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

Abstract

Adding MCO to AD patients' pharmacotherapy is safe and a promising treatment option.

Medical cannabis: aligning use to evidence‐based medicine approach

“…In an open label study of 11 Alzheimer's disease patients, THC treatment (2.5 mg) was associated with a reduction in aggressive behavior. Adverse events were reported in three of the patients, with one adjudicated as adverse event related to the treatment (confusion, improved following dose adjustment ). A currently recruiting phase II, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial (NCT03328676, supported by Tikun‐Olam Ltd), investigates the efficacy and safety of cannabis oil (30% CBD and 1.5% THC) in patients with dementia related agitation.…”

Dazed and Confused: Medical Cannabis in Alzheimer Disease

“…supportive was an open label study of 11 patients with Alzheimer's disease and associated behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia that were treated with medical cannabis oil over 4 weeks. This was associated with significant reduction in CGI severity score, caregiver distress, and NPI domains including delusions, agitation/aggression, irritability, apathy, and sleep, while also maintaining a good safety and tolerability profile [5]. Conversely, a 3-week randomized controlled trial of THC in tablet form to treat behavioral disturbances and pain in patients with dementia showed no benefit over placebo, however it was well tolerated.…”

Agitation in Alzheimer Disease as a Qualifying Condition for Medical Marijuana in the United States

“…The only randomized, placebo-controlled trial of marijuana for dementia (6), specifically tetrahydrocannabinol for dementia-related NPS, was negative, though the trial was small (50 patients), short-term (3 weeks), and used a relatively low-dose. A more recent study was positive, but open-label in design and even smaller (n=10 completers) (7). …”