Alzheimer’s Disease – Cannabis Research

Description of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide, primarily those over the age of 65. It is characterized by a gradual decline in cognitive function, including memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, and behavioral changes that interfere with daily life and independence. AD typically progresses through three clinical stages: mild (early), moderate (middle), and severe (late).

Pathophysiology: The hallmark features of AD include the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. These protein aggregates disrupt communication between neurons, impair intracellular transport, and trigger neuroinflammatory responses, ultimately leading to neuronal dysfunction and cell death.

The hippocampus—a brain region critical for memory formation—is among the first to be affected, followed by widespread cortical atrophy, which contributes to the progressive loss of cognitive and functional abilities.

In addition to Aβ and tau pathology, AD is also associated with:

• Chronic neuroinflammation


• Oxidative stress


• Mitochondrial dysfunction


• Disrupted synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis

These overlapping mechanisms create a self-reinforcing cycle of neurodegeneration.

Risk Factors and Genetics: While aging is the most significant risk factor, genetic predisposition plays an important role in certain forms of AD:

• Early-onset familial AD is often caused by mutations in the APP, PSEN1, or PSEN2 genes.


• Late-onset AD is strongly associated with the APOE ε4 allele, the most well-established genetic risk factor for sporadic cases.

Additional risk factors include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, prior head trauma, poor sleep, and lifestyle elements such as sedentary behavior, social isolation, and nutritional deficiencies.

Current Treatments: Existing FDA-approved therapies for AD focus primarily on symptom management by targeting neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly acetylcholine and glutamate. These medications may temporarily improve or stabilize symptoms, but do not prevent or reverse disease progression.

A comprehensive care plan for individuals with AD often includes non-pharmacological strategies, such as cognitive stimulation, caregiver support, structured routines, and attention to overall physical and mental health.

Also, we'd like to point out that an article published in JAMA describes a novel AD detection test that is 91% accurate (S. Palmqvist et al., 2024).