Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study.

doi:10.3233/JAD-150915

Paper

Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study.

Published 2016 · A. Shelef, Y. Barak, Uri Berger

Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD

82

Citations

4

Influential Citations

Full textSemantic Scholar

Abstract

BACKGROUND Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE To measure efficacy and safety of medical cannabis oil (MCO) containing THC as an add-on to pharmacotherapy, in relieving behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). METHODS Eleven AD patients were recruited to an open label, 4 weeks, prospective trial. RESULTS Ten patients completed the trial. Significant reduction in CGI severity score (6.5 to 5.7; p < 0.01) and NPI score were recorded (44.4 to 12.8; p < 0.01). NPI domains of significant decrease were: Delusions, agitation/aggression, irritability, apathy, sleep and caregiver distress. CONCLUSION Adding MCO to AD patients' pharmacotherapy is safe and a promising treatment option.

Non-RCT

Rigorous Journal

Highly Cited

Study Snapshot

Adding medical cannabis oil containing THC to Alzheimer's disease patients' pharmacotherapy is a safe and promising treatment option for relieving behavioral and psychological symptoms.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study.

References

Citations