Does Smoking Marijuana Help Prevent Dementia? Part 2
Results
Despite the dearth of publications on the topic of marijuana, only one small study met the above criteria but the data were presented in such a poor fashion that the scientists could not extract any meaningful data for analysis.
The single study data was not only insufficient but the results showed no effects of marijuana on individuals with dementia. Analysis of the data found that marijuana did not improve behavior, symptoms of dementia nor did it improve mental performance or cognition. The conclusion was that more randomized double-blind placebo controlled trials are needed to determine whether marijuana is clinically effective in the treatment of dementia.
Conclusion
To date, there is no evidence that cannabinoids are effective in the improvement of altered behavior in dementia or in the treatment of symptoms of dementia. One has to remember that marijuana has been smoked for hundred of years and by millions of individuals. Yet the incidence of dementias has not diminished and in fact, there is a rise in the numbers of people with various dementias. There are many anecdotal case reports indicating that individuals who have smoked marijuana usually tend to develop earlier and more severe brain impairment.
Add A New CommentWe value and respect the experiences of all of our HerWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add A New Comment3 Comments
Why don't you refer to the research and let people draw their own conclusions. Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease are caused by inflammation of the brain. Marijuana reduces inflammation. If you read the research and read between the lines the researchers at Ohio State University practically say that if dementia or Alzheimer's runs in your family and you are over 50 you should be taking a hit of marijuana a day to prevent those diseases, much as people over 50 with a history of heart disease or stroke in their family should be taking a baby aspirin daily to prevent heart attack or stroke. This right from the Ohio State University web page:
"“Could people smoke marijuana to prevent Alzheimer’s disease if the disease is in their family? We’re not saying that, but it might actually work." - Gary L. Wenk, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience & Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics at the Ohio State University and Medical Center, is a leading authority on the consequences of chronic brain inflammation and animal models of Alzheimer's disease.
if physicians started to treat patients based on assumptions derived from rats, health care would be in shambles. Perhaps you should brush up your reading skills and read what the latest literature on aspirin is saying. Finally, Marijuana has no use in clinical medicine. SB
More good information
by Susan Berg author of Adorable Photographs of Our Baby-Meaningful, Mind-Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals, a book for those with dementia and an excellent resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals
http://dementiaviews.blogspot.com