As we commemorate World Health Day on April 7, 2025, the theme this year—”Prioritising Women’s Longevity and Well-being”—highlights an urgent concern: Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affects women. Nearly two-thirds of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are women, according to global estimates. Let’s take this opportunity to explore Alzheimer’s disease, its relationship with dementia, and a rapidly emerging area of interest: cannabidiol (CBD) oil as a potential support in managing symptoms.
📌 Table of Contents
- Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
- Types of Dementia
- Is There a Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease?
- What are Hemp and Marijuana?
- What is Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil?
- Full-Spectrum Oil and Alzheimer’s Disease: What Does the Science Say?
- Can Full-Spectrum Oil Improve the Quality of Life for Dementia Patients?
- Conclusion: Hope on the Horizon
- References and Further Reading
1. Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Dementia is a general term describing a range of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, behavior, and emotions. These symptoms stem from brain disorders that interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by the progressive loss of brain cells that control memory, cognition, and behavior. This disease primarily affects the cerebral cortex, the outermost layer of the brain, and results in irreversible cognitive decline.
Alzheimer’s affects both the short-term and long-term memory, making it difficult for individuals to remember names, dates, or familiar faces. This degeneration of brain cells can also impact one’s ability to perform everyday tasks, communicate, and engage in activities that were once second nature.
2. Types of Dementia
Here are the major types of dementia:
- Alzheimer’s Disease: Progressive death of brain cells that leads to memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes.
- Vascular Dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to stroke or mini-strokes. This type of dementia may cause symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s but usually involves problems with reasoning, planning, and judgment.
- Dementia with Lewy Bodies: Associated with abnormal protein deposits in the brain. This type of dementia can lead to visual hallucinations, Parkinsonism (movement difficulties), and cognitive decline.
- Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: A form of dementia that occurs in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease. It can affect memory, attention, and reasoning skills.
- Frontotemporal Dementia (Pick’s Disease): Rare and typically develops at a younger age. It is characterized by changes in personality and behavior, often leading to socially inappropriate actions.
Late-onset dementia generally affects individuals aged 65 or older, while early-onset dementia can affect those as young as 40 or 50.
3. Is There a Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Current treatments are focused on slowing the progression of symptoms and enhancing quality of life. These treatments include pharmaceutical medications that work by boosting brain chemicals like acetylcholine, as well as cognitive therapies and lifestyle interventions aimed at improving mental function.
There is growing interest in using natural supplements like full-spectrum hemp oil to manage symptoms and possibly slow down the progression of the disease. Full-spectrum hemp oil contains a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes, which may help reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and support neurogenesis—the creation of new brain cells.
4. What are Hemp and Marijuana?
Both hemp and marijuana are varieties of the Cannabis sativa plant. While they belong to the same species, their chemical compositions differ significantly:
- Hemp: Contains minimal amounts of THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) and high levels of CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive compound. Hemp is typically used for its fiber, seeds, and oil, and is often legally cultivated with restrictions.
- Marijuana: Contains higher levels of THC and lower levels of CBD. It is primarily cultivated for recreational and medicinal purposes due to its psychoactive effects.
Full-spectrum hemp oil, derived from hemp, contains various cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, which all work together in synergy to provide therapeutic benefits. Unlike marijuana, it doesn’t cause a “high,” making it a safer option for medical use.
5. What is Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil?
CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant. This oil contains high levels of cannabidiol, a compound known for its therapeutic properties. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various physiological processes such as mood, pain sensation, and immune response.
CBD oil is typically made through a Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) method, which isolates the cannabidiol from the plant material. This oil is then diluted with a carrier oil like hemp seed oil to enhance its absorption and effectiveness.
6. Full-Spectrum Oil and Alzheimer’s Disease: What Does the Science Say?
Emerging research shows that full-spectrum hemp oil may have neuroprotective effects, which could be beneficial for managing Alzheimer’s disease:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Chronic inflammation in the brain is a key factor in the development of Alzheimer’s. Full-spectrum oil has been shown to reduce neuroinflammation, which may help protect neurons from further damage.
- Antioxidant effects: Oxidative stress is another significant factor in Alzheimer’s progression. Full-spectrum hemp oil has powerful antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize harmful free radicals and prevent further cellular damage.
- Amyloid-beta reduction: Preclinical studies suggest that CBD can reduce the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques, which are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Neurogenesis: Full-spectrum oil has been shown to support neurogenesis, or the growth of new neurons. This may help counteract the degeneration of brain cells caused by Alzheimer’s.
Although the research is still in its early stages, these findings lay the groundwork for future clinical trials and studies on the potential of full-spectrum hemp oil in treating Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
7. Can Full-Spectrum Oil Improve the Quality of Life for Dementia Patients?
Beyond cognitive function, full-spectrum hemp oil shows promise in managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), which can significantly impact the quality of life for patients and caregivers. Some of the potential benefits include:
- Reducing anxiety: CBD may help alleviate anxiety, which is common in dementia patients.
- Decreasing agitation: Many dementia patients experience restlessness or aggression, which can be calmed by the calming effects of CBD.
- Improving sleep quality: Sleep disturbances are common in dementia patients, and CBD has been shown to help improve sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
- Mood stabilization: Full-spectrum hemp oil may help stabilize mood swings and improve emotional well-being.
While the benefits are still being studied, anecdotal evidence from patients and caregivers suggests that full-spectrum hemp oil may significantly enhance daily functioning and reduce the burden on caregivers.
8. Conclusion: Hope on the Horizon
Although full-spectrum hemp oil is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, it offers hope for improving the quality of life for patients and slowing the progression of symptoms. With ongoing research and clinical trials, full-spectrum hemp oil may become an integral part of dementia care, especially for women who are disproportionately affected by this condition.
Let’s continue to support research and awareness on Alzheimer’s disease, and promote holistic approaches to better care for those affected.
9. References and Further Reading
- Alzheimer’s Disease | Alzheimer’s Disease International
- How CBD Oil is Made | Good Hemp
- Bhunia S et al. (2022). Cannabidiol for neurodegenerative disorders: A comprehensive review. Front. Pharmacol. 13:989717. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.989717
- Dementia Fact Sheet | WHO
- Cannabidiol and Alzheimer’s Disease. ScienceDirect DOI
