"Prescription of a THC/CBD-Based Medication to Patients with Dementia: A Pilot Study in Geneva"

Dementia is characterized by a deterioration in memory, thinking, behavior, and autonomy in daily life activities. 

According to the World Health Organization, there were around 50 million persons worldwide suffering from dementia and this number is increasing with the global aging of the population in most countries. 

Currently, the options for treating BPSD (Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia) include pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies. Psychotropic medications are often used to reduce the frequency and severity of BPSD, but in the majority of patients, they provide only modest symptom control and important side effects.

The interest of cannabinoids in Alzheimer disease and other forms of dementia has increased first as neuroprotective drugs in animal studies. Indeed, some studies suggest a potential beneficial effect of CB1 and CB2 receptor agonists on reducing harmful β-amyloid peptide action and tau phosphorylation seen in Alzhei­mer disease as well as increasing intrinsic brain repair mechanisms.

"Can CBD help With Neuroinflammation"

Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory condition of the brain, in which glial cells,namely,astrocytes 
and microglia,the resident macrophages of the brain, are involved along with blood-borne cells. 

Although in the past glial activation in neuroinflammation has been considered detrimental to the brain in general, currently the reparative/ protective aspects are being recognized. 

Cannabinoids, whether plant derived or endogenous  affect different glial functions. 

Importantly, glial cells are endowed with several, if not all, of the elements of the endocannabinoid system, and therefore are sensitive to cannabinoids and at the same time are a source of endocannabinoids. 

There appears to be general agreement that cannabinoids reduce the synthesis, production, and release of cytotoxic molecules such as proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide. 

On the other hand, these agents modify microglial cell migration in such a way that the result is usually beneficial in resolving neuroinflammation or limiting ensuing neurodegeneration.

"Neurological Aspects of Medical Use of Cannabidiol"

The aim of this review from NCBI was to describe the state of art about the pre-clinical research, the potential use and when existing, the clinical evidence related to CBD in the neurological field. 

It is important to notice that in this research, 6 Italian

university departments took part 

BACKGROUND:

Cannabidiol (CBD) is among the major secondary metabolites of Cannabis devoid of the delta-9-tetra-hydrocannabinol psychoactive effects. It is a resorcinol-based compound with a broad spectrum of potential therapeutic properties, including neuroprotective effects in numerous pathological conditions. CBD neuroprotection is due to its antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities and the modulation of a large number of brain biological targets (receptors, channels) involved in the development and maintenance of neurodegenerative diseases.