Conditions
Parkinson’s Disease
Conditions
Parkinson’s Disease
Description
Over 10 million people worldwide are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative condition which causes the death of neurons in the basal ganglia, causing a loss of dopamine production and a loss of motor and cognitive function. Treatment tries to slow the progression by reducing oxidative and excitotoxic damage to these neurons, and to manage symptoms. Nothing treats the condition itself. Sinemet and L-dopa-carbidopa may manage symptoms and polypharmacy is common. Deep brain stimulation implants and other surgical options have poor outcomes are poor, and none of the approved therapies really help in significant ways.
GRAPHIC
Cannabis HAS been shown
get rid of 9
Symptoms
- Tremors
- Shaking extremities
- Blank expressions
- Loss of balance
- Stiffness
- Shuffling steps
- Difficulty swallowing
- Insomnia
- Emotional problems
How Cannabis Can Help
Patients reported benefits with smoked cannabis: reduction in tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, improved mood, and sleep. THC activates CB1 & CB2 receptors helping to balance neurochemistry and slow down neuroinflammation. CBD is neuroprotective and dampens oxidative stress slowing down the progression and stimulates dopamine directly which may provide benefit. Clinical trials showed inhalation improves symptoms for many with immediate benefits of tremor reduction, reduced pain, and spasm.
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Parkinson’s Disease & Cannabis
Check out our Patient Program
Sources
Parkinson's Foundation, Statistics
Parkinson's Foundation, Medical Marijuana
National Library of Medicine, Promising cannabinoid-based therapies for Parkinson's disease: motor symptoms to neuroprotection