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Alzheimer's Disease   Information pages   About this page ... Welcome to MERCYs web pages dedicated to information on Alzheimer's Disease and Medical Cannabis as well as related issues and items.   Click here for printable (WORD) version of this info, Click here for PDF (Adobe) version of this info. These are Orgs, Info, Links and other Resources for Medical Cannabis and/or Alzheimer's Disease. Services and functional information you can use.   Sections for The Law; Contacts - People, Orgs and Biz; Events and other Network opportunities; Info - Medical, Legal and otherwise; Action - Indiviual and Group Plans and Resources, Legislation and Legislators at all levels, News - Current Items by Categories, Sources and History; Library of Links, Images and Documents including How To's and any other Resources (IE- Forums) that may help. Medical cannabis resources and more.  We also try to include basic cannabis and related law and policy reform links and orgs for associated areas and functions such as human rights, justice, environment, health and other issues that potentially share resources.   What's yours? Got a Link, Resource or an Idea?  Enter in the NotePad or send us FeedBack. See even more related Info at this web-ring: OpdxNwoL links (marijuanalibrary.org/links.html)   Information on Alzheimers   Definition.   Alzheimer’s disease (AD), also called Alzheimer disease, Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type (SDAT) or simply Alzheimer’s, is the most common form of dementia. This incurable, degenerative, and terminal disease was first described by German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer in 1906 and was named after him. Generally it is diagnosed in people over 65 years of age, although the less-prevalent early-onset Alzheimer’s can occur much earlier. An estimated 26.6 million people worldwide had Alzheimer’s in 2006; this number may quadruple by 2050. Notes on Cost: The national tab for caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease is estimated at $100 billion annually. Alzheimer's disease costs U.S. businesses more than $60 billion a year, stemming from lost productivity and absenteeism by primary caregivers, and insurance costs. The annual cost of caring for one individual with Alzheimer's disease ranges from nearly $18,500 to more than $36,000, depending on the stage of the disease. More about | Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes. These neurons, which produce the brain chemical, or neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, break connections with other nerve cells and ultimately die. For example, short-term memory fails when Alzheimer's disease first destroys nerve cells in the hippocampus, and language skills and judgment decline when neurons die in the cerebral cortex. Two types of abnormal lesions clog the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease: Beta-amyloid plaques—sticky clumps of protein fragments and cellular material that form outside and around neurons; and neurofibrillary tangles—insoluble twisted fibers composed largely of the protein tau that build up inside nerve cells. Although these structures are hallmarks of the disease, scientists are unclear whether they cause it or a byproduct of it. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, or loss of intellectual function, among people aged 65 and older. Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. Origin of the term Alzheimer's disease dates back to 1906 when Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, presented a case history before a medical meeting of a 51-year-old woman who suffered from a rare brain disorder. A brain autopsy identified the plaques and tangles that today characterize Alzheimer's disease. Signs and tests.   Warning Signs | Although every case of Alzheimer's disease is different, experts have identified common warning signs of the brain disease. Remember, Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging, and it is important to look for signs that might indicate Alzheimer's disease versus basic forgetfulness. With Alzheimer's disease, these symptoms gradually increase and become more persistent. If someone is exhibiting these symptoms, the person should check out his or her concerns with a healthcare professional. Awareness of these warning signs is not a substitute for a structured screening or consultation with a primary care provider. Typical warning signs include: Memory loss, especially of recent events, names, placement of objects, and other new information Confusion about time and place Struggling to complete familiar actions, such as brushing teeth or getting dressed Trouble finding the appropriate words, completing sentences, and following directions and conversations Poor judgment when making decisions Changes in mood and personality, such as increased suspicion, rapid and persistent mood swings, withdrawal, and disinterest in usual activities Difficulty with complex mental assignments, such as balancing a checkbook or other tasks involving numbers Symptoms.   Symptoms are divided into two categories: cognitive, or intellectual, and psychiatric. Differentiating them is important so that behavioral problems that are caused by loss of cognitive functioning are not treated with anti-psychotic or anti-anxiety medications. Cognitive, or intellectual, symptoms are amnesia, aphasia, apraxia and agnosia (the 4 As of Alzheimer's). Amnesia is defined as loss of memory, or the inability to remember facts or events. We have two types of memories: the short-term (recent, new) and long-term (remote, old) memories. Short-term memory is programmed in a part of the brain called the temporal lobe, while long-term memory is stored throughout extensive nerve cell networks in the temporal and parietal lobes. In Alzheimer's disease, short-term memory storage is damaged first. Aphasia is the inability to communicate effectively. The loss of ability to speak and write is called expressive aphasia. An individual may forget words he has learned, and will have increasing difficulty with communication. With receptive aphasia, an individual may be unable to understand spoken or written words or may read and not understand a word of what is read. Sometimes an individual pretends to understand and even nods in agreement; this is to cover-up aphasia. Although individuals may not understand words and grammar, they may still understand non-verbal behavior, i.e., smiling. Apraxia is the inability to do pre-programmed motor tasks, or to perform activities of daily living such as brushing teeth and dressing. An individual may forget all motor skills learned during development. Sophisticated motor skills that require extensive learning, such as job-related skills, are the first functions that become impaired. More instinctive functions like chewing, swallowing and walking are lost in the last stages of the disease. Agnosia is an individual's inability to correctly interpret signals from their five senses. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease may not recognize familiar people and objects. A common yet often unrecognized agnosia is the inability to appropriately perceive visceral, or internal, information such as a full bladder or chest pain. Major psychiatric symptoms include personality changes, depression, hallucinations and delusions. Personality changes can become evident in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Signs include irritability, apathy, withdrawal and isolation. Individuals may show symptoms of depression at any stage of the disease. Depression is treatable, even in the latter stages of Alzheimer's disease. Psychotic symptoms include hallucinations and delusions, which usually occur in the middle stage. Hallucinations typically are auditory and/or visual, and sensory impairments, such as hearing loss or poor eyesight, tend to increase hallucinations in the elderly. Hallucinations and delusions can be very upsetting to the person with the disease. Common reactions are feelings of fear, anxiety and paranoia, as well as agitation, aggression and verbal outbursts. Individuals with psychiatric symptoms tend to exhibit more behavioral problems than those without these symptoms. It is important to recognize these symptoms so that appropriate medications can be prescribed and safety precautions can be taken. Psychotic symptoms can often be reduced through the carefully supervised use of medications. Talk to your primary care doctor, neurologist or geriatric psychiatrist about these symptoms because they are treatable. Diagnostic tests & tools | Alzheimer's disease often goes unrecognized or undiagnosed in the early stages because the first symptoms are often viewed as normal parts of aging. To diagnose Alzheimer's disease, doctors use a series of tests and tools to evaluate thinking, behavior and physical function because there is no single scale that can definitively diagnose Alzheimer's disease by itself. Diagnostic tests may include the Clock Drawing test, the Mini-Mental Stage Examination (MMSE), and the Functional Assessment Staging test (FAST). In addition to these tests, the doctor may also conduct a medical and family health history, a routine physical exam, an exam that tests physical sensation controlled by the central nervous system, a brain scan, a neuropsychological evaluation, and interviews with family members and friends. Clinicians can now diagnose Alzheimer's disease with up to 90 percent accuracy. But it can only be confirmed by an autopsy, during which pathologists look for the disease's characteristic plaques and tangles in brain tissue. Clinicians can diagnose "probable" Alzheimer's disease by taking a complete medical history and conducting lab tests, a physical exam, brain scans and neuro-psychological tests that gauge memory, attention, language skills and problem-solving abilities. Proper diagnosis is critical since there are dozens of other causes of memory problems. Some memory problems can be readily treated, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. Other memory problems might result from causes that are not currently reversible, such as Alzheimer's disease. The sooner an accurate diagnosis of "probable" Alzheimer's disease is made, the easier it is to manage symptoms and plan for the future. Treatment notes: Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers are continually testing the effectiveness of various drug therapies that will control symptoms; slow, reduce and/or reverse mental and behavioral symptoms; and prevent or halt the disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: donepezil hydrochloride (Aricept), approved for all stages of Alzheimer's disease; rivastigmine (Exelon), approved in pill and patch form for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease; galantamine hydrobromide (Razadyne), approved for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease; and memantine HCI (Namenda) for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Some of these medications can be used alone or in combination, and can provide some relief of symptoms and may slow the decline in mental function to some extent. The FDA has approved memantine HCI (Namenda) for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, which may help slow the worsening of symptoms. Currently, research supports behavioral management interventions for many individuals with dementia, as well as education and counseling for caregivers of older adults. The National Institute on Aging, in concert with the FDA, tracks private- and government-sponsored clinical trials; Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) also lists clinical trials; contact AFAs Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center by visiting - www.alzheimers.org/trials or calling - 800-438-4380. See more on Treatments > here < !, or just keep paging down. Causes, incidence, and risk factors.   Prevention of Alzheimers? Research notes: The causes of Alzheimer's disease are still unknown. Current research indicates that Alzheimer's disease may be triggered by a multitude of factors, including age, genetic makeup, oxidative damage to neurons from the overproduction of toxic free radicals, serious head injuries, brain inflammation, and environmental factors. Age is the most important known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. There are two types of the disease: sporadic Alzheimer's disease and familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). Unlike sporadic Alzheimer's disease, FAD follows an obvious inheritance pattern. Less than ten percent of Alzheimer's disease cases are FAD. This rare form of Alzheimer's disease usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 60. On the genetic front, scientists have zeroed in on three mutations on chromosomes 1, 14 and 21 that cause early-onset Alzheimer's disease, which generally affects those aged 30 to 60. Other genes boost susceptibility, but do not signal that a person will definitely develop the disease. Multiple research studies indicate that inheritance of a specific one of the three forms, or alleles, of the apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene on chromosome 19 heightens the risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Those who carry one copy of the allele e4 face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, and those with two copies of e4 confront the greatest risk. Another relatively rare apoE allele, e2, appears linked to a lower risk of the disease. Several other studies suggest that a gene or genes on chromosome 10 may also boost an individual's risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease. SOURCEs: (1) Alzheimer's Foundation of America {AFA} (ORG) | Information On Alzheimer's; click -> http://www.alzfdn.org/ <- for more.

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( skip to End )  |   ( next )  |   more Info ...    |     ( prev )  |   ( go to Top )  Treatment of Alzheimers.   There are two types of treatments used to manage Alzheimer's disease. They both work differently in the brain. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors work by helping to increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain, a chemical that is important for memory and learning. Three of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer's disease are: ARICEPT* (donepezil 5 and 10mg), approved to treat all stages of Alzheimer's disease EXELON** (rivastigmine tartrate), approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. RAZADYNE*** (galantamine HBr), approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease Glutamate pathway modifiers (NAMENDA) work differently than the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Glutamate is another chemical in the brain that is important for learning and memory. NAMENDA is currently the only drug of its type approved to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Because the two types of medications work in different ways, taking them together can be beneficial. SOURCEs: (1) Aricept.com (BIZ) | Alzheimer's Info & Tips; click -> http://www.Aricept.com/ <- for more. (2) Namenda.com (BIZ) | Learn About Alzheimer's - Find info on Diagnosing & Treatment Options; click -> http://www.Namenda.com/ <- for more.   Treatment, CANNABIS Therapeutics   Updated NORML Report Highlights Marijuana's Role In Moderating Disease Progression; 'Emerging Clinical Applications' Booklet Reviews Nearly 200 Studies On The Therapeutic Use Of Cannabis Clinical and preclinical research on the therapeutic use of cannabis indicates that cannabinoids may curb the progression of various life-threatening diseases – including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and brain cancer, according to an updated report published by the NORML Foundation. NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano, who authored the report, said: "The conditions profiled in this report were chosen because patients frequently ask me about the use of cannabis to treat these disorders. Ideally, with this report in their hands, patients can now begin talking openly with their physicians about whether cannabis therapy is appropriate for them."  Visit - norml.org/component/zoo/category/recent-research-on-medical-marijuana - for more. Medical Use of Cannabis (marijuana) | Here to Help > On this page: How does cannabis work as medicine? What conditions or symptoms is cannabis used to treat? How do people use cannabis for medical purposes? What is pharmaceutical cannabis, and how does it compare to herbal cannabis? What are the side effects and risks of using cannabis to treat symptoms or medical conditions? Drug interactions Quality Is using cannabis for medicinal purposes legal? What are compassion clubs? What are some barriers to using cannabis for medicinal purposes? What to do if you or someone you know needs more information about medical cannabis  Visit - heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/medical-use-of-cannabis - for more. HowStuffWorks "How Medical Marijuana Works" | So how, exactly, does medical marijuana work to treat these conditions? Why, if this medicine is so effective for some people, does it remain controversial and, in many places, illegal? In this article, we'll take a look at the medical, legal, and practical issues surrounding medical marijuana in the United States. We'll examine why some people, like Burton Aldrich, depend on it to live normally. We'll also examine some of the intriguing intersections between pharmaceutical companies, the government and the medical marijuana industry. Visit - science.howstuffworks.com/medical-marijuana.htm - for more. Medical Marijuana Benefits, Helps These Conditions | You might be surprised to find that it wasn’t just ancient peoples who used the drug; marijuana remained in the United States pharmacopoeia until 1941. Up until that time, cannabis was freely available in shops and, in the UK, Queen Victoria, that most conservative of royals, used cannabis to alleviate her menstrual cramps. ... are predominantly using cannabis to treat symptoms of ... We believe Medical Marijuana will help these conditions: Please let us know your experiences in using medical marijuana to treat various conditions.  Visit - www.medicalmarijuanablog.com/benefits/conditions-helped.html - for more. Medical marijuana (cannabis) - common uses | Common Medical Uses for Cannabis (Marijuana) ... Medical Marijuana Dispensaries - Directory of Medical Marijuana ... Cannabidiol improves symptoms of generalized social anxiety disorder in… ... Medical Marijuana Dispensaries - Directory of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Project CBD Cannabinoid Profiles of Cannabis Strains Cannabis Laboratories: The Testing Landscape in America See also: An Overview of the Endogenous Cannabinoid System  Visit - www.letfreedomgrow.com/cmu/index.htm - for more. Complete List of Conditions Treatable With Marijuana | Check out the articles below to learn about how medical marijuana can be useful in treating specific medical conditions. We'll help you find the best ways to ingest medical marijuana to treat your condition, what strains will be most beneficial and we'll even help you connect with other folks with the same condition.  Visit - medicalmarijuana.com/treatments-with-medical-marijuana-cannabis - for more. What symptoms do patients treat with ... , Salt Lake City Medical Marijuana ... representative for the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis ... One question the 2011 Medical Marijuana Survey (sponsored by Legalize Utah) queried which received some of the most detailed responses was” “Do you use Medical Marijuana to treat any physical or psychological conditions and if so, which conditions”.  Visit - www.examiner.com/article/what-symptoms-do-patients-treat-with-medicinal-cannabis - for more. Marijuana: 1276 user reviews - DailyStrength | (INF) Medically, cannabis is most often used as an appetite stimulant and pain reliever for certain ... Myasthenia Gravis, Narcolepsy, Obsessive Compulsive Diso. ... I use medical marijuana o... Marijuana (also known as Cannabis) Medically, cannabis is most often used as an appetite stimulant and pain reliever for certain illnesses such as cancer, AIDS and other diseases. It is used to relieve glaucoma and certain neurological illnesses such as epilepsy, migraine and bipolar disorder. It has also been found to relieve nausea for chemotherapy pa... more at Wikipedia Treatment Success Rates ... Top 5 Communities; Condition, Members, Success - Chronic Pain, 684, 86%; Depression, 55 96%; Bipolar Disorder, 44, 95%; Anxiety, 32 94%; Fibromyalgia, 26, 100%; Overall, 90% (1106 Members) - find Marijuana helpful  Visit - http://www.dailystrength.org/treatments/Marijuana - for more. RxMarihuana.com: Index of Medical Conditions | (INF) Marijuana: The Forbidden Medicine. Index of Medical Conditions Addressed We will soon ... MUSCLE SPASM MYASTHENIA GRAVIS MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME N NARCOLEPSY ... and more.  Visit - http://rxmarijuana.com/medical_conditions.htm - for more. Tetrahydrocannabinol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia | (INF) Tetrahydrocannabinol (tet-ra-hy-dro-ka-nab-i-nol; THC), also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta9-THC), Delta1-THC (using an older chemical nomenclature), or dronabinol, is the main psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant. ... Two studies indicate that THC also has an anticholinesterase action which may implicate it as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's and Myasthenia Gravis.  Visit - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrahydrocannabinol - for more. Expectations (prognosis) for Alzheimers.   Life Expectancy: Alzheimer's disease typically progress over two to 20 years, and individuals live on average for eight to 10 years from diagnosis. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease are likely to develop co-existing illnesses and most commonly die from pneumonia. Alzheimer's disease is among the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. Complications of Alzheimers.   Calling your health care provider.   and Support Groups for Alzheimers | The stress of illness can often be helped by joining support groups where members share common experiences and problems. See Alzheimers -> support groups, et al. Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of Alzheimers or side effects from medicaition - such as recurrent thoughts, irritability, and problems with sleep. Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have breathing difficulty or swallowing problems.   Info on Alzheimers and Medical Cannabis  Oregon Okays Medical Marijuana For Alzheimer's Agitation, New Initiative Moves Forward - 6/30/00 | The Oregon Health Division has expanded the state's medical marijuana program by adding "agitation of Alzheimer's disease" to the list of qualifying medical conditions, making patients eligible to use state-sanctioned marijuana. Some Alzheimer's patients develop the agitation syndrome, which is defined as the inability to settle down and includes symptoms such as verbal outbursts, pacing, and restlessness, all of which may lead to patient combativeness. Oregon is one of a handful of states to allow seriously ill people to use marijuana for medical conditions. Measure 67, the successful 1998 initiative allowing medical marijuana use for Oregon residents, already provides for its use in cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, cacheixia, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures and persistent muscle spasms. Visit - http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle-old/143/oregonokay.shtml A Molecular Link Between the Active Component of Marijuana and Alzheimer's Disease Pathology - by Lisa M. Eubanks,† Claude J. Rogers,† Albert E. Beuscher, IV,‡ George F. Koob,§ Arthur J. Olson,‡ Tobin J. Dickerson,† and Kim D. Janda † - Departments of Chemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Molecular and Integrated Neurosciences Department (MIND), The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, and Worm Institute for Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute (INF) | Abstract | Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of dementia among the elderly, and with the ever-increasing size of this population, cases of Alzheimer's disease are expected to triple over the next 50 years. Consequently, the development of treatments that slow or halt the disease progression have become imperative to both improve the quality of life for patients as well as reduce the health care costs attributable to Alzheimer's disease. Here, we demonstrate that the active component of marijuana, ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), competitively inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as well as prevents AChE-induced amyloid ?-peptide (A?) aggregation, the key pathological marker of Alzheimer's disease. Computational modeling of the THC-AChE interaction revealed that THC binds in the peripheral anionic site of AChE, the critical region involved in amyloidgenesis. Compared to currently approved drugs prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, THC is a considerably superior inhibitor of A? aggregation, and this study provides a previously unrecognized molecular mechanism through which cannabinoid molecules may directly impact the progression of this debilitating disease. Introduction | A Molecular Link Between the Active Component of Marijuana... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2562334/ 1 of 7 7/23/11 10:34 AM Since the characterization of the Cannabis sativa-produced cannabinoid, ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ( Figure 1), in the 1960's,1 this natural product has been widely explored as an anti-emetic, anti-convulsive, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic.2 In these contexts, efficacy results from THC binding to the family of cannabinoid receptors found primarily on central and peripheral neurons (CB1) or immune cells (CB2).3 More recently, a link between the endocannabinoid system and Alzheimer's disease has been discovered4 which has provided a new therapeutic target for the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.5 New targets for this debilitating disease are critical as Alzheimer's disease afflicts over 20 million people worldwide, with the number of diagnosed cases continuing to rise at an exponential rate.6,7 These studies have demonstrated the ability of cannabinoids to provide neuroprotection against ?-amyloid peptide (A?) toxicity.8-10 Yet, it is important to note that in these reports, cannabinoids serve as signaling molecules which regulate downstream events implicated in Alzheimer's disease pathology and are not directly implicated as effecting A? at a molecular level. Click -> here <- for full document in PDF. Can marijuana help treat Alzheimer's disease? - Medical Marijuana pros, cons, and expert responses in the debate. | The National Institute on Aging stated in its Mar. 2006 booklet Understanding Alzheimer's Disease: "Alzheimer's disease is an illness of the brain. It causes large numbers of nerve cells in the brain to die. This affects your ability to remember things and think clearly. Doctors don't know what causes the disease. They do know that it usually begins after age 60 and nearly half of people age 85 and older may have Alzheimer's. However, it is not a normal part of aging... There are medicines that can treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's. However, there is no cure. Some medicines keep your memory loss and other symptoms from getting worse for a time. These medicines work best if Alzheimer's disease is found early. Other medicines work to help you sleep better or feel less worried and depressed. These medicines don't directly treat the disease. They do help you feel more comfortable." Gary Wenk, PhD, Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience & Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics at the Ohio State University and Medical Center, made the following statement in a Nov. 19, 2008 Ohio State University press release titled "Scientists are high on idea that marijuana reduces memory impairment" regarding a study on cannabinoid receptors and memory in rats for which he served as principal investigator: "Could people smoke marijuana to prevent Alzheimer's disease if the disease is in their family? We're [Gary Wenk, Yannick Marchalant, Francesca Cerbai, and Holly M. Brothers] not saying that, but it might actually work. What we are saying is it appears that a safe, legal substance that mimics those important properties of marijuana can work on receptors in the brain to prevent memory impairments in aging. So that's really hopeful." [Editor's Note: ProCon.org spoke with Dr. Wenk on Dec. 11, 2008. He explained that in his 30 years of research into improving memory throughout aging, "nothing seemed to work on old brains" but that synthetic "cannabinoids worked." To avoid over-simplifying the results of his research, we have provided a direct link to a PDF of the entire study "Cannabinoid Receptor Stimulation Is Anti-inflammatory and Improves Memory in Old Rats" (1.3 MB) published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging (Dec. 2008).] Nov. 19, 2008 - Gary Wenk, PhD [Editor's Note: On Jan. 30, 2009, ProCon.org searched the websites of the Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America and found no statements or research regarding "marijuana" or "cannabis".]  Visit - http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000130 - for more! Facts about Alzheimer's and Medical Marijuana | Show Me the Facts - Marijuana Facts and Resources: Medical Marijuana facts pertaining to Alzheimer's. Research, studies, resource links, and cited summaries provided. Read for more marijuana facts! Marijuana Slows Alzheimer’s Decline | “New Spanish and Israeli research shows that a synthetic analogue of the active component of marijuana can reduce the inflammation and prevent the mental decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Although it was conducted on human brain tissue in the lab and in a rat model — but not in living humans — the research is regarded as a major step not only in understanding how the brain reacts to Alzheimer’s disease, but also in helping to develop novel drugs for Alzheimer’s and even Parkinson’s disease.” Marijuana may block Alzheimer’s | “The active ingredient in marijuana may stall decline from Alzheimer’s disease, research suggests.” Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology by Cannabinoids | Research showing that cannabinoids act as neuroprotective agents against excitotoxicity in vitro and acute brain damage in vitro. Marijuana’s Active Ingredient Shown to Inhibit Primary Marker of Alzheimer’s Disease | “Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have found that the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, inhibits the formation of amyloid plaque, the primary pathological marker for Alzheimer’s disease. ... and more!  Visit - http://www.showmethefacts.org/medical-marijuana-facts/alzheimers/   Treatment, CANNABIS Therapeutics   Strains For Alzheimer's - Michigan Medical Marijuana Association | Strains For Alzheimer's > Anyone a CG for an Alzheimer's or dementia patient? - Posted 04 March 2011 - 09:49 PM: I don't know if an indica or sativa would be best. I was thinking a sativa (happy go lucky) rather then Indica (glued to the couch). My patient is going to medicate through medibles rather then vaporizing if that makes any difference. If anyone can suggest a strain or few that are happy go lucky & taste great in a muffin, I'd appreciate it ... From BG Organics: Suggested Strains: Bubble Kush, OG Kush, LA Woman, NYC Sour Diesel ...  Visit - http://michiganmedicalmarijuana.org/topic/29182-strains-for-alzheimers/ Cannabis and Alzheimer's disease « Patients for Medical Cannabis - Dec 14, 2009 | Alzheimer’s disease is a neuro-degenerative condition for which cannabis and cannabinoid therapies show promise, both for treating the symptoms and the underlying disease. Alzheimer’s disease is widely held to be associated with oxidative stress due, in part, to the membrane action of beta-amyloid peptide aggregates. A laboratory study published in 2004 indicates that one of the cannabis plant’s primary components, cannabidiol (CBD), exerts a combination of neuroprotective, anti-oxidative and antiapoptotic effects by inhibiting the release of the toxic beta-amyloid peptide. Another cannabinoid, THC, has also has been shown to reduce the agitation common to Alzheimer’s sufferers, according to findings presented in 2003 at the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists’ 34th annual meeting. Agitation is the most common behavioral management problem in patients with Alzheimer’s and affects an estimated 75 percent of people with the disease. It may lead to a variety of symptoms ranging from physical and/or verbal abusive postures, physically non-aggressive conduct including pacing and restlessness, as well as verbally disturbed behaviors such as screaming and repetitive requests for attention.... This new research on cannabis and Alzheimer's disease, coupled with the extensive work done on other neuroprotective qualities of cannabis ... ... and more!  Visit - http://patients4medicalmarijuana.wordpress.com/2009/12/14/cannabis-and-alzheimers-disease/ Medical Marijuana - Treatment For Alzheimer's Disease | Over the past few years there has been mounting medical evidence that the use of marijuana might play a significant role in reducing the spread and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The primary ingredient in marijuana, THC, has been suspected in preventing damaging neural deposits from forming deep within the brain, which has been associated with the overall degenerative neural condition known as Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's is a progressive and fatal disease of the brain. Over five million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's destroys brain cells, causes deficits in memory, orientation, intellect and social skills. Alzheimer’s is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer's is considered a form of dementia; a degenerative condition marked by a continuous decline in memory and intellectual facility. Alzheimer’s disease represents up to 70 percent of all dementia cases in the nation and is the leading cause of dementia among America’s elderly.  Visit - http://community.gottrouble.com/service/displayDiscussionThreads.kickAction?as=27774&w=117290&d=264555 - for more! Medical Marijuana - Alzheimer's disease Dec 6, 2008 | Specific elements of marijuana can be good for the ageing brain by reducing inflammation and possibly stimulating the formation of new brain cells, according to Ohio State University researchers. The research suggests that the creation of a drug with certain properties similar to those in marijuana might help prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease. The exact cause of Alzheimer's is still not known, but chronic inflammation in the brain is believed to contribute to memory impairment. "Could people smoke marijuana to prevent Alzheimer's disease if the disease is in their family?" asked Gary Wenk, professor of psychology at Ohio State University and an investigator on the study. "We're not saying that, but it might actually work. What we are saying is it appears that a safe, legal substance that mimics those important properties of marijuana can work on receptors in the brain to prevent memory impairments in ageing. So that's really hopeful." ... and more!  Visit - http://www.cannabismd.net/alzheimers-disease/ Recent Research on Medical Marijuana, by NORML - the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws | Medical Conditions; Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Diabetes Mellitus, Dystonia, Fibromyalgia, GI Disorders, Gliomas, Hepatitis C, HIV, Hypertension, Incontinence, Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoporosis, Pruritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sleep Apnea, Tourette's Syndrome, plus.   Emerging Clinical Applications For Cannabis & Cannabinoids A Review of the Recent Scientific Literature, 2000 — 2008; and more! Visit - http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7002   Organizations, Contacts and other Resources   Alzheimer's Foundation | Our mission is ”to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families—through member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life.” Help Us Provide Optimal Care & Services. Your Support is Critical. Contact info: www.alzfdn.org   ORGs, CANNABIS centric   American Alliance For Medical Cannabis (AAMC) | dedicated to bringing patients, caregivers and volunteers the facts they need to make informed decisions about whether Cannabis is the right medicine for them, the laws surrounding Medicinal Marijuana in your area, political activism and even handy recipes and guides to growing your own nontoxic medicine. Marijuana's Active Ingredient Shown to Inhibit Primary Marker of Alzheimer's Disease - Molecular Pharmaceutics - American Chemical Society (9 Aug 2006) And more! Visit - http://www.letfreedomgrow.com/news.htm Americans for Safe Access (ASA) - Medical Cannabis Policy Update: Oct 07 | Cannabis Holds Promise for Treating Alzheimer's. The British Journal of Pharmacology has a review forthcoming that holds out hope for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The authors suggest that anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids, the key constitutive components of the cannabis plant, may help combat the neurodegeneration that is the hallmark of such debilitating diseases as Alzheimer's, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's. The broad-spectrum effects of the compounds are particularly promising. As the authors from Trinity College Dublin note, "cannabinoids offer a multi-faceted approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease by providing neuroprotection and reducing neuroinflammation, whilst simultaneously supporting the brain's intrinsic repair mechanisms by augmenting neurotrophin expression and enhancing neurogenesis." And more! Visit - http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=5183#9 iMedicalCannabis.org | is an educational and resource platform built to empower patients, families, and caregivers with the information and resources needed for Safe Access to medical cannabis. Visit - http://imedicalcannabis.org/   BUSINESSes - Caveat Emptor!   Alzheimer's Info & Tips | Early Treatment is Key. Don't Wait. Ask Your Loved One's Doctor. Visit - http://www.Aricept.com/ Alzheimer's Disease | Learn About Alzheimer's - Find info on Diagnosing & Treatment Options Visit - http://www.Namenda.com/   FORUMs Section  Medical Marijuana and Alzheimer's - May 13, 2010 (BLOG) | Several research studies have been performed to gauge the effectiveness of cannabis to treat Alzheimer's patients. Results have been mixed, but seem to lean toward proving that there is a beneficial impact on Alzheimer's from marijuana use. The researchers who did not find sufficient support for marijuana's chemical treatment of the disease itself admitted that the medication does at least provide relaxation and comfort for patients who suffer from Alzheimer's, and may be a beneficial treatment of the symptoms if not the root problem. The Science Behind the Claims | The THC that comprises the active ingredient of cannabis has been shown to have a direct impact on the formation of protein deposits in the brain, which can cause some Alzheimer's symptoms. The problem with definitively linking marijuana to Alzheimer's treatment is that doctors are still unsure about the initial causes of Alzheimer's in the first place. Extensive studies have proven that cannabis can reduce the brain's protein deposits far more effectively than the Alzheimer's medications that are currently being prescribed. Doctors are excited about the fact that marijuana could treat the cause of Alzheimer's as well as provide relief from its more debilitating symptoms.  Visit - http://1800medicalmarijuana.com/blog/item/20-medical-marijuana-and-alzheimers.html - for more! Marijuana Alzheimers: Alzheimers Marijuana - Medical Marijuana | Marijuana Alzheimers patients are on the rise all over the world. Why is this happening right now in history? Could the environment have anything to do with such an epidemic? 200 years ago it wasn’t a known problem. 200 years ago people were doctored with nutrition instead of chemicals. People were not exposed to petrochemicals or unhealthy food. In the last 100 years everything about life in America has changed drastically. It isn’t just the new inventions and development of science, its everything in general that’s changed. The attitude of the people have become passive and pleasure oriented. The attitude of the government is do as we say, not do as we do. Religion has moved in some strange configurations. Children are educated in ways that make them almost stupid as compared with past generations. No wonder old people lose it! Maybe its because care givers are about to their wits end - knowing that conventional medicine has no answers. Can a caregiver be blamed for whatever they do to help their patient feel better, and keep them under control? ... Marijuana alzheimers could be cured by early detection and cured with nutrition, but it must be done before the disease gets a death grip. ... and more!  Visit - http://www.medical-marijuana-hut.com/marijuana-alzheimers.html other Viable Forums, Bulletin Boards, Chat rooms and other such online resources   will be listed here as we learn about them. Got one? Post It! and let everybody know ...   NEWs Section  Marijuana Could Prevent Alzheimer’s (NEWs) | A puff a day might keep Alzheimer’s away, according to marijuana research by professor Gary Wenk and associate professor Yannic Marchalant of the Ohio State Department of Psychology. Wenk’s studies show that a low dosage in the morning of a certain canavanoid, a component in marijuana, reversed memory loss in older rats’ brains. In his study, an experimental group of old rats received a dosage, and a control group of rats did not. The old rats that received the drugs performed better on memory tests, and the drug slowed and prevented brain cell death. However, marijuana had the reverse effect on young rats’ brains, actually impairing mental ability. Alzheimer’s is a disease unique to humans and the memory loss in the rats was a natural decline, but rat brains are similar enough to human brains to serve as partial models for humans, Wenk said. Research on marijuana as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease began because of the drug’s success in slowing progression of multiple sclerosis and reducing patients’ pain, Wemk said. Alzheimer’s affects a similar part of the brain that MS does. ... and more!  Visit - http://www.cannabisnews.org/united-states-cannabis-news/medicalmarijuana/marijuana-could-prevent-alzheimers/ Marijuana May Slow Alzheimer's; Key Marijuana Compound Beats Current Alzheimer's Drugs in Test-Tube Study - By Daniel J. DeNoon for WebMD Health News - Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD | Oct. 6, 2006 -- THC, the key compound in marijuana, may also be the key to new drugs for Alzheimer's disease. That's because the marijuana compound blocks the formation of brain-clogging Alzheimer's plaques better than current Alzheimer's drugs. The finding -- in test-tube studies -- comes from the lab of Kim Janda, PhD, director of the Worm Institute of Research and Medicine at Scripps Research Institute. "While we are certainly not advocating the use of illegal drugs, these findings offer convincing evidence that THC possesses remarkable inhibitory qualities, especially when compared to [Alzheimer's drugs] currently available to patients," Janda says in a news release. "Although our study is far from final, it does show that there is a previously unrecognized molecular mechanism through which THC may directly affect the progression of Alzheimer's disease." Janda's team found that THC blocks an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which speeds the formation of amyloid plaque in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's drugs Aricept and Cognex work by blocking acetylcholinesterase. When tested at double the concentration of THC, Aricept blocked plaque formation only 22% as well as THC, and Cognex blocked plaque formation only 7% as well as THC. "THC and its analogs may provide an improved [treatment for] both the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer's disease," the researchers conclude. The findings appear in the Aug. 9 online edition of the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics, a publication of the American Chemical Society.  Visit - http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20061006/marijuana-may-slow-alzheimers The Reaction: Cannabis cure for Alzheimer's - By Libby Spencer - Saturday, January 10, 2009 (NEWs) | There are relatively only a handful of studies on the efficacy of medical marijuana because it's so difficult to get funding, much less authorization to conduct it, but here is one that shows great promise for marijuana based medicines that could cure Alzheimer's. Or at least mitigate some of its worst effects. New research suggests that one of the active ingredients in marijuana—THC—and similar compounds could possibly prevent or even reverse one of the most devastating memory disorders of all: Alzheimer's disease. In a paper published in the December 2008 issue of the journal Neurobiology of Aging, researchers found that a compound that affects the same brain receptors as THC reduced brain inflammation and improved memory in older rats. (The rodents were the human equivalent of age 65 to 70.) Although there's debate over the role played by inflammation in Alzheimer's, many researchers believe it's an important part of the process that causes dementia. Marijuana, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, has been used medicinally for 10,000 years without one recorded overdose. It has already been proven to be useful in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. It's a shame that millions of terminally ill patients are denied its benefits because legitimate scientific inquiry is so often shut down by bureaucrats whose own interests are better served by continuing its total prohibition.  Visit - http://the-reaction.blogspot.com/2009/01/cannabis-cure-for-alzheimers.html - for more! Marijuana Ineffective as an Alzheimer's Treatment — ScienceDaily (Feb. 9, 2010) | (NEWs) The benefits of marijuana in tempering or reversing the effects of Alzheimer's disease have been challenged in a new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. The findings, published in the current issue of the journal Current Alzheimer Research, could lower expectations about the benefits of medical marijuana in combating various cognitive diseases and help redirect future research to more promising therapeutics. Previous studies using animal models showed that HU210, a synthetic form of the compounds found in marijuana, reduced the toxicity of plaques and promoted the growth of new neurons. Those studies used rats carrying amyloid protein, the toxin that forms plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's victims.  Visit - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100208091926.htm - for more! Marijuana could prevent Alzheimer's - Campus - The Lantern - Ohio Jan 27, 2009 | (NEWs) A puff a day might keep Alzheimer's away, according to marijuana research by professor Gary Wenk and associate professor Yannic Marchalant of the Ohio State Department of Psychology. Wenk's studies show that a low dosage in the morning of a certain cannabinoid, a component in marijuana, reversed memory loss in older rats' brains. In his study, an experimental group of old rats received a dosage, and a control group of rats did not. The old rats that received the drugs performed better on memory tests, and the drug slowed and prevented brain cell death. However, marijuana had the reverse effect on young rats' brains, actually impairing mental ability. Alzheimer's is a disease unique to humans and the memory loss in the rats was a natural decline, but rat brains are similar enough to human brains to serve as partial models for humans, Wenk said. ... Despite this, 13 states have legalized medical marijuana. ...  Visit - http://www.thelantern.com/2.1345/marijuana-could-prevent-alzheimer-s-1.72932 - for more! Marijuana may block Alzheimer's - from BBC News (NEWs) | The active ingredient in marijuana may stall decline from Alzheimer's disease, research suggests. Scientists showed a synthetic version of the compound may reduce inflammation associated with Alzheimer's and thus help to prevent mental decline. They hope the cannabinoid may be used to developed new drug therapies. The research, by Madrid's Complutense University and the Cajal Institute, is published in the Journal of Neuroscience. The scientists first compared the brain tissue of patients who died from Alzheimer's disease with that of healthy people who had died at a similar age. They looked closely at brain cell receptors to which cannabinoids bind, allowing their effects to be felt. They also studied structures called microglia, which activate the brain's immune response. Microglia collect near the plaque deposits associated with Alzheimer's disease and, when active, cause inflammation. The researchers found a dramatically reduced functioning of cannabinoid receptors in diseased brain tissue. This was an indication that patients had lost the capacity to experience cannabinoids' protective effects. The next step was to test the effect of cannabinoids on rats injected with the amyloid protein that forms Alzheimer's plaques. Those animals who were also given a dose of a cannabinoid performed much better in tests of their mental functioning. The researchers found that the presence of amyloid protein in the rats' brains activated immune cells. However, rats that also received the cannabinoid showed no sign of microglia activation. Using cell cultures, the researchers confirmed that cannabinoids counteracted the activation of microglia and thus reduced inflammation. Drug target | Researcher Dr Maria de Ceballos said: "These findings that cannabinoids work both to prevent inflammation and to protect the brain may set the stage for their use as a therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease." Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said: "This is important research because it provides another piece of the jigsaw puzzle on the workings of the brain. "There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, so the identification of another target for drug development is extremely welcome. "The Alzheimer's Society looks forward to seeing further research being carried out on cannabinoid receptors as drug targets for Alzheimer's disease but would warn the public against taking marijuana as a way of preventing Alzheimer's. "It is now generally recognised that as well as providing a 'high', long-term use of marijuana can also lead to depression in many individuals." Different receptors | Harriet Millward, of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said there were two main types of cannabinoid receptor, CR1 and CR2. "It is CR1 that produces most of the effects of marijuana, including the harmful ones. "If it is possible to make drugs that act only on CR2, as suggested by the authors of this study, they might mimic the positive effects of cannabinoids without the damaging ones of marijuana. "However, this is a fairly new field of research and producing such selective drugs is not an easy task. "There is also no evidence yet that cannabinoid-based drugs can slow the decline in human Alzheimer's patients." ... Medical Marijuana and Alzheimer's Disease. A study on the effects of medical marijuana on Alzheimer's patients that shows marijuana slowing Alzheimer's decline. ... and more!  Visit - http://www.kindgreenbuds.com/medical-marijuana/marijuana-may-block-alzheimers.html Alzheimer's: Marijuana as Effective Medicine - by Dr. Phil Leveque for Salem-News.com | (MOLALLA, Ore.) - Cannabis is getting much positive publicity and seems to be regaining its popularity of one hundred years ago when it was the most widely used drug for about 100 different diseases. And, there is a big toodoo nowadays about Alzheimers which has turned into almost an epidemic for old folks with some even in their 50’s. So far nobody seems to have put a handle on it and I won’t either. The latest information seems to be that there are senile plaques in the cerebral cortex and subcortical grey matter but whether these plaques are a cause or effect seems to be up for grabs. I don’t know either. My Merck manual says that four million Americans have it, mostly those over 60 years old. It is a very expensive disease for nursing homes and nursing care probably at least 100 billion dollars per year. As a Medical Marijuana doctor, I jumped into this fracas when I heard that a lady spouse of an Alzheimers patient went to a Medical Marijuana Advisory Committee meeting of The Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) and demanded that her husband be given a permit. She was successful and the medical statistics from OMMP indicate that somewhat less than 50 people have Marijuana permits for this disease. It is called Alzheimers Rage.  Visit - http://salem-news.com/articles/october252010/alzheimers-marijuana-pl.php - for more! Oregon Medical Marijuana Program - Cannabis and Alzheimer's > Marijuana may stave off Alzheimer's - U.S. study; By Andy Sullivan - 05 Oct 2008 | WASHINGTON, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Good news for aging hippies: smoking pot may stave off Alzheimer's disease. New research shows that the active ingredient in marijuana may prevent the progression of the disease by preserving levels of an important neurotransmitter that allows the brain to function. Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in California found that marijuana's active ingredient, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, can prevent the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from breaking down more effectively than commercially marketed drugs. THC is also more effective at blocking clumps of protein that can inhibit memory and cognition in Alzheimer's patients, the researchers reported in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics. The researchers said their discovery could lead to more effective drug treatment for Alzheimer's, the leading cause of dementia among the elderly. ... and more!  Visit - http://www.oregonmedicalmarijuanaprogram.com/alzheimers cannabisnews.com: medical related topics | 24360 12/08/2008 Arseus To Distribute Medical Cannabis in Germany ... 23754 3/13/2008 Alzheimer's Research Can No Longer Be Sidelined ... 12/08/2008 Attacking Alzheimer's with Red Wine and Marijuana; 3/13/2008 Alzheimer's Research Can No Longer Be Sidelined; 10/10/2006 Pot Helps in Fighting Alzheimer's, Study Says and more at - http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml Marijuana Shown to Inhibit Alzheimer's Disease [VIDEO] July 1st, 2008 | Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have found that the active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, inhibits the formation of amyloid plaque, the primary pathological marker for Alzheimer's disease. In fact, the study said, THC is "a considerably superior inhibitor of [amyloid plaque] aggregation" to several currently approved drugs for treating the disease. According to the new Scripps Research study, which used both computer modeling and biochemical assays, THC inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which acts as a "molecular chaperone" to accelerate the formation of amyloid plaque in the brains of Alzheimer victims. Although experts disagree on whether the presence of beta-amyloid plaques in those areas critical to memory and cognition is a symptom or cause, it remains a significant hallmark of the disease. With its strong inhibitory abilities, the study said, THC "may provide an improved therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease" that would treat "both the symptoms and progression" of the disease. Click > here < for more. Marijuana may block Alzheimer's - Last Updated: Tuesday, 22 February, 2005 | The active ingredient in marijuana may stall decline from Alzheimer's disease, research suggests. Scientists showed a synthetic version of the compound may reduce inflammation associated with Alzheimer's and thus help to prevent mental decline. They hope the cannabinoid may be used to developed new drug therapies. The research, by Madrid's Complutense University and the Cajal Institute, is published in the Journal of Neuroscience. Visit - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4286435.stm YouTube - Medical Marijuana Alzheimer ... Medical Marijuana alzheimer memorysaver - CNN Int. 11 Mar 2008 | marijuana is neither hallucinogenic nor has it been shown to be "damaging" to the mind. It's only been shown to slightly effect short term memory while under the influence. It's pretentious to call that damage and it certainly isn't irreparable Visit - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9aZPbYcIX8 Alzheimer's sufferers may benefit from cannabis compound - Published: Tuesday, 11-Mar-2008 | Medical Research News: Scientists are suggesting that cannabis can offer some benefit for Alzheimer's sufferers. The scientists from Israel and Spain say cannabis-based treatments could improve memory loss in Alzheimer's sufferers. The revelation was made this week at a symposium of cannabis experts hosted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) where the scientists said that a compound present in cannabis significantly slows memory problems caused by the disease. Visit - http://www.news-medical.net/?id=36068 Cannabis-derived medicines may help Alzheimer's - Published: Monday, 10-Mar-2008 | Medical Research News: Cannabis-derived medicines may one day be used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease which affects 417,000 people in the UK. Professor Raphael Mechoulam of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, will present new findings to a group of international experts at a Cannabinoids Medicines Symposium to be held at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) in London on Monday, 10 March. The research, still at an early stage, indicates that memory loss, the main symptom of Alzheimer's, can be slowed down significantly in mice by some of the chemicals present in cannabis. The next step will be to initiate human trials to see if the same effect can be achieved on the human brain. The research is promising for the millions of suffers of the disease and their carers. Alzheimer's disease is the commonest form of dementia, which affects an estimated 24.3 million people worldwide. Visit - http://www.news-medical.net/?id=36024 Alzheimer's Patients May Benefit From Cannabis-Derived Medicines, UK | Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia > Article Date: 11 Mar 2008 - 1:00 PDT > Cannabis-derived medicines may one day be used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease which affects 417,000 people in the UK. Professor Raphael Mechoulam of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, will present new findings to a group of international experts at a Cannabinoids Medicines Symposium to be held at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) in London on Monday, 10 March. The research, still at an early stage, indicates that memory loss, the main symptom of Alzheimer's, can be slowed down significantly in mice by some of the chemicals present in cannabis. The next step will be to initiate human trials to see if the same effect can be achieved on the human brain. The research is promising for the millions of suffers of the disease and their carers. Alzheimer's disease is the commonest form of dementia, which affects an estimated 24.3 million people worldwide. Visit - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/100088.php Alzheimer's Patients May Benefit From Cannabis-Derived Medicines - 03/13/08 | REPORTER: http://www.pressemeldinger.no/read.asp?recno=55507 LONDON, March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Cannabis-derived medicines may one day be used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease which affects 417,000 people in the UK. Professor Raphael Mechoulam of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, will present new findings to a group of international experts at a Cannabinoids Medicines Symposium to be held at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) in London on Monday, 10 March. The research, still at an early stage, indicates that memory loss, the main symptom of Alzheimer's, can be slowed down significantly in mice by some of the chemicals present in cannabis. The next step will be to initiate human trials to see if the same effect can be achieved on the human brain. Click > here < for more. tribes » Health & Wellness » Medical Marijuana » topics » Marijuana may stave off Alzheimer's - posted Fri, October 6, 2006 | WASHINGTON, (Reuters) -- Good news for aging hippies: Smoking pot may stave off Alzheimer's disease. New research shows that the active ingredient in marijuana may prevent the progression of the disease by preserving levels of an important neurotransmitter that allows the brain to function. Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in California found that marijuana's active ingredient, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, can prevent the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from breaking down more effectively than commercially marketed drugs. THC is also more effective at blocking clumps of protein that can inhibit memory and cognition in Alzheimer's patients, the researchers reported in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics. The researchers said their discovery could lead to more effective drug treatment for Alzheimer's, the leading cause of dementia among the elderly. Click > here < for more. THC Better Than Other Drugs for Alzheimer's Study Says Wednesday, 27 September 2006 | Expanding on previous research that has established cannabinoids play an important role in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, new findings have come to light. A study done by the Scripps Research Institute determined that THC prevents the formation of amyloid plaque, a protein that is found in Alzheimer's patients.  The study calls THC considerably superior to several drugs that are on the market for inhibiting the build up of this plaque. THC "may provide an improved therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease" that would treat "both the symptoms and progression" of the disease, the study said. An estimated 280,000 Texans have Alzheimer's disease. Imagine how their quality of life could improve if medical marijuana were a legal option for them. For those of you who want to delve into the science further look at the actual study here. Click > here < for more. Marijuana Ingredient May Help Alzheimer's By Miranda Hitti Thursday, February 24, 2005 | New clues about Alzheimer’s disease (search) have emerged from a Spanish study of marijuana. The drug’s active ingredients — cannabinoids (search) — help prevent brain problems seen in Alzheimer’s, say the scientists. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, which progressively damages brain areas involved in memory, judgment, language and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of mental decline, or dementia (search), in older adults. The new study didn’t test cannabinoids on people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Instead, the researchers focused on human brain tissue samples and conducted cannabinoid experiments on rats. Visit - http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,148518,00.html   Cannabis as Medicine  Medical cannabis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia | Cannabis Indica (now referred to as Cannabis sativa subsp. indica),[1] Fluid Extract, American Druggists Syndicate, pre-1937Medical cannabis refers to the use of the Cannabis plant as a physician-recommended herbal therapy as well as synthetic THC and cannabinoids. So far, the medical use of cannabis is legal only in a limited number of territories, including Canada, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, Finland, and some U.S. states. This usage generally requires a prescription, and distribution is usually done within a framework defined by local laws. There are many studies regarding the use of cannabis in a medicinal context. Visit - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis (back to top)

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