Dr. Aloysius Alzheimer, a Bavarian neuro-pathologist, identified a form of dementia distinct from senility (circa 1906).
He
identified plaques that disrupt the metabolism that supports nerve
cells. The cells stop communicating and die (National Institute on
Ageing). Pathologists, then, find the brains of such victims positive
for the buildup of two plaques: amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary
tangles.
No
one is positioned to label these plaques as causes or by-products of
Alzheimer’s Disease. But, everyone agrees they are certainly markers.
Fifty years of research
Jump
to the 1960s when Dr. Raphael Mechoulam of Israel’s Hebrew University
synthesized tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and determined the structure of
cannabidiol (CBD). As shown in the documentary, The Scientist, Professor Mechoulam’s team “found that the human brain produces its very own Cannabis – a chemical that they named anandamide after the Sanskrit word ananda, ‘bliss’.”
He
inferred that, if “THC interacts with the largest receptor system in
the human body, the endocannabinoid system (ECS),” its use can correct
or adjust failures or dysfunction in connections with those receptors.
A 2014 study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease concludes,
“These sets of data strongly suggest that THC could be a potential
therapeutic treatment option for Alzheimer's disease through multiple
functions and pathways.” A pre-clinical study, it found that doses of
THC would “slow the production of beta-amyloid proteins.”
A 2016 announcement from the Salk Institute reported on
similar results in research led by Professor David Schubert, Professor
of Salk’s Cellular Neurobiology Lab. A non-clinical study, it confirms
“evidence that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other compounds found in
marijuana can promote the cellular removal of amyloid beta, a toxic
protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease.”
Remedy strains:
Testing indicates there is some advantage in the THC/CBD ration favoring THC in strains such as these five strains and more:
Acapulco Gold Feminized
(Barney’s Farms), a handsome plant with gold hairs and golden flecks,
flowers in nine weeks. Strong fruity flavors and powerful high last a
long time. It is a Sativa dominant hybrid with Indica. That’s 23% THC
and 0.07% CBD.
Skunk Haze (Mr.
Nice Seeds) relieves pain but leaves users energetic and focused. Its
cerebral effects are invigorating and strong. Taste is full-flavored in
this Sativa dominant progeny of Skunk and Haze parents making it high
THC and low CBD
Kerala Krush Regular
(Flying Dutchman) is another potent Sativa/Indica hybrid (85/15). It
grows fast and fruitful. Its 18-22% THC produces a sharp, clear,
relaxing, and cerebral high. Users claim a meditative feeling, a sense
of purpose and meaningfulness.
Dutch Dragon Regular
(Paradise Seeds) is hugely Sativa (75%/25%) with a potent high. Tasting
like tangerines, it grows tall quickly and reliably in warmer climates.
It produces a giggly euphoric high. With THC pushing 18%, Dutch Dragon
has always been a best seller.
Mexican Sativa Regular
(Sensi Seeds) is another Sativa/Indica (70%/30%) hybrid. This fast
flowering native of Oaxaca, it has been infused with African Durban and
Hash strains. It smells of anise and sandalwood, and delivers its 18%
THC and 1.3% CBD high.
Remedy edibles:
Crispy Kraken (Dixie
Medical) is a crispy rice in milk chocolate bar. Smooth and delicious,
it is THC-infused and easily bitten into any time of day.
Bubbly Cola Gummies (EdiPure),
shaped like tiny cola bottles, remind you of old school penny candy.
Sweet and sour fizzes into a strong enough rush you’ll want to limit
consumption.
Peach Tarts (EdiPure)
are colorful gummies infused with 10 mg THC in each piece. Sweet, sour,
and peachy under their sugar coating, the taste masks the cannabis.
Conclusion:
Green House Daily assets,
“THC is a natural and safe amyloid inhibitor, unlike prescription
medication that is often prescribed to patients.” This is a reasonable
summary of the pre-clinical studies reported to date.
But,
that’s a long way from saying that cannabis is a cure for Alzheimer’s, a
means to reverse it, or to stop it in its tracks. Considering the U.S. data on Alzheimer’s Disease provided by ALZ.org, any promising research is welcome:
- 5.2 million people age 65+
- 200,000 under age 65
- 1 in 9 over 65
- Kills more than breast and prostate cancer combined
- 2016 cost at $238 billion
- 13.8 million projected for 2050
- Someone will develop AZ every 33 seconds by 2050.
U.S.
research remains hamstrung by FDA rules currently allowing research
only at University of Mississippi. Successful research pretty has been
limited everywhere to in vitro testing and in vivo testing limited to
small animals, discovery of effects on human participants still waits.
Research
as it is shows “THC blocks an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which
speeds the formation of amyloid plaque in the brains of people with
Alzheimer's disease” (WebMd). The Scripps Research Institute (2006) research even
found that THC is “a considerably superior inhibitor of [amyloid
plaque] aggregation" to several currently approved drugs for treating
the disease.” Specifically, Aricept proved only 22% as effective, and
Cognex only 7% as effective.
You
can, then, conclude that cannabis with high THC content has proven to
reduce and degenerate beta-amyloid plaque. Unfortunately, that is still
far from a cure or reversal. Additional research is needed, of course.
There
is not comparable research history on neurofibrillary tangles. The
focus on plaques has left little consideration of other bio-chemical,
vascular, or dietary relationships.
But,
given the confidence that cannabis does target known hallmarks and
relieve reported symptoms, it justifies additional research to identify
the specific strains best matched to the problem
"Allbud.com is your comprehensive guide to recreational and medical marijuana
dispensaries and strains where you could find nearby dispensaries with
reviews and/or explore over 3,000 strains with photos, videos and
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