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5 Health Benefits Older Adults Can Gain from CBD Oil

We started the new year with a free, interactive webinar on the health benefits of CBD and learned how different CBD products can help the older adults in your family.

Kensington Place Redwood City partnered with Dr. Steven Schmitz, who is on the Board of Directors for CV Sciences, and also a board-certified physician with nearly 20 years of practical experience in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on drug safety.

Dr. Schmitz was joined by a panel of CBD health experts, including:  

  • Kensington Sierra Madre’s own Connections Memory Care Manager, Leandra Sims
  • Sue Feldmeth, RN, and founder of MC Wellness Consulting 
  • Jesse Karagianes, also of CV Sciences 

Dr. Schmitz and panel talked about CBD oils, including low-potency CBD oil. They also discussed using hemp-derived CBD products for pain management and treating severe pain, such as joint pain and neuropathy.

The event also addressed common questions, such as 

  • How much CBD should we use? 
  • How does broad-spectrum CBD oil interact with blood pressure medications? 
  • How can CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties provide real-life help as we age? 

Is CBD safe for older adults?

Almost everywhere you look, you can find products promoting the potential health benefits of CBD. 

And with more and more seniors exploring organic, natural treatments for everything from anxiety to improving sleep, CBD’s popularity growth is understandable. 

But is CBD safe for older adults?

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a natural chemical compound in the cannabis plant. CBD does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive element that makes users experience a feeling of being “high.”

The health benefits of CBD are commonly associated with: 

  • Reducing chronic pain
  • Lessening anxiety
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Treating insomnia

Research shows that CBD affects endocannabinoid system receptors—which help regulate memory, mood, pain, and other cognitive and physiological functions. 

Commonly reported side effects of CBD include low blood pressure, drowsiness, and dry mouth. 

Main safety concerns of CBD

The primary concerns surrounding the safety of CBD stem from the lack of regulation in the CBD industry. CBD is commonly sold as a supplement, with regulation handled at the state level—which can mean different approaches to product safety depending on your home state.

The FDA has approved specific cannabidiol products to treat certain conditions to ensure product safety on a national level. 

For example, Epidolex brand cannabidiol is approved as a treatment for seizures brought about by Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome.

Many older adults turn to approved non prescription CBD products to treat various health conditions, such as: 

  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Huntington’s disease 
  • Improving sleep quality
  • Supporting heart health
  • Boosting the immune system
  • Relieving pain, including joint pain

Protect against neurological diseases

CBD has been approved to treat several types of seizures in humans and animals. Clinical trials show reduced seizure intensity or frequency for those using CBD to treat their conditions. 

Inflammation can intensify the symptoms of most neurological diseases. 

One of CBD’s most notable health benefits is that it reduces inflammation, so it’s easy to see why it is often used as a tool in the battle against neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and symptoms. 

Additionally, studies suggest that CBD’s anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective health benefits may include supporting cognitive function in older adults. 

Reduce anxiety and depression

CBD targets the serotonin receptors in the brain, much like anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants but without the typical side effects common with prescription medications, such as: 

  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Mood swings

Additionally, because of CBD’s calming properties, it can offer much relief for those living with anxiety, insomnia, depression, and other mood disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder.

Relieve unmanageable pain

Nearly half of all seniors are living with arthritis pain, according to the CDC, with more than half dealing with other forms of chronic pain.

CBD research published in the Journal of Pain reported pain as one of the most commonly cited symptoms among older adults with an underlying disability. 

Further studies pointed out that pain in older adults is “poorly managed.” 

For many people with chronic pain, topical CBD cream is preferred over other CBD products, such as edibles. A topical cream can offer localized pain relief which many traditional painkillers and over-the-counter NSAIDs cannot. 

CBD offers potentially safer therapy than some prescription pain medications when included in an ongoing medical treatment plan. 

Better regulation of diabetic symptoms 

Individuals with diabetes may benefit from CBD oil. The research found that those with type 2 diabetes had better blood sugar control while taking CBD. 

Studies also reported lower resistin levels in individuals who took CBD. Resistin is a hormone that suppresses glucose uptake and can lead to insulin resistance. 

Neuropathy, a form of nerve damage, is a common complication often experienced by those living with diabetes. 

Relevant animal studies have shown that CBD increases the creation of new nerve cells responsible for pain relief, making it a potentially effective treatment.

The Kensington Senior Living, your partner in caregiving

The Kensington Senior Living Communities operate based on a single, shared Promise: to love and care for your family as we love and care for our own families.

Our passionate, trained staff demonstrate that promise through loving, respectful support to meet your loved one’s evolving needs. 

Our two dedicated memory care communities, Connections, and Haven allow your loved one to get the individualized care they need without leaving their home. 

At Kensington Place Redwood City, we strive to support our residents and their families and always explore new opportunities to improve their well-being. 

We offer many such programs and services, including dedicated Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory care, on-site rehabilitation, life-enrichment activities, all-day dining, fitness programs, and more. 

Caregivers can find resources and tips through Kensington Konnect, our caregiver resource blog, and interactive, free informative events, such as our webinar we held on the Benefits of Low-Dose CBD for Our Aging Population

Contact Kensington Place Redwood City today for more information about our services, to find out how to join our team, or to book your personalized tour.