The Impact of CBD on Alzheimer's Disease
Cognitive decline is one of the most prominent fears in the elderly. As we age, the thought of becoming senile or overly dependent on others can be quite worrisome. Recent research has provided some promising links between CBD and Alzheimer’s Disease, and the purpose of this post is to identify the nature of this relationship and consider the possibilities of CBD in the treatment of Alzheimer’s.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia and a progressive and irreversible brain disorder that slowly impairs memory, thinking skills, behavior, and eventually, one’s ability to carry out the simplest tasks.
As a progressive disease, symptoms of Alzheimer’s develop slowly and typically worsen over time. The disease primarily affects the cognitive function and is characterized by the presence of clumps and tangled fibers in certain regions of the brain. These clumps, referred to as amyloid plaques are found in areas of the brain that are responsible for motor function and memory. It results in a loss of connectivity between brain cells which further inhibits the communication between the central nervous system and the various organs, tissues and cells in the body. All these, when combined, are responsible for the inability of Alzheimer’s patients to perform essential bodily functions.
CBD for Alzheimer’s
A high percentage of neurological damage which occurs in the brain takes place in the region of the brain where self-producing cannabinoids are present in high concentration. This gives credit to the belief that CBD can provide a legitimate and scientifically-valid option for the treatment of the disease. Although there is no known cure for the degenerative condition, CBD may effectively slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
CBD has Anti-inflammatory Properties
Alzheimer’s like most neurodegenerative diseases often results in the inflammation of the neural tissue which acts as a sort of defense mechanism against the disease. After the initial stages, it could lead to chronic deterioration of the neurons. The anti inflammatory properties of CBD can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain.
CBD has Neuroprotective Effects
Alzheimer’s disease involves the destruction of neural tissue leading to loss of cognitive function, loss of motor function, memory loss and other debilitating neurological effects. In a recent study, researchers concluded that by exerting neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic effects, CBD provides enhanced cellular protection against neural deterioration.
CBD acts as an Antioxidant
Inflammation serves to reduce the antioxidant ability of cells and this eventually results in a massive loss of neurons and synapses within the brain. It is this process which contributes to the neurological symptoms by which the disease is identified. The anti-oxidative effects of CBD can slow down this process and inhibit the production of harmful free agents in the cell membrane.
Conclusion
Researchers have devoted a lot of time and effort to prove the therapeutic potentials of CBD. Consequently, the effects of this compound may effectively help to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in aging individuals.