CBD exhibits potential benefits for Parkinson’s Disease
Dementia Care Central (DCC) suggests that CBD may be a natural remedy for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) Symptoms. According to DCC, studies show that CBD may offer much-needed relief for the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s. CBD is a natural compound found in cannabis sativa plants. However, with none of the adverse side effects of prescription medications. In addition, without the “high” effect from THC in marijuana. Also, while traditional medications may become less effective over time, CBD users are hailing long-lasting benefits. As a result, CBD exhibits potential benefits for Parkinson’s Disease with many giving up their pharmaceuticals for good.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
First, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement. While there is no known cure. Yet, the most potent treatment to date, levodopa, commonly results in long-term motor complications after chronic use.
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In addition, PD may develop into Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). Of course impacting one’s cognitive functioning, such as the ability to remember things, make good decisions, and pay attention.
Brazilian Study of Note
So, numerous studies echo CBD’s benefits. Interestingly, researchers in Brazil “findings point to a possible effect of CBD improving quality of life measure in PD patients. Yet, with no other psychiatric conditions. Their conclusion: “preliminary data suggest that CBD may be effective, safe, and well-tolerated for the treatment of the psychosis in PD.”
A review in the journal Pharmacology and Therapeutics shows that a neuroprotective effect exerted by CBD exists in animal models. A few trials have been conducted with small numbers of participants using CBD in addition to their usual levodopa therapy. One trial of 21 patients showed significant improvements in measures of well-being by Parkinson’s patients. However, reporting no statistically significant difference concerning motor symptoms.
Treatment Options
Persons with PD and PDD often seek treatment in the form of prescription medications to alleviate the symptoms. However, frequently with adverse side effects including dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, loss of appetite, heartburn, and more.
While currently no CBD medications approved by the FDA specifically for Parkinson’s disease. However, one should not be discouraged, as research is ongoing. Notably, in 2017, the Salk University in California documented that THC and other compounds found in cannabis, such as CBD, reduce the amount of amyloid-beta. This is a plaque protein that is toxic in the brains of persons with Alzheimer’s disease.
State of Current Findings
With several studies now showing CBD exhibits potential benefits for Parkinson’s Disease. Hence, DCC suggests this is great news for persons with dementia because the removal of amyloid-beta allows brain cells to survive. Most importantly, Amyloid-beta not only causes neuron death but also causes inflammation. However, also contributing to memory loss and other cognitive issues. This type of plaque is also found in the brains of some persons with Parkinson’s disease dementia. In addition, some animal studies suggest that CBD might protect one against developing neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, in the first place.