A little-known way to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most well-known forms of dementia, affecting the lives of an estimated 5.7 million Americans. The disease is characterized by issues with behavior, thinking and memory loss, and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases with age.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease; however, researchers have uncovered an unexpected practice that may prevent the onset of the disease.
Studies are ongoing, but new research into medical marijuana has shown the psychoactive compound THC promotes the removal of a toxic protein associated with Alzheimer’s, leading to less inflammation and nerve damage.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
The disease develops years before symptoms manifest, beginning with small changes in the brain and worsening through nerve damage, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins is believed to be a key component in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s, although the exact cause remains uncertain.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s develop slowly and get worse over time, leading to severe impacts on the day-to-day life of the patient. At first, a person may have trouble remembering newly learned information. As time goes on, he or she may experience disorientation and confusion; become unable to carry on a conversation; develop feelings of mistrust toward loved ones; and have trouble speaking, swallowing, and walking. Alzheimer’s often leads to other complications and is identified as the sixth leading cause of death in America.
An Unexpected Cure?
THC is a psychoactive compound found in marijuana, responsible for the euphoric feeling that the drug produces. Recent research at the Salk Institute suggests the consumption of THC may reduce the amount of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain.
Beta-amyloid proteins that accumulate in nerve cells are associated with cellular inflammation and high rates of neuron death, which can contribute to the worsening symptoms of Alzheimer’s, according to the study. Beta-amyloid protein levels decreased when THC was introduced to these cells. As a result, the cells did not produce an inflammatory response to combat the proteins. This allowed the cells to survive, indicating that THC and similar compounds could protect nerve cells from damage and death.
These studies were conducted in a laboratory setting and further clinical trials with human patients are necessary, but this significant finding indicates the consumption of medical marijuana may lead to Alzheimer’s prevention and could be the key to unlocking its cure.
Advanced Medical Associates doesn’t require a referral from your regular physician. We just want to see you enjoy the life-changing benefits of medical marijuana and will do whatever we can to help you through the application process. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 734-347-2127 with any questions.