Category Archives: Dementia

Cannabidiol improves the cognitive function of SAMP8 AD model mice involving the microbiota-gut-brain axis

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“Cannabidiol (CBD), a natural component extracted from Cannabis sativa L. exerts neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a disease characterized by impaired cognition and accumulation of amyloid-B peptides (Aβ). Interactions between the gut and central nervous system (microbiota-gut-brain axis) play a critical role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorder AD. At present investigations into the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective action of CBD in AD are not conclusive.

The aim of this study was thus to examine the influence of CBD on cognition and involvement of the microbiota-gut-brain axis using a senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) model.

Data demonstrated that administration of CBD to SAMP8 mice improved cognitive function as evidenced from the Morris water maze test and increased hippocampal activated microglia shift from M1 to M2. In addition, CBD elevated levels of Bacteriodetes associated with a fall in Firmicutes providing morphologically a protective intestinal barrier which subsequently reduced leakage of intestinal toxic metabolites. Further, CBD was found to reduce the levels of hippocampal and colon epithelial cells lipopolysaccharide (LPS), known to be increased in AD leading to impaired gastrointestinal motility, thereby promoting neuroinflammation and subsequent neuronal death.

Our findings demonstrated that CBD may be considered a beneficial therapeutic drug to counteract AD-mediated cognitive impairment and restore gut microbial functions associated with the observed neuroprotective mechanisms.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590254/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15287394.2024.2338914

Involvement of CB1 and CB2 receptors in neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids in experimental TDP-43 related frontotemporal dementia using male mice

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“Background: The elevation of endocannabinoid levels through inhibiting their degradation afforded neuroprotection in CaMKIIα-TDP-43 mice, a conditional transgenic model of frontotemporal dementia. However, which cannabinoid receptors are mediating these benefits is still pending to be elucidated.

Methods: We have investigated the involvement of the CB1 and the CB2 receptor using chronic treatments with selective ligands in CaMKIIα-TDP-43 mice, analysis of their cognitive deterioration with the Novel Object Recognition test, and immunostaining for neuronal and glial markers in two areas of interest in frontotemporal dementia.

Results: Our results confirmed the therapeutic value of activating either the CB1 or the CB2 receptor, with improvements in the animal performance in the Novel Object Recognition test, preservation of pyramidal neurons, in particular in the medial prefrontal cortex, and attenuation of glial reactivity, in particular in the hippocampus. In addition, the activation of both CB1 and CB2 receptors reduced the elevated levels of TDP-43 in the medial prefrontal cortex of CaMKIIα-TDP-43 mice, an effect exerted by mechanisms that are currently under investigation.

Conclusions: These data reinforce the notion that the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors may represent a promising therapy against TDP-43-induced neuropathology in frontotemporal dementia. Future studies will have to confirm these benefits, in particular with one of the selective CB2 agonists used here, which has been thoroughly characterized for clinical development.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38522237/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332224003573?via%3Dihub

Cannabinoids for Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia: An Overview

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“Dementia, with loss of memory, cognitive abilities, and independent daily functioning, is increasing worldwide, related to an aging population. Currently, there is no curative treatment for dementia. Treatment of the frequently occurring behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is partially effective and associated with significant side effects.

Cannabinoids are lipophilic molecules acting on the CB1 end CB2 receptors, essential for main biological processes such as sleep, appetite, memory, and pain. Cannabinoids might have a positive impact on amyloid formation in Alzheimer’s disease, the main form of dementia, and on BPSD symptoms. Most knowledge currently concerns delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

In the context of dementia and BPSD, THC might be beneficial for associated spasticity and possible pain or lack of appetite and CBD probably works better on sleep, agitation, and anxiety. This overview of prospective clinical studies and randomized clinical trials, published between 2005 and April 2023, using cannabinoids for BPSD suggests that older studies using low-dose oral synthetic THC showed no positive results.

Still, more recent studies using THC/CBD-based oral medication at higher doses show promising results and are feasible and safe in this elderly polymedicated population. Several RCTs are ongoing and planned worldwide, and we hope other trials will follow to establish clinical efficiency and optimal dosing, as well as other outcomes such as deprescribing other medications and facilitation of care. We suggest that researchers also address the more sociological aspects of prescribing cannabinoids for dementia and BPSD in their specific context.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38447959/

https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-2262-7837

Cannabidiol improves memory and decreases IL-1β serum levels in rats with lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation

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“Memory improving and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol (CBD) were investigated in an experimental model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38351784/

“Cannabis sativa is a plant that has been cultivated by humans and utilized in medicine since ancient times.”

“Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most important Cannabis-derived molecules,”

“CBD improved spatial working and recognition memory in rats with LPS-induced inflammation. Suppression of IL-1β production could be attributed to the observed effect.”

https://foliamedica.bg/article/107259/

Identification of Anti-Neuroinflammatory Bioactive Compounds in Essential Oils and Aqueous Distillation Residues Obtained from Commercial Varieties of Cannabis sativa L

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“Neuroinflammation, which is mainly triggered by microglia, is a key contributor to multiple neurodegenerative diseases.

Natural products, and in particular Cannabis sativa L., due to its richness in phytochemical components, represent ideal candidates to counteract neuroinflammation.

We previously characterized different C. sativa commercial varieties which showed significantly different chemical profiles. On these bases, the aim of this study was to evaluate essential oils and aqueous distillation residues from the inflorescences of three different hemp varieties for their anti-neuroinflammatory activity in BV-2 microglial cells. Cells were pretreated with aqueous residues or essential oils and then activated with LPS. Unlike essential oils, aqueous residues showed negligible effects in terms of anti-inflammatory activity. Among the essential oils, the one obtained from ‘Gorilla Glue’ was the most effective in inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators and in upregulating anti-inflammatory ones through the modulation of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Moreover, the sesquiterpenes (E)-caryophyllene, α-humulene, and caryophyllene oxide were identified as the main contributors to the essential oils’ anti-inflammatory activity. To our knowledge, the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of α-humulene has not been previously described.

In conclusion, our work shows that C. sativa essential oils characterized by high levels of sesquiterpenes can be promising candidates in the prevention/counteraction of neuroinflammation.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38068924/

https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/23/16601

Characterizing cannabis-prevalent terpenes for neuroprotection reveal a role for α and β-pinenes in mitigating amyloid β-evoked neurotoxicity and aggregation in vitro

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Background: Cannabis Sativa L. (C. sativa) can efficiently synthesize of over 200 terpenes, including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and triterpenes that may contribute to the known biological activities of phytocannabinoids of relevance for the burgeoning access to medicinal cannabis formulations globally; however, to date have been uncharacterized. We assessed twelve predominant terpenes in C. sativa for neuroprotective and anti-aggregative properties in semi-differentiated PC12 neuronal cell line that is robust and validated as a cell model responsive to amyloid β (Aβ1-42) protein exposure and oxidative stress.

Methods: Cell viability was assessed biochemically using the MTT assay in the presence of myrcene, β-caryophyllene, terpinolene, limonene, linalool, humulene, α-pinene, nerolidol, β-pinene, terpineol, citronellol and friedelin (1-200μM) for 24hr. Sub-toxic threshold test concentrations of each terpene were then applied to cells, alone or with concomitant incubation with the lipid peroxidant tert-butyl hyrdroperoxide (t-BHP; 0-250μM) or amyloid β (Aβ1-42; 0-1μM) to assess neuroprotective effects. Direct effects of each terpene on Aβ fibril formation and aggregation were also evaluated using the Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorometric kinetic assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize fibril and aggregate morphology

Results: Terpenes were intrinsically benign to PC12 cells up to 50μM, with higher concentrations of β-caryophyllene, humulene and nerolidol inducing some loss of PC12 cell viability. No significant protective effects of terpenes were observed following t-BHP (0-200µM) administration, with some enhanced toxicity instead demonstrated from both β-caryophyllene and humulene treatment (each at 50µM). α-pinene and β-pinene demonstrated a significant neuroprotective effect against amyloid β exposure. α-pinene, β-pinene, terpineol, terpinolene and friedelin were associated with a variable inhibition of Aβ1-42 fibril and aggregate density.

Conclusions: The outcomes of this study underline a neuroprotective role of α-pinene and β-pinene against Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity associated with an inhibition of Aβ1-42 fibrilization and density. This demonstrates the bioactive potential of selected terpenes for consideration in the development of medicinal cannabis formulations targeting neurodegenerative diseases.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38070653/

“In summary, the outcomes from this study reveal a novel and efficacious neuroprotective and anti-aggregatory effect of α-pinene and β-pinene against β amyloid-mediated toxicity. The modest inhibition of lipid peroxidation from α-pinene, β-pinene, and terpinolene may also contribute to the multifaceted neuroprotection of C. sativa-prevalent terpenes. In addition, limited anti-aggregatory effects were observed from terpineol, terpinolene, α-pinene, β-pinene and friedelin. The outcomes of this study contribute to an emerging body of knowledge towards the potential synergistic bioactivities of selected terpenes for consideration in the development of medicinal cannabis formulations targeting neurodegenerative diseases.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0161813X23001699?via%3Dihub

The Use of Dispensary-Obtained Tetrahydrocannabinol as a Treatment for Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia

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“Objective: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) of dementia represent a large driver of health care costs, caregiver burden, and institutionalization of people with dementia. Management options are limited, and antipsychotics are often used, although they carry a significant side effect profile. One novel option is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); however, in the US, to obtain THC for patients with dementia, caregivers have to go to a commercial dispensary. We evaluated the effectiveness of dispensary-obtained THC for patients with dementia and NPS.

Methods: Two independent reviewers reviewed charts of patients with diagnosed dementia (N = 50) seen in geriatric psychiatry between 2017 and 2021 for whom dispensary-obtained THC was recommended. The primary outcome was effectiveness in treating NPS; secondary outcomes were the proportion of caregivers who obtained and administered THC (uptake), post-THC antipsychotic use, and adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation.

Results: Caregiver uptake of dispensary-obtained THC was high (38/50, 76%). The majority of patients (30/38, 79%) who took THC had an improvement in NPS according to their caregivers. THC was recommended most often for the NPS of agitation, aggression, irritability, lability, anxiety, and insomnia. Among the 20 patients who were taking antipsychotics at baseline and took THC, over half (12/20, 60%) were able to decrease or discontinue the antipsychotic. Adverse reactions to THC included dizziness, worsening of agitation, and worsening of paranoia; two caregivers of patients who took THC reported adverse reactions that led to treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that dispensary-obtained THC can be effective in managing a subset of NPS in patients with dementia and may decrease the requirement for antipsychotics.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37728481/

https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/neurologic/dementia/dispensary-obtained-tetrahydrocannabinol-treatment-neuropsychiatric-symptoms-dementia/

Cannabis reduces anxiety in dementia

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MMW - Advances in Medicine 14/2023

“Neuropsychiatric symptoms occur in almost 90% of people with dementia. Agitated and aggressive behavior significantly reduces the quality of life of those affected and those around them, but it is difficult to access therapy. One option could be medicinal cannabis. The results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study indicate that a full-spectrum cannabis extract with a high content of cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce dementia-related agitation [1]. In the study, 60 patients with severe neurocognitive disorder and associated behavioral disorders received a full-spectrum cannabis extract with 1% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 30% CBD (Re:cannis) or a placebo oil. After 16 weeks, sleep disturbances, Agitation and aggression significantly improved compared to the placebo group. Since the effects only became apparent in the 14th week, patience is required.”

https://www.springermedizin.de/agitiertheit/demenz/cannabis-daempft-die-unruhe-bei-demenz/25883850?fulltextView=true&doi=10.1007%2Fs15006-023-2867-2

Hippocampal differential expression underlying the neuroprotective effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol microdose on old mice

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“Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant and an exogenous ligand of the endocannabinoid system. In previous studies, we demonstrated that a single microdose of THC (0.002 mg/kg, 3-4 orders of magnitude lower than the standard dose for rodents) exerts distinct, long-term neuroprotection in model mice subjected to acute neurological insults. When administered to old, healthy mice, the THC microdose induced remarkable long-lasting (weeks) improvement in a wide range of cognitive functions, including significant morphological and biochemical brain alterations. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects, we analyzed the gene expression of hippocampal samples from the model mice. Samples taken 5 days after THC treatment showed significant differential expression of genes associated with neurogenesis and brain development. In samples taken 5 weeks after treatment, the transcriptional signature was shifted to that of neuronal differentiation and survival. This study demonstrated the use of hippocampal transcriptome profiling in uncovering the molecular basis of the atypical, anti-aging effects of THC microdose treatment in old mice.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37534036/

“Our findings imply that the THC microdose treatment alleviates age-dependent cognitive deficits by modulating multiple hallmarks of brain aging, supporting past hypotheses regarding the relation between aging and the endocannabinoid system.”

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2023.1182932/full

The role of cannabidiol in aging

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“Aging is usually considered a key risk factor associated with multiple diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Furthermore, the burden of age-related diseases has become a global challenge. It is of great significance to search for drugs to extend lifespan and healthspan. Cannabidiol (CBD), a natural nontoxic phytocannabinoid, has been regarded as a potential candidate drug for antiaging. An increasing number of studies have suggested that CBD could benefit healthy longevity. Herein, we summarized the effect of CBD on aging and analyzed the possible mechanism. All these conclusions may provide a perspective for further study of CBD on aging.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37418976/

“CBD is a potential antiaging candidate. CBD possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and autophagy-inducing properties. CBD has potentially beneficial therapeutic effects for several age-related diseases.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S075333222300865X?via%3Dihub