Adding medical cannabis oil to AD patients' pharmacotherapy is safe and a promising treatment option. - GreenMedInfo Summary
Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study.
J Alzheimers Dis. 2016 Jan 12. Epub 2016 Jan 12. PMID: 26757043
Assaf Shelef
BACKGROUND: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
OBJECTIVE: To measure efficacy and safety of medical cannabis oil (MCO) containing THC as an add-on to pharmacotherapy, in relieving behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
METHODS: Eleven AD patients were recruited to an open label, 4 weeks, prospective trial.
RESULTS: Ten patients completed the trial. Significant reduction in CGI severity score (6.5 to 5.7; p < 0.01) and NPI score were recorded (44.4 to 12.8; p < 0.01). NPI domains of significant decrease were: Delusions, agitation/aggression, irritability, apathy, and sleep and caregiver distress.
CONCLUSION: Adding MCO to AD patients' pharmacotherapy is safe and a promising treatment option.