A capsule containing a medically prepared cannabis oil has shown encouraging results in reducing agitation among older adults with dementia, offering fresh hope for families dealing with one of the condition’s most difficult symptoms.
Researchers reported that a formulated combination of purified THC and CBD, two compounds derived from cannabis, was linked to noticeable improvements in patients experiencing agitation during the later stages of dementia.
The findings came from the Life’s End Benefits of cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol (LiBBY) trial. The clinical study involved 120 people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. After 12 weeks of treatment, almost nine out of 10 participants experienced an overall improvement, according to the research team.
Results from the trial were presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference by Dr. Jacobo Mintzer of the University of South Carolina and Brigid Reynolds, a clinical nurse practitioner and clinic coordinator at Georgetown University.
Dr. Mintzer described the outcome as highly encouraging, saying the response rate was unlike anything previously seen in dementia-related clinical research. He noted that studies involving new treatments rarely achieve positive results in close to 90% of participants.
Agitation is a common and distressing symptom in advanced dementia, often leading to restlessness, emotional discomfort, and aggression. These behaviors can place a heavy burden on both patients and those responsible for their daily care. Reynolds said finding safer and more effective ways to manage these symptoms remains an important goal for healthcare professionals.
Existing medications, including Haldol, morphine, and Valium, are sometimes prescribed to manage agitation. However, researchers said these drugs have shown limited benefit and may also produce unwanted side effects.
The study was carried out across 10 medical centers in the U.S., with researchers visiting participants in their homes. Those enrolled were receiving hospice care or met the criteria for hospice services. Participants were randomly assigned either to the THC and CBD oil suspension or an inactive placebo, with neither patients nor caregivers knowing which treatment was being administered.
Caregivers assessed agitation using a seven-point scale ranging from no episodes to several incidents every hour while also administering the medication. After two weeks, patients receiving the active treatment recorded an average reduction of 6.27 points in agitation scores. Those in the placebo group experienced a more gradual improvement that continued through the 12-week study period.
One participant’s daughter, Laura, said joining the trial gave her family optimism that better treatment options could become available in the future. Although she did not know whether her mother received the active medication or the placebo, she noticed meaningful changes during visits and said they were able to enjoy moments of genuine connection together.
Despite the promising findings, researchers stressed that the medication used in the trial should not be confused with commercially available cannabis products. Reynolds said the treatment was manufactured under strict medical standards and given with close clinical supervision.
She cautioned that products sold over the counter can differ significantly in quality, ingredients and dosage, meaning they may not produce the same effects and could even present health risks. The study has yet to undergo peer review or be published in a scientific journal.
Nevertheless, marijuana companies like Aurora Cannabis Corp. (NASDAQ: ACB) (TSX: ACB) will be pleased that this rigorous trial has confirmed yet another therapeutic benefit of cannabis compounds in a group of patients that has had limited treatment options for a long time.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN