CBD and Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. In some cases, it can lead to complete limitation of daily activities, which usually negatively impacts overall quality of life. Recent research suggests that CBD has the ability to significantly influence brain processes responsible for the onset and progression of the disease. Let's take a closer look at this topic together…
What is Parkinson's Disease?
In patients with this condition, there is a decrease in nerve cells in the brain region called Substantia nigra, or black substance. With Parkinson's disease, the dopamine production process in this brain area is suspended, and over time, the first symptoms begin to appear. The disease most often occurs in individuals over 50 years old, but occasionally you may encounter younger patients.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Most people associate Parkinson's disease with trembling patients with walking difficulties, but there are some initial symptoms that may signal the onset of the disease. Initial symptoms may include:
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hunched posture
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speech changes
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tight handwriting
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reduced mobility
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stiffness of limbs and torso
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tremors in resting phase
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balance issues and many others
Reduced mobility is one of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Common Treatment Methods for Parkinson's Disease
Despite the ability to supplement dopamine in multiple ways, symptoms often persist in patients. We can commonly observe behavioral changes in them. Because the patient is aware of all physical or mental manifestations, it can seriously affect their mental state.
Currently, there is no medication that can completely cure Parkinson's disease. Treatment methods are divided into 3 basic groups:
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medication treatment
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surgery
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therapy
Sometimes a combination of individual methods is used to increase effectiveness. Great emphasis is also placed on lifestyle changes:
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varied and balanced diet
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sufficient rest
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active movement
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exercises to support cognitive functions
Most patients are well aware of their difficulties and suffer from psychological problems.
CBD and Parkinson's Disease
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 100 substances contained in medicinal hemp plants (CBD hemp). A major advantage is minimal side effects of CBD, which is why more and more people are turning to it. It is more of a complementary remedy that could provide some relief to Parkinson's patients.
What 2 main abilities could CBD offer in Parkinson's treatment?
1. CBD Can Reduce Tremors
Among the most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease are motor function disorders and characteristic tremors. Many patients also cite it as one of the factors that adversely affect their mental health, especially in younger individuals. What is the impact of CBD on tremors?
Doctors Joseph Maroon and Jeff Bost from the neurosurgery department at the University of Pittsburgh published a study in 2018 demonstrating the positive effect of CBD as a supportive treatment for Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, etc.
The review also points to other undeniable benefits of CBD, such as neuroprotectivity, relief from Parkinson's symptoms, or treatment of basic pathological changes in neuronal tissue.
Weakened motor functions and limb tremors could be reversed by CBD.
2. CBD Helped Improve Overall Quality of Life
The Journal of Psychopharmacology published a study in November 2014 focused on administering CBD to Parkinson's patients. Compared to the control group that received only a placebo, patients showed improvement in their overall quality of life.
Only 21 people participated in the testing, so further research is needed focusing on a larger number of test subjects and specific questions about patients' life areas.