Top 5 Benefits of CBD for Seniors
Taking care of elderly loved one? Choose CBD! Cannabidiol (CBD), is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has many beneficial properties, especially for the elderly.
In 2020, 1 in 5 Americans over the age of 65 used CBD [1]. Among the reasons for using cannabidiol, the majority of respondents noted:
● reduction of pain (40%);
● reduction of anxiety (20%);
● improved sleep (11%);
● reduction of arthritis symptoms (8%) [2].
And scientific studies confirm: CBD has a pronounced therapeutic effect. The effects of CBD are currently being studied in the treatment of a wide range of disorders, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, schizophrenia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, heart disorders, opioid addiction, depression and others. In addition, CBD (10-% solution) is an FDA-approved anti-epileptic drug.
Top 5 Benefits of CBD for Seniors
1. CBD reduces damage to the brain cells (neuroprotection).
As we age, our brains become more vulnerable. Stroke, epileptic seizures, head injuries and other pathologies might cause substantial death of neurons in the brain [3]. As a result would be the loss of certain functions — a decrease in cognitive abilities, deterioration of memory and consciousness [4].
CBD is a neuroprotector. Cannabidiol has a positive effect on the nervous system and particularly on the brain cells. At the same time, CBD is non psychoactive (unlike THC), CBD does not affect the mind or cause euphoria.
In the presence of CBD, neurons become significantly less damaged under conditions of such pathologies as, for example, Parkinson's disease and ischemia [5, 6].
In preclinical research, during ischemia, CBD "protects" brain cells from excessive inflammation through the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines synthesis, while also improving blood circulation and reducing vascular damage [7].
2. CBD is an anti-inflammatory
Chronic inflammation is a characteristic feature of aging [8].
CBD is an immunomodulator. CBD suppresses inflammatory processes and contributes to the improvement of the condition caused by neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases [9].
The anti-inflammatory effect of CBD might also be useful in control of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease [10]. CBD is also a constituent in anti-spasticity medication for multiple sclerosis (Sativex).
3. CBD might reduce anxiety.
Elderly people often suffer from anxiety and do not receive adequate treatment [11]. CBD reduces anxiety, both when consumed continuously or following high single dose (300 – 600 mg) [12]. Preclinical research suggest [13] that CBD has a positive effect in the treatment of:
generalized anxiety disorder,
panic attacks,
social anxiety,
obsessive-compulsive disorder,
PTSD.
4. Pain relief
CBD is a mild analgesic. A survey of CBD consumers in the US showed that 60% of them use CBD for pain relief [15]. In experiments, CBD has positive effects against neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain and osteoarthritis [14].
5. CBD has virtually no side effects
Elderly people are more susceptible to the drug's adverse effects [16]. Instead, CBD is a natural plant compound that has virtually no side effects. CBD can cause dry mouth, dizziness, diarrhea, drowsiness, and decreased appetite, but most people tolerate even high doses of CBD (600-1000 mg).
References:
1. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-ag...
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/...
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/117...
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/artic...
9. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articl...
10. https://www.healthline.com/health/c...
11. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/26/h...
12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4604171/
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/article...