Alzheimer’s is a serious and debilitating disease that progressively destroys a person’s memories and thinking skills. Symptoms include confusion, agitation, depression, and trouble communicating. It is ultimately fatal. Alzheimer’s greatly impacts not only those afflicted but doles out a heavy emotional toll on their loved ones and caregivers. Statistically, Alzheimer’s affects 1 in 10 people over 65 and 1 in 3 people over 85. Sadly, however, it is not something that only those of old age get. Early-onset Alzheimer’s affects those who are under the age of 65. Alzheimer’s can start before any noticeable changes occur, sometimes even 20 years preceding the onset of symptoms.
Researchers have not nailed down a cure but preventative care is vital. Cannabinoids, such as CBD, show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties rendering it an encouraging option for degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Neuroprotection is defined as the ability of a therapy to result in the salvage, recovery, or regeneration of neuronal cells. This means that it involves not only the prevention of cell death but the restoration of function to damaged cells. CBD has the added benefit of being non-intoxicating, keeping those who use it clear headed and focused.
CBD is a Promising Defense Against Alzheimer’s
In 2006, a study was published in Molecular Pharmaceutics showing CBD as a promising defense against Alzheimer’s. In this study, a team of University of Connecticut researchers reported that cannabis “could be considerably better at suppressing the abnormal clumping of malformed proteins that is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease than any currently approved prescription” and predicted that “cannabinoid-based medications will be the new breakout medicine treatments of the near future.”
Preventative Care is Vital
The number of cases of Alzheimer’s is projected to triple in the next fifty years making preventative care an even more imperative asset in the battle against this devastating disease. There are many things that you can do to help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s such as watching your nutritional intake and maintaining a physically and mentally active lifestyle. With the abundant potential that CBD has shown so far in the prevention and maintenance of Alzheimer’s Disease it seems as though CBD may be an essential component of an individual’s preventative care plan. Taking charge of your health may seem intimidating at times but the end result is tremendously worthwhile. A healthy lifestyle and a healthy future start with you.
