Dementia
Medical cannabis for dementia may assist in reducing neuroinflammation, improving sleep, and easing symptoms like agitation, anxiety, and even aggression.
Dementia is the name for a collective group of diseases that cause damage to the brain due to an abnormal build-up of proteins that kill off nerve cells. Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia cause cognitive decline, and eventually lead to memory loss, communication issues and behavioural changes. Around 982,000 people in the UK live with dementia, and rates are growing.
Symptoms
Symptoms differ depending on the type of dementia and how far it has progressed, but common symptoms include memory loss, communication issues, difficulties with daily functioning, disorientation and mood changes.
Treatments
Dementia has no cure, but certain treatments could help slow progression and ease symptoms to improve quality of life. Some of the main treatments for dementia include medications and cognitive stimulation therapy to improve memory and problem-solving skills. Studies on cannabis suggest it could improve behavioural symptoms such as agitation and aggression, as well as common issues found alongside dementia, like sleep disorders.
60%
In a 2023 study of 20 dementia patients, 60% were able to decrease or discontinue use of antipsychotics after cannabis use
30%
In a 2024 study, medical cannabis reduced agitation in Alzheimer’s disease patients by an average of 30%
40%
A 2019 study found 2 months of cannabis use led to a 40% reduction in behavioural problems for women with severe dementia
4 weeks
In a 2016 study, dementia patients taking medical cannabis for 4 weeks saw reduced agitation, aggression, delusions, sleep disorders and irritability
Get high quality medicinal cannabis fromthe doctor to your door.
Word from our expert
Dr Sunil Arora Chief Medical Officer
While medical cannabis is not a cure for dementia, it may offer relief from some of the most distressing behavioural and psychological symptoms, especially when traditional treatments fall short.
The key is thoughtful, individualised use.
At Emerald, our team of experts can help you explore medical cannabis treatments for dementia that work for you, providing you with a safe, natural option to restore balance in your life.
