At Kensington Place Redwood City, our unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those with memory loss takes us beyond the conventional care pathways.
With an eye on innovative research and potential treatment advancements, we hosted the event—“Beneficial Effects of Low-Dose CBD for Individuals with Dementia” on August 3rd, 2023.
Our special guest for this event was Sue Feldmeth, RN, a trailblazer in the field of medical cannabis.
Sue’s journey was inspired by the wish to help her mother alleviate severe arthritis pain and reduce opioid use, leading her to found MC Wellness Consulting.
She brings her expertise in providing education and guidance on the safe use of medical cannabis to this enlightening event.
Keep reading as we dive deeper into CBD’s potential benefits for individuals with dementia.
An introduction to cannabidiol: What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is one of the many compounds, or cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant.
Unlike its counterpart THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce the ‘high’ commonly associated with cannabis use. Instead, it is prized for its potential therapeutic properties, which include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective effects.
CBD is often extracted from the cannabis plant and is then diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil to produce CBD oil.
This oil can be used in tinctures, capsules, and a variety of creams and salves.
How does CBD help individuals with dementia?
Research into the potential benefits of CBD for individuals with dementia is still ongoing, but early studies suggest it may have several effects that could be beneficial.
Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce this inflammation and therefore slow the progression of the disease.
Antioxidant
Oxidative stress and the release of oxygen play a very important role in causing dementia symptoms. The antioxidant properties of CBD can provide neuroprotective effects that could aid in the management of dementia.
Neuroprotective
Studies suggest that CBD may have neuroprotective properties which could help protect brain cells from damage and reduce the severity of brain diseases like dementia.
Anti-anxiety
Anxiety disorders can increase the severity of dementia. CBD has been shown to have potential as a treatment for anxiety, which could help improve the quality of life for people with dementia.
Appetite stimulation
People with dementia often experience loss of appetite, which can lead to unhealthy weight loss. CBD may help stimulate appetite and promote healthier eating habits.
Sleep aid
Sleep disturbances and insomnia are common in people suffering from dementia. CBD might help improve sleep by addressing some of the root causes such as anxiety and restlessness.
Is CBD safe? Addressing common concerns
Cannabidiol (CBD) is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects, and there are specific concerns for individuals with dementia.
Anyone considering CBD, including seniors with dementia, should do so under the guidance of a healthcare provider who can consider potential drug interactions based on the individual’s medication regimen.
Side effects
CBD can cause side effects like fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite and weight. It can also cause drowsiness. There could be an increased risk of falls, which is a particular concern for older adults.
These side effects are highly dependent on the strain of CBD that you choose and the dosage, which is why it’s recommended to partner with medical experts (like Kensington Place does) in order to find the treatment that has the most success.
Drug interactions
CBD can interact with other medications, altering the way the body metabolizes these drugs. This can potentially affect the efficacy of medications a patient is already taking, or increase the risk of side effects.
This is a significant concern for dementia patients, who are often on multiple medications.
Here is a list of medications that could potentially interact with CBD:
- Sedatives and sleep medications
- Antiepileptic drugs
- Blood thinners
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications
- Certain heart medications, such as calcium channel blockers
- Certain pain medications, such as opioids may interact with CBD
Regulation and quality control
Currently, the CBD market in the United States is largely unregulated, which means the quality of products can vary. Some products may not contain the amount of CBD they claim to contain, or they could contain contaminants.
This could be risky for anyone, but particularly for people with dementia, who might be more vulnerable to potential harm.
Cognition and mental health
While CBD is not intoxicating, it can have effects on cognition and mental health. For people with dementia, who already have compromised cognitive function, this is an area of concern. However, this needs more research.
Long-term effects
The long-term effects of CBD use are not well-studied, which is a concern for individuals with dementia, who would likely need to use this substance over a long period.
Kensington Place Redwood City’s memory care neighborhoods: Connections and Haven
Kensington Place Redwood City offers two dedicated memory care neighborhoods, Connections, and Haven, providing an environment of safety and comfort for your loved ones.
Our Connections neighborhood offers specialized care for Mild Cognitive Impairment, early stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia. We engage in meaningful activities in a cozy, intimate setting.
We aim to meet residents where they are, focusing on their strengths and comfort, and offering support at every stage. Increased safety measures, like full security and monitoring, provide peace of mind, while life-enriching activities bolster independence.
Haven is designed for residents in the middle to late stages of memory loss, offering a higher level of care and assistance in a peaceful, comforting environment.
From adaptive design features that assist with recognition to a secure environment that minimizes agitation, Haven provides a cozy, warm, and homey setting for your loved ones.
At Kensington Place Redwood City, we understand the importance of maximizing comfort and maintaining dignity for our residents.
The benefits of entrusting your loved one to our care include safety, a sense of community, and a dedicated team that takes joy in going above and beyond to provide meaningful, comforting care that feels like home.
We live by Our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Discover Our Promise at Kensington Place Redwood City
At Kensington Place Redwood City, we’re committed to supporting our residents through each stage of memory loss, providing top-tier memory care, Alzheimer’s care, and dementia care.
Our life enrichment programs are designed to stimulate cognitive function and offer meaningful engagement to enhance residents’ quality of life. Our pocket programming also allows residents to engage in one-on-one and smaller group activities catered to their comfort zone.
For more insights, tips, and news, make sure to visit our blog and check out Kensington Konnect, our resource hub for family members and caregivers.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community and to more enlightening events in the future.