IACM Science: THC Causes Weight Gain and Reduces Agitation in Alzheimer's Disease
BBSNews - 2003-08-31 -- An open study with 48 patients suffering from Alzheimer's
disease shows that oral THC causes weight gain in patients with
appetite loss. It may also reduce agitation, improve function and
mental abilities. The open study conducted at the Meridian
Institute for Aging in Manchester Township, USA, was presented
at the Eleventh International Congress of the International
Psychogeriatric Association on 17-22 August 2003 in Chicago.
THC (dronabinol), 5 mg/day in 2 divided doses was given initially
and titrated up to a maximum of 10 mg/day. Weight gain was
reported in all patients. Agitation significantly improved in 65%. In
37% mental abilities improved. Functional improvement was
reported in 69%.
In 1997 a first placebo-controlled study by Volicer and colleagues
had shown that THC not only increased appetite but also reduced
agitation in Alzheimer patients. Results of the new study had
already been presented on 15 May at the annual meeting of the
American Geriatrics Society.
See: http://www.cannabis-med.org/studies/study.php
(Source: Patel S, et al. PC-037 Safety and efficacy of dronabinol
in the treatment of agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease
with anorexia: A retrospective chart review. Poster presented at
the IPA's Eleventh International Congress on 17-22 August 2003
in Chicago)
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The preceding report was provided to BBSNews by the International Association for Cannabis as Medicine (IACM).
Michael Hess is the Editor of BBSNews in Charlotte, NC. Write to the editor here. Not all submissions are published. Or visit the completely new BBSNews Blog and Forum on our front page - Please Participate in BBSNews!
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