What is the ideal CBD dosage for dementia?

Cannabidiol (CBD) shows promise in managing dementia symptoms, offering hope to patients and caregivers.

It may be challenging to determine the right dosage, but when you stick to microdosing cannabis, you can gently ease symptoms without compromising cognition and mood.

Cannabis has neuroprotective benefits: low doses can promote neurogenesis, safeguard your brain from memory loss, and help you feel relaxed and calm. Find out how our microdosed CBD gummies can help with dementia, and get dosage recommendations to keep you on track. 

What are the symptoms of dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily activities. It is caused by damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain, which can occur due to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, or Lewy body dementia.

Dementia is progressive—the symptoms gradually worsen over time—and it primarily affects older adults, although it is not a normal part of aging. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of dementia and the person.

We've grouped dementia symptoms based on different categories:

Cognitive symptoms:

• Short-term memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Difficulty communicating or finding the right words
• Confusion and disorientation
• Difficulty with visual and spatial abilities
• Difficulty reasoning or problem-solving
• Difficulty handling complex tasks
• Difficulty with planning and organizing

Psychological symptoms:

• Personality changes or mood swings
• Anxiety and depression
• Inappropriate behavior and aggressive behavior
• Paranoia or hallucinations
• Agitation and restlessness
• Apathy or lack of interest in usual activities

Physical symptoms:

• Difficulty with coordination and motor functions, including aberrant motor behavior
• Sleep disturbances
• Changes in appetite and weight

There is growing interest in the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis for the treatment of dementia and associated physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms. THC has potential benefits for alleviating dementia symptoms, but we’re more interested in CBD. 

How much CBD is enough to alleviate dementia-related anxiety, agitation, or sleep disturbances?

What is the best CBD dosage for dementia?

Low doses of CBD, typically up to 25 mg per day, are safe and well-tolerated in dementia patients. Lower CBD amounts may provide greater therapeutic benefits for demented patients than higher, uncontrolled doses. They may alleviate cognitive and behavioral symptoms of dementia without causing significant side effects or impairment that higher doses might produce.

According to a systematic review of Parkinson’s disease and dementia, CBD may help alleviate dementia symptoms in the following doses:

• 5 milligrams of CBD a day as a starting dose should help with anxiety. This amount can be increased slowly to the maximum of 90 milligrams of CBD a week.
• 5 milligrams of CBD a day also seems to help with agitation and aggression, with the maximum dose of 20 milligrams taken twice a week.
• 5 milligrams of CBD a day can also reduce sleep disturbances in dementia patients, with a maximum dose of 20 milligrams a day.

These guidelines aren't official medical recommendations. Most doctors don’t know how much CBD to prescribe to patients with dementia, as research is ongoing or there is limited evidence. 

Other studies show a beneficial impact of CBD when combined with low doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In one pilot study, dementia patients were given cannabis oil with a combination of THC and CBD, starting at a dose of 7.6 mg of THC and 13.2 mg of CBD daily. Oral doses were gradually increased to 9 mg of THC and 18 mg of CBD by the end of two months. This combination improved behavior and rigidity in ten severely demented patients. 

The synergistic effect of these two cannabinoids, known as the entourage effect, may enhance their therapeutic potential while minimizing the psychoactive effects associated with higher doses of THC. This synergy allows for a more balanced and effective treatment approach tailored to the needs of dementia patients.

If you’re seeking natural support for dementia symptoms, our Energy gummies employ the synergistic power of THC and CBD for a brighter, more energetic day. This entourage effect gummy pairs only 2.5 mg of THC with 5 mg of CBD for a balanced and invigorating experience.

When starting with any CBD gummy, always start with a low dose and gradually increase until you find your optimal dosage. This will minimize the risk of adverse effects and help you tap into your body’s unique response to CBD. Each person responds differently to cannabidiol, and the way CBD affects you depends on several factors. 

What factors influence the dosage?

Factors that may influence CBD dosage for dementia include:

1. Body weight can affect how CBD is metabolized and utilized in the body.
2. Individual tolerance levels to CBD may vary, influencing the required dosage for symptom relief.
3. The severity of dementia symptoms may necessitate higher or more frequent CBD dosages for effective management.
4. Differences in metabolism can influence how quickly CBD is processed and eliminated from the body.
5. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress levels can impact the body's response to CBD.
6. Coexisting medical conditions may affect how CBD interacts with the body and influence dosage requirements.
7. CBD may interact with certain medications, potentially affecting their efficacy or safety, necessitating dosage adjustments.

How can CBD help dementia patients?

Cannabidiol is a natural compound and a major cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It seems to offer a plethora of benefits for people with dementia. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and won’t make you “high.” 

CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS) differently than Delta 9 THC. The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors and compounds that regulate important bodily functions such as mood, sleep, appetite, and memory. CBD indirectly influences these receptors and ECS pathways to maintain balance and support overall health, including brain health.

Here’s how CBD interacts with the ECS to help alleviate symptoms of dementia:

CBD soothes the mind and alleviates agitation

Agitation and anxiety are common symptoms of dementia, often causing distress for patients and their caregivers. As the disease progresses, dementia patients may experience changes in their mood and behavior, making them feel restless, irritated, and afraid.

CBD’s anxiolytic properties may help in the treatment of agitation and anxiety. Outen, et. al. suggest that “[CBD and other cannabinoids] may relieve agitation by regulating neurotransmitters, improving comorbidities and circadian rhythms, and increasing cerebral circulation.” It interacts with the ECS to modulate the activity of serotonin and GABA, two neurotransmitters involved in mood. This promotes a sense of calm and relaxation, reducing the severity and frequency of these distressing symptoms.

If you want to relax, look no further than our CBD Relax gummies. Only 25 mg of CBD per delicious edible delivers a soothing experience, providing comfort and tranquility for those in need.

"Honestly, it is the one thing that has actually helped my anxiety while not causing an adverse reaction. I have tried meds, but have reacted badly to child-sized doses.

I am a bit amazed. This has been so helpful and so easy. Thank you, nama team!"

—Wendy B.

CBD reduces inflammation in the brain

Neuroinflammation can cause damage to brain cells and disrupt normal brain function, which can cause or worsen dementia. An inflamed brain produces harmful compounds called cytokines that can damage neurons and interfere with the communication between brain cells. Over time, chronic neuroinflammation can cause toxic proteins to accumulate. Some of those are beta-amyloid and tau, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the brain. A 2022 study found that “CBD is relevant for treating neurodegenerative diseases since it can increase the activity of mitochondrial complexes and shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.”

CBD can help regulate sleep cycles

People with dementia often struggle with sleep. Their brains undergo changes that disrupt their natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, or experiencing altered sleep patterns. The anxiety, agitation, and discomfort associated with dementia further exacerbate sleep disturbances.

CBD products can help regulate sleep cycles. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to reduce anxiety and agitation, create a sense of calm, and achieve more restful, restorative sleep. This ultimately leads to improved daytime functioning and overall quality of life.

Animal studies have shown that CBD can increase total sleep duration and alter REM sleep latency—it may help you sleep longer and influence the amount of time it takes to enter the dream (REM) stage of sleep. These effects depend on the dosage: lower doses of CBD may decrease the time it takes to enter REM sleep, while higher doses may increase it.

Other studies suggest the beneficial combination of CBD and THC for sleep. In a 2022 clinical trial, CBD counteracted the sedative effects of THC, especially at higher doses.

Our Sleep Plus gummies contain low amounts of THC (only 2 mg) and 25 mg of CBD to effectively optimize your sleep cycle, helping you sleep longer and enjoy more restorative sleep. We've made these gummies extra sleep-friendly by adding a touch of melatonin, another sleep compound that's sure to have you dozing off in no time.

CBD improves brain function

CBD may improve brain function in several ways:

• Cannabidiol may increase cerebral blood flow to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to brain cells. Increased blood flow supports better cognitive function and overall brain health. A 2017 study found that short-term CBD treatment prevented cognitive and emotional impairments, reduced neurodegeneration and inflammation, and stimulated neurogenesis and brain plasticity in mice with insufficient blood flow in the brain.
• Together with THC, CBD promotes neurogenesis, the process of stimulating new brain cell growth. Studies reveal that  CBD may help repair damage and replace lost cells in the nervous system, potentially offering a solution for neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.
• CBD reduces the accumulation of toxic proteins such as beta-amyloid and tau. According to Burggren, et. al., “[THC and CBD] can promote neurogenesis, restore memory and prevent neurodegenerative processes and cognitive decline in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease.”
• CBD may be able to promote brain plasticity by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters and supporting the growth and maintenance of neural connections. Brain plasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself in response to new experiences and learning. This enhanced brain plasticity may contribute to better cognitive function and resilience in the face of age-related changes.

Analgesic properties of CBD for dementia patients

Whether it's the aches and pains of arthritis or the burning and tingling sensations of neuropathy, CBD's analgesic properties can provide much-needed pain relief in demented patients. CBD alleviates pain in three main ways: 

1. First, it reduces inflammation by interacting with ECS receptors and pathways. This interaction can help decrease pain associated with conditions such as arthritis. 
2. Second, CBD modulates the activity of neurotransmitters and receptors involved in pain signaling, such as serotonin and TRPV1, leading to reduced pain perception. 
3. Finally, CBD may enhance the effects of other pain-relieving compounds, such as morphine, through interactions with the endocannabinoid system and other receptors. 

Unlike many prescription pain medications, CBD is generally well-tolerated and has a low risk of side effects, making it an attractive option for those who want to improve their overall well-being without adverse reactions.

Our Anytime CBD gummies, each containing only 10 mg of CBD, offer a gentle and effective way to alleviate chronic pain. With their precise dosage and delicious citrus lime taste, these gummies provide relief for those managing pain and cognitive challenges.

If you prefer a powerful THC and CBD combo to alleviate pain, our Bliss edibles contain a unique blend of hemp extracts, terpenes, flavonoids, and potent cannabinoids that elevate the spirit. Five milligrams of THC will provide mild euphoria and pain relief.

"I only bite off 1/4 of one and it's enough to take the edge off without feeling too "blissful." They taste good and arrive on time."

—Mike H.

Does CBD have side effects?

CBD comes with minimal risk of side effects. The best way to avoid any side effects is to be mindful of your dosage and the content you're consuming. Certain factors influence how CBD interacts with your body, including weight, genetics, health conditions, and consumption methods. 

If you take an extra high dose of CBD, you may experience some of the following side effects: 

• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach
• Decreased appetite

CBD may interact with other medications, particularly blood thinners, so if you’re on these types of medication, consult your healthcare provider before using CBD products. 

Keep track of the products you use and opt for ones with clean ingredients. nama's™ vegan CBD gummies are hemp-derived, gluten-free, and made with real fruit.

Experience the difference with our edibles, where each bite is a burst of delicious flavor and wellness. Order from nama™ today.

Where to buy the best CBD gummies

If you’re looking to buy the best gummies to alleviate dementia symptoms, you've come to the right place. We deliver high-quality products with third-party lab tests that ensure purity and potency. Our edibles are unmatched in quality, efficacy, and flavor. We use real fruit to infuse our gummies—no bland or artificial flavors here. Just delicious, effective gummies made with care and science-backed ingredients.

Shop at nama™ and experience the benefits of low-dose cannabidiol for soothing relief from dementia symptoms.

Resources

Costa, A. C., G. Joaquim, H. P., C. Pedrazzi, J. F., Pain, O., Duque, G., & Aprahamian, I. (2022). Cannabinoids in Late Life Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia: Biological Pathways and Clinical Challenges. Brain Sciences, 12(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12121596

Peprah, K., & McCormack, S. (2019, July 17). Medical Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Dementia: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines. NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546328/

Outen JD, Burhanullah MH, Vandrey R, Amjad H, Harper DG, Patrick RE, May RL, Agronin ME, Forester BP, Rosenberg PB. Cannabinoids for Agitation in Alzheimer's Disease. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2021 Dec;29(12):1253-1263. doi: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.01.015. Epub 2021 Jan 27. PMID: 33573996; PMCID: PMC8313629.

Costa, A. C., G. Joaquim, H. P., C. Pedrazzi, J. F., Pain, O., Duque, G., & Aprahamian, I. (2022). Cannabinoids in Late Life Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia: Biological Pathways and Clinical Challenges. Brain Sciences, 12(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12121596

Kaul, M., Zee, P. C., & Sahni, A. S. (2020). Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep and their Therapeutic Potential for Sleep Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 18(1), 217-227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-021-01013-w

Nicholson AN, Turner C, Stone BM, Robson PJ. Effect of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on nocturnal sleep and early-morning behavior in young adults. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2004 Jun;24(3):305-13. doi: 10.1097/01.jcp.0000125688.05091.8f. PMID: 15118485.

Mori MA, Meyer E, Soares LM, Milani H, Guimarães FS, de Oliveira RMW. Cannabidiol reduces neuroinflammation and promotes neuroplasticity and functional recovery after brain ischemia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2017 Apr 3;75:94-105. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.11.005. Epub 2016 Nov 23. PMID: 27889412.

Burggren, A. C., Shirazi, A., Ginder, N., & London, E. D. (2019). Cannabis effects on brain structure, function, and cognition: Considerations for medical uses of cannabis and its derivatives. The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 45(6), 563. https://doi.org/10.1080/00952990.2019.1634086

Xiong, Y., & Lim, S. (2021). Understanding the Modulatory Effects of Cannabidiol on Alzheimer’s Disease. Brain Sciences, 11(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11091211

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