Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease that gradually destroys certain neurons in the brain. If it is relatively well known to doctors and treatments exist, none of them can treat it to date. Worse, some cause severe side effects that increase the symptom of the disease.
Some of these symptoms seem to be relieved by taking cannabidiol (CBD). This is what drives the scientific community to care Potential of CBD in relation to Parkinson’s. This article provides an overview of the possibilities offered by CBD and the results of the first studies on the subject.
Why Consider CBD Cannabis to Fight Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease that causes tremors in particular
With 200 patients In France, Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed with 25 new cases every year second most common neurodegenerative disease, behind Alzheimer’s disease. With ever better care, these patients still have no hope of a definitive cure and have to learn to live with the severe symptoms that develop as the disease progresses on a daily basis.
Main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is important three main symptoms. The presence of at least two of them is necessary to make a diagnosis:
- trembling at rest,
- muscle stiffness,
- slowness of movement (akinesia),
In addition, other symptoms may be associated with them:
- depressed state,
- indigestion,
- fatigue
- Sleep disorders,
- memory problems,
- attention disorders,
- advanced fatigue,
- partial loss of smell,
- weight loss.
Parkinson’s treatments and limitations
Treatments for Parkinson’s work on the area of the brain that controls movement
The gradual disappearance of certain neurons characteristic of Parkinson’s leads to a decreased production of dopamine by the brain. However, this neurotransmitter is directly involved in the proper communication between neurons in a region of the brain involved in controlling movement (which explains the motor problems observed).
Current drugs for Parkinson’s disease therefore aim to bring dopamine levels back closer to normal. Depending on the treatments, it may be a dopamine precursors (which is then converted into dopamine by the organism), a close substance that acts like dopamine (we speak of an agonist) or of a third substance that slows down the breakdown of dopamine naturally produced.
Nevertheless, to slow down the disease, these treatments are accompanied bysometimes severe side effectsthat add to the symptoms already caused by the disease. Among them is a risk of involuntary abnormal movementsfrom nauseafrom behavioral disorders and one propensity for addiction (gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, etc.).
Opportunities of CBD cannabis in the context of Parkinson’s
Anyone who is already familiar with the effects of CBD will have recognized several disorders, both in the symptoms and in the side effects of treatments for Parkinson’s, which can be alleviated by the action of the CBD molecule on the human organism. This applies in particular to sleep disordersfrom anxious or depressive statesBut also muscle stiffness. So many paths that warrant a closer look Potential of CBD in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.
CBD and Parkinson’s: State of the art
Contained in cannabis flowers, CBD could alleviate certain symptoms of Parkinson’s
Research into the use of cannabidiol in Parkinson’s disease is still in its early stages. In other words, we don’t have any almost no recoil on the long-term use of CBD cannabis in Parkinson’s patients. It is therefore very complicated to form an objective opinion on this subject. Still, there are some studies that have shown interesting results. However, the results must be qualified and confirmed on a large scale, since the groups examined are usually very small.
Cannabis and Parkinson’s: expert opinion
- trembles: typical of Parkinson’s and sometimes aggravated by treatments, the tremors could be reduced by the consumption of CBD cannabis. In any case, it is the conclusion of a (small) study carried out in 1986 Déjà [Link auf Englisch]. However, at high doses (>300 mg/day), CBD could make the tremors worse again.
- psychosis : A study from 2009 [Link auf Englisch] showed a significant decrease in Parkinson’s-related psychotic symptoms in CBD-treated patients with Parkinson’s. No side effects were observed either.
- life quality : A 2014 study finally mentioned a possible beneficial effect of CBD in patients with Parkinson’s disease without psychiatric comorbidity, leading to significantly different results than placebo. Again, the sample is unfortunately too small to say more.
Taking CBD oil for Parkinson’s disease
L ‘CBD oil is without a doubt one of the most convenient products to use and dose, derived from legal cannabis. Available in a bottle or in capsules, it can be easily swallowed even if the person is bothered by tremors. However, when considering the use of CBD in the context of Parkinson’s disease, it’s worth noting that the direct effect of the cannabinoid on the disease has not yet been proven. The many qualities of CBD, on the other hand, seem to be adapted to this Reducing some of the direct symptoms of the disease, as well as some side effects of its treatments conventional.
CBD must therefore be seen for what it is: not a treatment but a hope for Find better living comfort with no known risk and at a lower cost Daily. Before you start, always ask for theAdvice from a Parkinson’s specialist. He can advise you, help you find the appropriate dosage and prevent the risk of interaction with existing treatment. It is indeed advisable not to take CBD at the same time as medication. The distance between takes is therefore the minimum that must be observed.
What dose of CBD for Parkinson’s?
Norman’s answer, not a question, but still honest: it depends. Mainly because We all react differently to CBD (for genetic and environmental reasons). Then because one dose of CBD may be sufficient for a Parkinson’s patient at a relatively early stage of the disease, but not for another who is more advanced in its development. Therefore, while you wait for official recommendations, finding the ideal dosage requires trial and error until you find the right one.
However, the FFGP (French Federation of Parkinson’s Groups) recommends relatively high doses, as in related diseases, including multiple sclerosis. For a person weighing 60 kilograms, this corresponds to a Daily dose between 14 and 75 milligrams. For a person weighing 80 kilograms, the dosage increases between 17 and 105 milligrams.
In any case, it is recommended Start with the lowest dosage andto be consequent : It may take several days/weeks to really take effect. If they aren’t pronounced enough, it’s time to gradually increase them until the desired effects are achieved. In any case, it is recommended consult the physician to check that taking CBD does not interfere with traditional treatment.
