Drug that halts Alzheimers, removes amyloid plaques on the horizon

[Maru Kitteh]

28. While that does seem promising, it's not accurate to say MJ removes amyloid plaque in humans

at this time.

"While these exploratory studies were conducted in neurons grown in the laboratory, they may offer insight into the role of inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease and could provide clues to developing novel therapeutics for the disorder." - from the Salk paper

There's a metric shit-ton of difference between nerve cells in a dish and the human brain.

I did think this was very promising:

Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study.
Shelef A1, Barak Y1, Berger U2, Paleacu D1, Tadger S1, Plopsky I1, Baruch Y1.
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.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26757043

This is something that makes a great deal of difference in the quality of life of those suffering and caregivers. It's encouraging, but more scientifically valid studies need to be done with a hell of a lot more than 11 patients so that more people can benefit. Thankfully other countries with less ridiculous and byzantine legal ambiguities continue stronger research.


I consider myself an advocate of MMJ, but I would never take seriously information found on a site like "extract" that has headlines like "25 photos that will make you want a weed wedding." I'm a scientist. Agenda-driven POV sites like that villify the many natural allies that they have in the medical community with fear-mongering and name-calling, and do more harm than help to the cause.