Many different behavioural and psychological symptoms can accompany dementia, an illness that affects millions of individuals throughout the world.
Collectively known as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), it is often very challenging to keep these symptoms under control.
Cannabidiol, or CBD oil, has recently been the subject of research that suggests it may be a game-changer in this field.
CBD: A New Ray of Hope for Dementia Sufferers
In a study titled “The Effect of Cannabidiol 3% on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Dementia – Six-Month Follow-Up,” headed by Foteini Alexandri and her colleagues, participants were monitored for a total of six months.
The purpose of this research was to see if CBD at a concentration of 3% may alleviate symptoms of BPSD when taken orally for six months.
The progression of people who were given CBD was compared to that of people who were treated with conventional medicine.
From the Alzheimer Hellas database, 20 people with severe BPSD were randomly selected to take part in the study.
The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) scores of these patients were higher than 30, indicating the presence of severe symptoms.
Half of the patients received standard medical care, while the other half took CBD drops for six months.
CBD Is More Efficient Than Traditional Medicines
The results of the study were, to put it mildly, shocking. Each patient whose BPSD was measured after receiving CBD had a statistically significant improvement.
Conversely, those who were given the conventional medical treatment for dementia did not improve or improved just slightly, regardless of the nature of the underlying neuropathology.
These findings suggest that CBD may offer a more effective and safer alternative to traditional treatment for BPSD. Researchers stress that further large-scale randomised clinical trials are necessary to confirm these results before they can be trusted.
Important Implications for Healthcare Professionals
Major implications for healthcare providers caring for people with dementia were found in the study.
The study authors recommend that doctors provide individuals with dementia CBD at 3 percent concentration to reduce their risk of BPSD. They also highlight the significance of routine assessments to guarantee the long-term success of this therapy approach.
As a result of this research, we now have a better understanding of CBD’s potential as a useful resource for addressing the challenges posed by dementia.
Although further research is needed, it is already clear that CBD has the potential to play a substantial role in enhancing the quality of life for those living with dementia and their carers.
