Can patients with Parkinson’s disease benefit from CBD or medical cannabis? The research says yes!
Although there isn’t much research surrounding the use of CBD and cannabis in regards to Parkinson’s Disease, one particular study caught my eye. In the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics in 2014, a case report reviewed sleep disorders of six patients with Parkinson’s Disease.
REM SLEEP BEHAVIOR DISORDER
One particular patient caught my eye, a 61-year-old-man with a history of Parkinson’s. His symptoms began with sleep agitation and two years later he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. This specific sleep disorder is often characteristic of Parkinson’s and is referred to as REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, or RBD. During nightmares, patients often experience violent reactions such as punching, kicking and yelling.
PATIENT 1
This fellow was talking, swearing, yelling, kicking and punching in his sleep. He even injured his wife during one of his nightmare rages. These specific episodes occurred once a month and often related to work, conflict, animal attacks and fighting. Most recently, his wife reported the dreams had increased in frequency to four times per week lasting as long as 2 minutes.
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CBD was administered for six weeks to the patient as well as others in the study. All five of the patients who received the treatment saw full reversal of their REM Sleep Behavior Disorder.
MECHANISM
CB1 receptors in the brain are thought to regulate the sleep/wake cycle. Anandamide stimulates these CB1 receptors during sleep, increasing the length of slow wave and REM sleep. With the addition of CBD and THC, the body reacts in the same way, creating a deeper more nourishing sleep pattern. Through the addition of CBD, patients can finally get a good night’s sleep!
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CURRENT TREATMENTS
Current prescription medications such as Clonazepam create a sedation effect lasting long into the daytime. This can increase the risk of falls and motor vehicle accidents especially in the elderly. Making CBD a great and safe alternative to those prone to accidents.
CONCLUSION
The administration of CBD has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson’s related sleep disturbances. Thanks to CBD, Parkinson’s patients can finally get a good nights sleep!
This post originally appeared on CBD & Cannabis Info.
