They did not get buzzed, but they also did not get better. The results of a study looking at marijuana-related treatment and Alzheimer's disease was recently published in Neurology.
The study used an oral cannabinoid containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active ingredient in marijuana, in a formulation of a controlled dose. However, researchers found no improvement in the test subjects' behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
The research was the first of its kind and had studied the reduction of neuropsychiatic symptoms in a randomized, controlled trial. The pill form used in the study was Namisol, produced by Echo Pharmacueticals, and it contains 98 percent pure THC. This oral form is thought to produce a high level of predictable bioavailability of THC.
Namisol is being studied for use for multiple sclerosis, pain and Alzheimer's disease. (MS) Research think Alzheimer's disease may reduce the availability of naturally occurring cannabinoids in the brain (AD), and treatments with natural forms of marijuana may improve symptoms related to the decrease in cannabioids. Studies have shown that those with Alzheimer's disease tolerate using forms of cannabinoids, and initial research is demonstrating safe use. (Studies)
A major difficulty in research related to cannabinoids is that there is little understanding of what is an appropriate dose. The doses used in the new study were conservative — 1.5 mg three times a day for a total of 4.5 mg daily.
Doses for other indications vary considerably, are often higher and are in formulations other than Namisol — cancer 5-20 mg, cystic fibrosis up to 10 mg and Tourette syndrome 2.5-10 mg. (Mayo) A study investigating Multiple Sclerosis symptoms used the Namisol® formulation and had doses from 3.0 -9.5 mg three times a day.
Further studies using an increased dose are warranted. Dr. Geke van den Elsen is optimistic about such studies
"Since the side effects were mild to moderate, it's possible that a higher dose could be tolerated and could possibly be beneficial," said van den Elsen. "Future studies are needed to test this. A drug that can treat the behavioral symptoms of dementia is much needed, as about 62 percent of dementia patients in the general community and up to 80 percent of nursing home residents experience these symptoms." (Longterm)
