Medical Cannabis Eased Agitation in Nearly 90% of 120 Advanced Dementia Patients
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 14
Medical Cannabis Eased Agitation in Nearly 90% of 120 Advanced Dementia Patients
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 14
Summary
A 120-patient clinical trial found a THC/CBD treatment reduced agitation after 12 weeks in nearly 90% of advanced dementia patients, versus less than a quarter on placebo.
The preliminary results, presented Tuesday at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in London, point to a possible option for a common and distressing symptom near the end of life.
Doctors and caregivers said the treatment appeared to lessen aggression and frustration, though experts cautioned the study has not yet been peer reviewed or published.
Larger trials are still needed, but the findings suggest carefully formulated cannabinoid therapy could expand care options for advanced dementia patients.