Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study

Assaf Shelef; Yoram Barak; Uri Berger; Diana Paleacu; Shelly Tadger; Igor Plopsky; Yehuda Baruch

doi:10.3233/JAD-150915

Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study

Assaf Shelef, Yoram Barak, Uri Berger, Diana Paleacu, Shelly Tadger, Igor Plopsky, Yehuda Baruch

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Background: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Objective: To measure efficacy and safety of medical cannabis oil (MCO) containing THC as an add-on to pharmacotherapy,in relieving behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Methods: Eleven AD patients were recruited to an open label, 4 weeks, prospective trial. Results: Ten patients completed the trial. Significant reduction in CGI severity score (6.5 to 5.7; p < 0.01) and NPI score were recorded (44.4 to 12.8; p < 0.01). NPI domains of significant decrease were: Delusions, agitation/aggression, irritability, apathy, sleep and caregiver distress. Conclusion: Adding MCO to AD patients' pharmacotherapy is safe and a promising treatment option.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	15-19
Number of pages	5
Journal	Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
Volume	51
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-150915
State	Published - 27 Feb 2016
Externally published	Yes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Alzheimer's disease
behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
cannabis
tetrahydrocannabinol

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Neuroscience
Clinical Psychology
Geriatrics and Gerontology
Psychiatry and Mental health

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10.3233/JAD-150915

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title = "Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study",

abstract = "Background: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Objective: To measure efficacy and safety of medical cannabis oil (MCO) containing THC as an add-on to pharmacotherapy,in relieving behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Methods: Eleven AD patients were recruited to an open label, 4 weeks, prospective trial. Results: Ten patients completed the trial. Significant reduction in CGI severity score (6.5 to 5.7; p < 0.01) and NPI score were recorded (44.4 to 12.8; p < 0.01). NPI domains of significant decrease were: Delusions, agitation/aggression, irritability, apathy, sleep and caregiver distress. Conclusion: Adding MCO to AD patients' pharmacotherapy is safe and a promising treatment option.",

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AU - Barak, Yoram

AU - Berger, Uri

AU - Paleacu, Diana

AU - Tadger, Shelly

AU - Plopsky, Igor

AU - Baruch, Yehuda

PY - 2016/2/27

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Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

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