Alzheimer's Disease
The most common neurodegenerative disease, characterized by amyloid-β plaques, tau tangles, neuroinflammation, and progressive cognitive decline.
In Depth
The ECS is significantly dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease — CB1 receptor density is reduced in affected brain regions, while CB2 receptors are upregulated on activated microglia surrounding amyloid plaques. Preclinical studies show cannabinoids reduce amyloid-β production, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. THC has been shown to directly inhibit acetylcholinesterase and prevent amyloid aggregation in vitro. Small clinical studies suggest cannabis may reduce agitation and improve sleep in Alzheimer's patients, but large RCTs are lacking.
Related Terms
Further Reading
More in Clinical
Dravet Syndrome
A severe, treatment-resistant form of childhood epilepsy characterized by prolonged seizures, often triggered by fever, beginning in the first year of life.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-wave EEG pattern, and cognitive impairment.
Epidiolex
The FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulation of purified cannabidiol (CBD), manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals). Approved in 2018 for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Dronabinol (Marinol)
A synthetic form of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and AIDS-related anorexia.
Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. More potent than dronabinol.