Contrary to popular belief, dementia is not a normal part of aging. This debilitating disease affects a wide percent of the elderly population but isn’t mandatory. There is an increase in patients using CBD oil for dementia, and the results have been promising.
If you or someone you know is curious about CBD oil and its effects in the battle against dementia, read on to learn more about this intriguing treatment option.
What Is Dementia?
It’s a common misconception that dementia is an actual disease, rather it’s a specific group of symptoms that affect nearly 5.5 million people.
These symptoms interfere with an individual’s cognitive functioning, interfering with their memory and their ability to complete day to day tasks. While the signs of dementia may start off slowly, if untreated the mind can quickly deteriorate.
Who Is at Risk?
There has yet to be a specified cause of dementia, however, certain risk patterns have been recognized. These risk factors include:
- Those that fall in the 65 or older age group
- Those with a family history of dementia
- Those carrying the risk genes and deterministic genes for dementia
- Those that have suffered from a head injury
It’s important to note that dementia has been diagnosed in younger individuals as well, but at a lower rate.
Signs and Symptoms of Dementia
While the signs of dementia do vary from case to case, some recognizable symptoms of dementia may include:
- A change in short term memory.
- Trouble putting together sentences.
- A sudden and dramatic change in mood.
- Trouble completing daily tasks.
- Confusion about dates or trouble recognizing faces.
- Repetitive actions or answering questions that have already been answered.
If you recognize one or more of the symptoms above it’s important to bring it up to your doctor as soon as possible.
Traditional Medication vs. CBD Oil for Dementia
CBD oil is rapidly being recognized as an effective option for dementia. However, many doctors may first prescribe more traditional medication.
Here we will compare CBD oil to other treatment options so you can choose the treatment path that’s right for you.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors
This form of treatment involves medication that works against the enzyme that gradually damages the nerve cells within the brain. These medications are also used to treat both moderate and severe Alzheimers.
While these medications have been found to be effective they have also been known to cause additional symptoms such as nausea, hallucinations, and loss of appetite.
Memantine
Memantine is another treatment that has been found to be effective for Alzheimer’s. The treatment, which is also known as Namenda, works by blocking high amounts of chemicals found in the brain to reduce the deterioration of the nerves.
Unfortunately, this treatment also comes with side effects such as constipation, dizziness, and headaches.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
For those looking to avoid medications altogether, cognitive stimulation therapy may be an option. This treatment option involves using specific exercises used to strengthen mental functioning and improve memory and language use.
While these exercises can help for those with early symptoms or as a preventative measure for those with a family history of dementia, they may not be effective with those with moderate to severe dementia.
CBD Oil
CBD Oil utilizes the power of cannabinoids (the primary compound found in cannabis) to target the endocannabinoid system of the brain. This region of the brain includes the system that allows us to memorize and process facts.
This treatment has been used to reduce and even halt the effects of dementia and comes with little to no side effects.
Other Conditions That Can Be Treated with CBD Oil
As researchers continue to study the healing effects of CBD oil, there are more and more conditions that have found to be effectively treated through the use of the oil.
While the list continues to grow, here are some conditions that may be treated with CBD Oil:
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and Depression symptoms can range from insomnia to suicidal thoughts depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. While anti-depressants are often recommended as a treatment, most of the pharmaceuticals block all emotions leaving patients with a “numb feeling”.
Fortunately, CBD oil can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while giving the patient a more optimistic outlook and allowing them to still enjoy life.
Epilepsy
Epileptic seizures can make it impossible for those suffering from epilepsy to enjoy their normal day to day routine. In some cases, the after-effects of the seizures can result in long term neural damage.
While the research has been mostly anecdotal, many cases have shown that CBD oil can stop seizures and even reduce how frequently they occur.
Cancer Treatment Symptoms
Chemotherapy and radiation treatments come with harsh symptoms that are often as difficult for patients as the disease itself. In fact, intense nausea and lack of appetite can be so severe that it can leave patients too weak to fight the disease.
Which is why many physicians recommend CBD oil to help reduce the strength of such symptoms and allow patients to hold on to their strength for a longer duration.
Acne
Yes, CBD oil can even be used to treat painful and unsightly skin conditions like acne. In this case, the CBD oil is typically applied topically.
Since the CBD oil contains strong anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help calm some of the redness and irritation commonly associated with breakouts.
Addiction
While it may seem counter-intuitive, CBD oil has also been found to help recovering addicts remove addiction from their lives. That’s because the CBD oil gives the same “good feeling” that they seek with their addictions, without the harmful chemicals, addictive substances, or inability to maintain a normal life.
The Right Steps Towards Improved Mental Health
While it may not be the cure to the condition, using CBD oil for dementia is one step you can take towards better brain health and a more vibrant and healthier future.
If you are looking for more ways to enhance your brain health, we suggest checking out our blog on mental health in the US.