For years, many people have believed in the medicinal properties of cannabis. The drug has been used by individuals to treat everything from epilepsy to glaucoma and many sufferers believe their lives have been transformed by cannabis and its derivatives.

However, it wasn’t until 2018 that the UK government allowed doctors to begin prescribing cannabis. Even now, cannabis, and its derived products, are only prescribed in strict circumstances, with patients needing to meet certain criteria before they’re given access to the drug.

One condition that cannabis may have an impact on is dementia. Many people with the condition believe that cannabis can help to ease the symptoms of dementia and even slow its progress. However, with many in the medical community still unconvinced by the benefits of cannabis, the debate over the use of the drug in treating dementia rages on. Keep reading to find out more.

What the research says

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, no research studies have yet proven that cannabis, or related products, can slow, stop or reverse the symptoms of dementia. However, many people still believe that cannabis could be effective in treating the condition and it’s probable that research will continue into cannabis and its impact on dementia.

Treating symptoms

Although cannabis and cannabis oil may not halt, reverse or prevent dementia, it may be beneficial in treating symptoms of the disease. Some studies have found that cannabis can help to reduce aggression, anxiety and agitation in dementia sufferers. This can help people living with the disease to feel calmer and make life a lot easier for families caring for a loved one with dementia.

Cannabis and cannabis products

Although few people with dementia have been prescribed cannabis by their doctor, many are already using over the counter cannabis products to treat their condition. Cannabis oil (CBD oil) in particular has become a popular supplement for people living with the condition. Although there’s no proof that it has an impact on dementia, many people believe it eases their symptoms and so take daily CBD supplements.

If you’re thinking about buying CBD oil from your local health shop, it’s important to check the quality of the product before you buy. Avoid CBD oil that’s sold in clear bottles, as sunlight can easily degrade the delicate chemicals in the compound.

It’s also important to ensure that the product you’re taking contains therapeutic levels of CBD oil. A lot of over-the-counter products contain very little CBD and so are unlikely to have an impact on symptoms of dementia.

Although research into the impact of cannabis oil on dementia is still in its early stages, many are hopeful that products derived from cannabis will have an impact on the disease. To find out more about the help and support available to dementia sufferers and their families, give us a call or take a look around our site today.