Studies show Alzheimer’s could be prevented or cured with marijuana

It seems like the miracle drug of the moment but scientists have conducted research into the benefits of cannabis use and Alzheimer’s. No, it doesn’t cause memory loss: it improves it, according to the study published in the Journal of Alheimer’s Disease by scientists from the University of South Florida. They have found that low levels of THC (found in marijuana) may halt or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.

This latest research by the neuroscientists reiterates the potential medicinal powers of marijuana. If it could cure Alzheimer’s in sufferers, this could be a breakthrough and a major case for the legalisation of cannabis for medical use.

It is Dementia Month in Australia throughout September and it is a disease close to many of our hearts. Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia affect more than 300,000 Australians, with this number set to rise to 400,000 in less than 10 years. Without a medical breakthrough, this number is expected to be almost 900,000 by 2050, according to Fight Dementia Australia. It’s also the third leading cause of death – so this link between marijuana and Alzheimer’s could be a piece of the missing puzzle. Of course there is still a divide in the community over the use of medicinal marijuana, but what if it reduced your risk of succumbing to dementia or Alzheimer’s? Would you do what you could to help yourself or your family?

The neuroscientists discovered that THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol chemical) reduces production of amyloid beta protein – a protein found in most ageing brains; it can develop into Alzheimer’s. The researchers said that THC was a “natural and relatively safe amyloid inhibitor”, that can fight Alzheimer’s, slowing down its development or even curing it.

This is the first report into the compound and the Alzheimer’s-linked protein and it is sure to reignite the debate in what is becoming a very current and important issue in the media and in the science world as medical professionals continue to stand by its medicinal properties.

What do you think? Would you promote the use of medicinal marijuana if it could prevent or cure Alzheimer’s? Or are the risks too great? Join the discussion below.