Parkinsons Disease: Prevalence And Statistical Data
According to the Parkinsons Foundation, up to 10 million people worldwide live with this condition. It also estimated that 930,000 people in the United States have the disease today. This is more than the combined total of individuals with ALS, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. Worse still, the figure may reach 1.2 million by 2030. Around 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinsons disease annually.
Around 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinsons disease annually.
The combined direct and indirect costs of the condition are almost $1 billion per week in the U.S. alone. These costs include treatment, lost income, and social security payments. Medication costs an average of $2,500 per annum, while surgery can cost up to $100,000.
Men are 50% more likely to have Parkinsons than women. However, 4% of people are diagnosed with it before they reach the age of 50. Although PD is not fatal, it can significantly reduce quality of life, even with proper treatment.
Hemp Products And Parkinsons
Scientists are still working to determine the direct link between cannabinoids and Parkinsons Disease. However, many scientists believe that CBD and THC interact with Parkinsons through their potential effects on the endocrine system and hormonal production. If dopamine production is a major issue with Parkinsons, then CBD and THC assisting with the regulation of that hormone could ease symptoms such as shakiness and stiffness.
What Products Are People Using
The most common cannabis-derived product people with Parkinson’s used was CBD oil. People interested in using a cannabis-derived product in the future said this is what they’d consider using.
If the side effects are less than traditional Parkinson’s drugs, then I would want to try cannabis. Person with Parkinson’s who has never used a cannabis-derived product
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Using Cbd For Treating Parkinsons Disease Symptoms
People with PD are already using CBD in various forms for all sorts of symptoms of PD including insomnia, anxiety, tremor, dystonia and pain.
Without clinical trial data however, we do not know whether CBD is safe and effective for a particular symptom, and if it is, what CBD formulation and dosage is best to be used for a particular symptom.
We also dont know the side effect profile of CBD in people with PD. At baseline, people with PD may have various non-motor symptoms that may make them more prone to side effects from CBD, including fatigue and nausea.
If you would like to try CBD for one of your PD symptoms, have a conversation with your movement disorders specialist about it. Your doctor may be willing to oversee your trying it, or may feel that it is too risky for you without evidence that it will help. At the very least, he/she can make sure that there are no drug interactions between CBD and anything else that you take and discuss with you any potential side effects that you need to be aware of.
Can You Use Cbd Oil As A Prevention For Parkinsons
Studies have suggested that CBD may be able to help prevent Parkinsons disease, but the current data comes only from animal models.
The research also suggests that CBD can do nothing to help treat PD after its onset. Based on this, it may only be useful as a preventive supplement.
However, most clinical trials only use CBD after a person is diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. This is important because about 60 percent of the dopamine-receptive neurons in the brain are already destroyed by the time a person begins showing the symptoms of their condition.
Its also difficult to predict who will develop Parkinsons and who will be more resistant to this disease. There are only a few preventive strategies, and thus far, we dont know if CBD can help everyone.
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Cannabis And Parkinson’s Disease
- Demystifying Medicine
Parkinsons disease, also known as PD, is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. The disease is characterized by a loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, which is an area of the brain responsible for movement. Cannabis, specifically CBD, has shown promise in treating some of the symptoms of PD. In this video we will define Parkinsons disease and cannabis, explain how cannabis can help with PD, and physician perspectives on prescribing cannabis.
References
Which Cannabis Product Should I Try For Parkinsons Disease
For Parkinsons, you can smoke Cannabis flower , or you can ingest THC in an oil form. Using a concentrate like oil makes it easier to monitor the dose that is right for you. The goal is to only take as much as you need to find relief from symptoms. This amount will be a little bit different for everyone because our bodies respond with Cannabinoids differently so it is smart to start with micro doses and work your way up.
When taking a THC product, like Phoenix Tears, it is helpful to take a CBD product, like CBD Full Spectrum Oil, with it. CBD will help level out any psychoactive effects from the THC and provide a more balanced feeling while using a Cannabis product. Furthermore, when each cannabinoid like THC and CBD are taken together the medicinal benefits of each are enhanced and prolonged.
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Antagonists Neurokinin B And Neurotensin
The study assessed three antagonists effects on the NK3, neurotensin, and cannabinoid receptors. The research was on the severity of motor symptoms and levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Moreover, they administered single-dose levodopa in 24 people with Parkinsons disease. The study concluded that the drugs were safe but didnt fix motor disability.
Thc Interaction With Pharmaceutical Drugs
- THC can enhance the effects of drugs that cause sedation and depress the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol, for example.
- THC is metabolized by and an inhibitor of a number of enzymatic liver pathways referred to as cytochrome P450. There are more than 50 enzymes belonging to this enzyme family, a number of which are responsible for the breakdown of common drugs such as antidepressants , antipsychotics , beta-blockers , bronchodilators , or bloodthinners . Thus patients taking these classes of medication may find that THC increases the concentration and effects of these drugs as well as the duration of their effects.
- Clinical observation suggests no likely interactions with other pharmaceuticals at a total daily dose of up to 20mg THC.
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Cannabis As An Alternative Treatment
In the early stages of PD, doctors may prescribe medications to control the debilitating symptoms, but these drugs may lose their power over time. As the condition worsens, surgery may be needed to stimulate the brains natural dopamine production.
Levodopa is one of the most common treatment medications that converts into dopamine inside the brain. This medication, however, can cause nausea and lose its effectiveness after a few years. It can also cause involuntary movements in high doses.
Sweet Releaf Extra Strength Body Butter
- Available in: California
- Best used for: Day or night time
- Similar products: Aunt Zeldas Organic Coconut Topical, HerbaBuena Body Balm
Salves are different from transdermal patchesthey dont get into the bloodstream, so they dont typically have psychoactive effects, even if they have THC. This salve from Sweet Releaf is a great option for chronic pain and muscle cramps often experienced by those with Parkinsons disease, plus it can be used any time of day.
Many of the products listed are only available in California, although we do our best to mention similar products that might be available in other locations. Are you a Parkinsons patient who uses cannabis for symptom relief? If so, let the HelloMD community know what you use in the comments section below.
Photo credit: Jared Sluyter
If youre new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 post. HelloMD can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation its easy, private and 100% online.
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Colorado Company To Research Cannabis As A Treatment For Parkinsons Disease
Colorado-based Day Three Labs announced this week that the worlds first government-sponsored cannabis technology incubator will fund the companys research into using cannabis as a treatment for Parkinsons disease.
Day Three Labs is a cannabinoid consumer products ingredient manufacturer specializing in the development and commercialization of novel cannabis products with its headquarters in Denver and a research facility in Israel, where regulations make studying cannabis far easier than in the United States. The firm is the only company to have passed the first phase of the CanNegev program, a cannabis technology incubator that receives funding from the Israeli government.
Colorado-based Day Three Labs announced this week that it has received funding from Israeli cannabis … technology incubator CanNegev to study cannabis as a treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
getty
Research shows that cannabis has the ability to ease Parkinsons symptoms in patients, but to date, no one has been able to decipher the exact combination of cannabinoids and terpenes for a consistent, reliable, and repeatable remedy, Dr. Shimon Lecht, chief innovation officer at Day Three Labs, said in a statement from the company on Monday.
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Pd Patients Have A High Interest In Treatment With Medicinal Cannabis But Lack Knowledge About How To Take It And Especially The Differences Between Thc And Cbd
Parkinsons disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders. It was named by Jean-Martin Charcot, a French neurologist, back in 1872 after the disease was first identified by James Parkinson in 1817. Over a century later, there is still no known cure for this disease which robs people of their dignity and quality of life. However, there have been numerous modern treatments that have been developed including dopamine therapy, surgery, and even deep brain stimulation for healing the affected area in the brain.
The problem with pharmaceutical medications which have been designed for Parkinsons disease is that they also leave patients with numerous unwanted side effects. These drugs are primarily intended to increase dopamine levels since the symptoms of Parkinsons occur when dopamine levels drop too low. While all Parkinsons patients experience different symptoms, the common medications used are all the same these include Levodopa, dopamine agonists, anticholinergics, glutamate antagonist, COMT inhibitors, and MAO-B inhibitors.
The side effects from Parkinsons medications include nausea, low blood pressure, involuntary movements, hallucinations, confusion, and behavioral issues such as the uncontrollable need to have sex or gamble.
Thankfully, more patients are finding hope using cannabis-based medications.
Does Medical Cannabis Reduce Parkinsons Symptoms
Parkinsons disease is largely characterised by a difficulty in maintaining fluidity of movement. The two ways this main symptom presents is with hypokinesia or dyskinesia. For those experiencing hypokinesia, movement can slow to the point that patients can have difficulty initiating movement or feel as though their bodies are frozen.
Patients that experience dyskinesia often present with tremor, irregular or clunky movements due to dysfunction in signalling related to motor skills. Dyskinesia can also occur as a side effect of conventional Parkinsons treatments. While conventional medications have proven to be effective for a large portion of patients, there are others who suffer from aggressive forms of Parkinsons or dont tolerate standard pharmaceuticals. In these cases, medicinal cannabis treatments could provide a viable alternative.
Changes to parts of the brain that control movement, as well as the lack of dopamine, can also lead to mood disturbance, muscle rigidity, pain, loss of weight and changes to appetite. Medical cannabis has been well researched in other contexts for its effects on some of the key symptoms of Parkinsons disease.
In cases where pharmaceutical medications fail to reduce symptoms related to movement, mood or other neurological manifestation, medical cannabis may have a profound effect.
How does medical cannabis affect the brain in Parkinsons Disease?
Does the endocannabinoid system influence Parkinsons Disease?
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Using Cannabis For Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a qualifying condition for cannabis use in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and West Virginia. That makes it a qualifying condition in nearly half of the US states with medical marijuana programs.
Cannabis is available in smokable flower bud form, concentrates, topicals, edibles, and a variety of delivery methods. One of the key things to consider when taking cannabis is the dosage. Patients can consult with a licensed doctor on how to incorporate marijuana into their current treatment regimen. Everyone reacts differently to the plant, which is why patients are advised to start with a low dose of less than 5 mg of a cannabinoid and build up from there.
Products such as CBD and THCV are touted as compounds that may ease physical and mental symptoms associated with Parkinsons disease. CBD is particularly useful, since this non-intoxicating cannabinoid can provide relief without the high. Marijuana compounds such as THC can also cause mild side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, paranoia, and dry mouth when taken in large quantities. Ultimately, its up to the individual patient on what the best product, frequency of consumption, and dose are.
Overall Quality Of Life
Researchers have suggested that the many potential benefits of CBD can translate to improved quality of ones life. This is a major concern for people diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease, as the condition affects various both physical and mental health.
One study found that people with Parkinsons disease and no psychiatric symptoms or conditions experienced an improved quality of life while taking CBD . However, this study was conducted in a very small group of people, so further research is needed to draw further conclusions on these findings.
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Should I Use Medical Marijuana If I Have Parkinsons
As more states have signed up to legalize medical cannabis, patients have increasingly been exploring it as a way to treat their Parkinsons symptoms. Some who may have found standard drugs to be insufficient turn to marijuana to help sleep, lower anxiety, or reduce tremors, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Robert Duarte, MD, director of Northwell Health’s Pain Center in Great Neck, New York, treats several patients with Parkinsons who have tried medical cannabis to alleviate pain-related problems.
I have also seen it work on insomnia and anxiety, he says. If youre sleeping better and have less anxiety, there is definitely a relationship between that and improving your tremor.
But marijuana doesnt work for everyone, and doctors have to rely on educated guesswork to recommend cannabis-based products.
The problem is there are no standards for dosing or manufacturing different forms of medical cannabis, says James Beck, PhD, chief scientific officer with the Parkinsons Foundation. Some people equate access to efficacy. Just because you can gain access to medical marijuana through legalization changes in different states doesnt mean that its effective for a disease.
Rebecca Gilbert, MD, PhD, chief scientific officer for the American Parkinson Disease Association in New York City, knows many Parkinsons patients who have experimented with medical cannabis and had mixed results.
Does The Fda Approve The Use Of Cbd Oil For Parkinsons Disease
The FDA has yet to examine the efficacy and safety of hemp-derived CBD oil for Parkinsons disease and other conditions before they can rule out any specific recommendations and approve it as an anti-Parkinsons medication. Theres only one FDA-approved CBD-based medication so far its called Epidiolex, and doctors use it to treat intractable epilepsy in children.
Researchers from the University of Colorado are testing Epidiolex to investigate its benefits for people who experience Parkinsons-related tremors. The study is currently in the second stage, so we keep our fingers crossed for positive results.
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Are Cbd Gummies Safe For Kids
CBD is generally considered a safe compound with a relatively short list of side effects. Most of them are mild, to be honest including dry mouth, lowered blood pressure, dizziness, and sedation .
Even doses as high as 1,500 mg of CBD daily are well tolerated in humans.
I always recommend consulting a qualified physician before taking any CBD product. Cannabidiol is known to interact with certain medications, so its best to err on the side of caution especially if your child uses medicine that appears on this list .
But other than that, CBD gummies are safe for kids. And if you can get some sugar-free gummies, its all the better. Read this article for more details about the best CBD gummies for kids.