Medical Cannabis and Parkinsons Disease

As medical cannabis becomes increasingly accepted in medical communities, more research has been conducted on its efficacy in treating certain medical conditions – and Parkinson’s Disease is no exception.

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Parkinson’s Disease is a debilitating neurological disease that affects more than 10 million people worldwide. While this condition does not have a cure, there is a variety of treatments used to help manage the symptoms. One of these treatments is the use of medical cannabis.

Medical cannabis can be beneficial for Parkinson’s Disease sufferers in a variety of ways. It helps to reduce muscle tremors, as well as spasms and pain associated with the condition. In addition, its calming effect on the central nervous system can reduce anxiety and depression, both common side effects of Parkinson’s Disease.

Medical marijuana has also been shown to improve cognition and memory in Parkinson’s patients. Medical cannabis is believed to reduce the formation of amyloid plaques, which lead to the degenerative symptoms of the disease, including cognitive decline. Studies have also indicated that the use of medical marijuana can reduce nausea, a common side effect of medications used to treat Parkinson’s Disease.

At Sapphire Clinics, our medical cannabis specialists are available to evaluate whether medical cannabis could be beneficial for your Parkinson’s Disease. Through a comprehensive consultation, we can discuss the various treatment options and help you decide if medical marijuana is right for you. Contact us today to learn more.

What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological disorder caused by the degeneration of certain nerve cells in the brain that produce a chemical called dopamine. This chemical helps control movement, though when dopamine levels are low, the ability to produce smooth and coordinated movement becomes impaired. Symptoms can include problems with balance and walking, stiffness, tremors, and difficulty speaking and thinking. Parkinson’s Disease has no cure, but medications, lifestyle changes, and therapy can all help manage symptoms.

Medical cannabis is a relatively new treatment option for Parkinson’s Disease, and more research is needed regarding its efficacy. However, many studies have indicated that medical marijuana can be beneficial for Parkinson’s sufferers, helping to reduce stiffness and tremor, as well as improving cognition and memory.

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease can vary from person to person, but some of the most common are:

Tremors, particularly in the limbs
Slowed and stiffened movement
Difficulty coordinating movements
Problems speaking
Decreased sense of smell
Memory problems
Anxiety
Depression

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to get a proper diagnosis in order to determine the best treatment options.

Types of Parkinsonism

Parkinson’s Disease can be divided into two categories: Parkinsonism, which encompasses conditions that display some features similar to Parkinson’s; and Parkinson’s Disease, a progressive neurological disorder.

Parkinsonism can be caused by certain medications, head injuries, stroke, or other medical conditions; it is not limited to Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s Disease, on the other hand, is caused by the degeneration of certain nerve cells in the brain, and is usually a permanent condition.

Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

Though Parkinson’s Disease is incurable, there are a variety of treatments used to help manage the symptoms. These include medications, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and, increasingly, medical cannabis.

Medical marijuana can be beneficial for Parkinson’s Disease sufferers in a variety of ways. It helps to reduce muscle tremors and spasms, as well as pain associated with the condition. In addition, its calming effect on the central nervous system can reduce anxiety and depression, both of which are common for people with Parkinson’s Disease.