A study presented at the International Alzheimer's Association Conference demonstrated that the combination of THC and CBD, in a specific medical formulation, managed to reduce agitation in individuals with advanced dementia. This research evaluated a medication distinct from commercially available cannabis derivatives.
The clinical trial named Life’s end Benefits of cannaBidiol and tetrahYdrocannabinol (LiBBY) involved 120 participants diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia who were eligible for palliative care. The study followed a rigorous protocol, being multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled.
Participants received an oral suspension containing THC and CBD or a placebo, without patients, caregivers, or doctors knowing which group they belonged to. Key findings included a drop of 6.27 points in agitation indices after the first two weeks in the THC/CBD treated group, with this improvement maintained throughout the 12 weeks of treatment.
The data showed that 87.2% of participants who received the treatment showed overall improvement, in contrast to only 23.6% in the placebo group. Furthermore, the occurrence of adverse events was similar between both groups. Researchers considered these results extremely notable, demonstrating an unprecedented level of response in clinical trials focused on dementia.
Agitation is cited as a particularly difficult symptom to manage in people with advanced dementia, manifesting as restlessness, aggression, repetitive movements, and emotional distress, also impacting family members and caregivers. Conventional medications used for this purpose, such as antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and opioids, often present limitations and significant side effects.
Symptom assessment was conducted using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, a tool that analyzes 29 behaviors related to the issue. Researchers observed that the benefits appeared quickly and persisted throughout the entire follow-up period. However, despite the positive results, scientists emphasize that the studied treatment should not be confused with THC and CBD products sold on the market.
Brigid Reynolds, co-principal investigator, stated that the medication used in the research was produced, formulated, and administered under strict medical supervision. According to the researchers, products found in dispensaries or online may have significant variations in their composition, concentration, and quality, making any direct comparison with the formulation used in the trial impossible. Although the LiBBY study points to a promising path for an area lacking alternatives, more investigations are necessary before the therapy can be widely adopted in clinical practice.
