New Evidence that Marijuana can Fight Alzheimer's Disease

Cannabis and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease leads to irreversible, progressive mental deterioration that worsens over time. It is thought that the cause is a lifetime of brain inflammation. Cannabis has been shown to be a safe anti-inflammatory medicine. Researchers believe the use of marijuana can prevent and slow the onset of Alzheimer's.(Source)

A study at the University of Florida found that very low doses of the cannabinoid THC can slow Alzheimer's progression. The increase of the protein Amyloid-β has been found to be linked to Alzheimer's disease. The Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana was found to lower Amyloid-β levels while also increasing beneficial mitochondrial function.(Source)

A low dose of marijuana increases the function of the cannabinoid system in the body. Research shows this increased functioning results in an anti-oxidant boosting of energy to the cells and a reduction in inflammation. It is believed that the use of marijuana early in life results in a slower progression of Alzheimer's as a person ages.(Source)

The entire cannabis plant contributes as a source of treatment. Essential Fatty Acids found in marijuana act as an anti-inflammatory agent. The cannabinoid Cannabichhrome (CBC) promotes brain stem cell growth which leads to a reduction in dementia. The “Entourage Effect” generated by using the whole flower is equally beneficial in the fight against Alzheimer's Disease.

Source:

http://blog.sfgate.com/smellthetruth/2014/11/29/marijuana-fights-alzheimers-disease-study-indicates/

http://healthland.time.com/2012/10/29/how-cannabinoids-may-slow-brain-aging/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17140265

http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/367/1607/3326

http://blog.seattlepi.com/marijuana/2014/03/02/marijuana-may-prevent-alzheimers-but-research-hits-dead-end/#13130103=0&19612101=0

Essential Fatty Acids in Cannabis

Cannabis in the form of hemp seeds holds forty-four percent of it's weight in edible oils.  These oils comprise eighty percent of essential fatty acids (EFAs) which include Linoleic Acid (55%), Alpha-Linolenic Acid - Omega-3 (22%), Gamma-Linolenic Acid - Omega-6 (1-4%) and Stearidonic Acid - Omega -3 (0-2%)(Source). Cannabis derived from flowers has been found to include many fatty acids including palmitic, myristic, oleic and stearic acids. (Source)

Omega 3 Fatty Acids in plant form have been found to help with arthritis, depression, infant development, asthma, ADHD, Alzheimer's and Dementia. These acids have been shown to act primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent.(Source) Studies have also shown that an increased diet including Omega 3 fatty acids helps to reduce ADHD symptoms.

Omega 6 fatty acids, also known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), have been shown to help with brain function, growth and development, skin and hair growth, metabolism regulation, bone health and the functions of the reproductive system. (Source) A diet with higher levels of Omega 3's vs. Omega 6 has been shown to be healthiest overall. However Omega 6 acids have been found to help with specific health  problems which may not be addressed solely through a diet including use of Omega 6 acids. Linolenic Acid (GLA) has been shown to help with nerve pain in people with diabetic neuropathy or arthritis. Studies have shown more allergies in woman with low GLA in breast milk or blood. GLA has been shown to help with a breast cancer drug tamoxifen and help inhibit tumor activity. (Source)

Cannabis is a nutritious food source that offers essential fatty acids, all 9 essential amino acids and 65% of globulin edistin.

Source:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/omega-3-fatty-acids-fact-sheet

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega6-fatty-acids

http://forendex.southernforensic.org/uploads/references/MicrogramJournal/5.1-4.20.25.pdf