What is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)?
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that impacts approximately 33 million people globally. It is characterized by severe cognitive decline, beginning with difficulties in communication, learning, and short-term memory (1).
As AD advances, it can lead to more debilitating symptoms, such as the inability to recognize faces—an emotional challenge for loved ones—and the loss of basic self-care abilities, like dressing and eating (1).
Perhaps most concerning about AD is the lack of treatments capable of halting or reversing the disease. This has spurred the medical community to seek alternative approaches to improve how we manage and combat AD (1).
Enter CBD: A Potential Solution
CBD, a remarkable compound derived from plants, is emerging as a promising ally in the fight against AD.
AD is often accompanied by neuroinflammation and oxidative stress—areas where CBD has shown significant potential. As you may have heard, CBD possesses both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (1), which makes it an ideal candidate for addressing the underlying mechanisms of AD.
AD is closely associated with the formation of beta-pleated sheets in the brain, which are a key feature in the development of amyloid plaques, a hallmark sign of AD. Although amyloid-beta is produced in the brain under normal circumstances, the problem with AD is the misfolding of this protein, changing the structure of this protein into sheets that do not function properly, forming beta sheets, which creates toxic aggregates that disrupt normal neuronal functioning.
These amyloid plaques and beta pleated sheets are considered neurotoxic, leading to synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and increased oxidative stress. These large, insoluble plaques form between neurons, disrupting their behavior and resisting breakdown, specifically in the hippocampus that is responsible for memory and cognition.
Here is where CBD and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) come into play. The ECS modulates many factors associated with the pathology or formation of AD. The ECS was shown to modulate neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, which potentially opens new avenues for the prevention and treatment of AD (2). CBD was shown to inhibit the formation of these amyloid plaques through the antioxidant and neuroprotective properties (2).
In fact, CBD's antioxidant power is so potent that it offers neuroprotection for both the central and peripheral nervous systems, positioning CBD as a leading candidate in the battle against neurodegenerative diseases like AD and Parkinson's (2).
Beyond its antioxidant properties, CBD also has anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation, a key factor in the progression of AD (1).
The Power of the CBD-THC Synergy
Research underscores the importance of combining CBD with THC, as their synergistic effects—known as the entourage effect—enhance each other’s therapeutic potential. This combination has been shown to amplify the benefits of both compounds in treating AD (1).
A key finding from studies is that CBD helps reduce reactive gliosis (a positive outcome) and promotes neurogenesis, or the growth of new neurons. This is crucial in our efforts to slow or even reverse the disease process of AD (1).
Notably, studies on animal models have demonstrated that CBD can prevent and reverse cognitive decline—an exciting breakthrough in understanding how we might manage AD (1).
A Promising Hope
This information is groundbreaking because, to date, there are no treatments available that can effectively address the progression of AD. Yet, CBD research continues to show promise in providing much-needed solutions.
Though this vital information is being published in reputable medical journals, it often doesn't reach those who need it the most. In fact, one of these studies that discusses CBD and how it can prevent the formation of these amyloid plaques was published in 2014. I want to know how many people were told about the potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties of CBD when discussing AD. I think we both already know that answer. ZERO. It's our responsibility to ensure that these discoveries are shared widely, helping those affected by AD.
One amazing plant with seemingly endless potential. Now, that’s what I call medicine!
Bee Well,
Brandon Farless
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. No medical claims are being made regarding CBD.
References
1. Watt, G., & Karl, T. (2017). In vivo Evidence for Therapeutic Properties of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Alzheimer's Disease. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, 20. https://doi.org/10.3389/
2. Ferrer, I. (2014, February 19). Cannabinoids for treatment of alzheimer’s disease: Moving toward the clinic. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/
