding for 60 seconds before swallowing.

Best broad-spectrum: cbdMD CBD Oil Tincture

This product is available in a 30-ml or 60-ml bottle and comes in the following CBD strengths:

• 300 mg
• 750 mg
• 1,500 mg
• 3,000 mg
• 5,000 mg
• 7,500 mg

The company states the product has undergone third-party testing.

Individuals can place the tincture under their tongue. They can also add the recommended dosage to food or drink, although this way, it may take effect more slowly.

Best alcohol-free: Saha Self-Care CBD Tincture

This product is available in 500-mg, 1,000-mg, 1,500-mg, and 2,500-mg concentrations and comes in spearmint flavor.

It contains no THC or alcohol. Individuals can decide on their own dosage, up to 1 ml in the provided dropper.

A third-party certificate of analysis (COA) is available to view on the company’s website.

Best flavor: Joy Organics Tropical Sunrise Tincture

This product is available in 450-mg, 900-mg, 1,350-mg, and 2,250-mg concentrations.

Individuals can view third-party COAs, and the company claims the product is cruelty-free.

A person can use this tincture during the day or at night.

Best full-spectrum: CBDistillery Full Spectrum Oil Tincture

This product is available in 500-mg, 1,000-mg, 1,500-mg, 2,500-mg, and 5,000-mg concentrations.

All items have undergone third-party testing for THC levels, as well as for pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals.

The company recommends placing 1 dropper of the flavorless tincture under the tongue and holding it there for 15–20 seconds before swallowing.

Best for accurate dosage: Medterra CBD Oil Tincture

This product is available in 750-mg, 1,500-mg, 3,000-mg, and 6,000-mg concentrations.

It has undergone third-party testing, and the dropper has measurement markers to help a person accurately measure their CBD dose.

To see the most benefits, the company advises people use the tincture regularly for an extended period.

A person living with Alzheimer’s disease should have regular checkups to monitor and manage the progression of the condition.

They should also discuss potential use of any CBD products or supplements with a healthcare professional.

Below are some common questions about CBD for Alzheimer’s disease.

Is CBD safe for people with dementia?

The Alzheimer’s Association supports research into all potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. It notes, however, that the FDA has not authorized CBD for treating Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

People with these conditions should always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medications or supplements.

What CBD oil is best for dementia?

It is difficult to pick out a single CBD oil that is best for dementia.

Some clinical reports suggest that broad- or full-spectrum CBD may have a better effect due to the number of phytocannabinoids and other plant compounds they contain that work together. Experts refer to this as the entourage effect.

Interest in CBD for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is growing. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that CBD products can help treat or prevent symptoms of the condition.

However, CBD may help relieve specific symptoms health experts associate with Alzheimer’s disease, such as anxiety, inflammation, agitation, discomfort, and difficulty sleeping.

A person interested in using CBD for Alzheimer’s disease should discuss the matter with a healthcare professional first.