Short News November 9th 3002

Science: THC reduces agitation in Alzheimer's disease in phase II study

Results from a multi-centre study show that THC (dronabinol), the pharmacologically most important ingredient in cannabis, reduces agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In addition, researchers concluded that reduced agitation may result in relief of caregivers. The findings were presented at the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists' 34th annual meeting on 12-15 November, San Antonio, USA.

"Our results show dronabinol is an effective treatment for behavioral agitation in patients with Alzheimer's and may ultimately help reduce the stress often experienced by caregivers," said geriatrician Dr. Joel S. Ross a member of the teaching faculty at Monmouth Medical Center and the lead investigator in the study.

The Phase II, open label, randomized, parallel-group study involved 54 patients, all who demonstrated behavioral agitation (mean age: 81 years). Following a one-week qualifying period to evaluate the degree of agitation, patients were randomized to one of two treatment groups (THC 2.5 mg twice daily or THC 5 mg twice daily). Patients received THC for 8 weeks.

The primary efficacy measurement was the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation scale, that evaluates the prevalence of pathological and disruptive behaviors. Evaluation at nine weeks found significant reductions of agitation scores in both groups. There also was a trend toward a decrease in the caregiver burden scores.

Abstract at: http://www.cannabis-med.org/studies/study.php

(Sources: Ross JS, Shua-Haim JR. Open-label study of dronabinol in the treatment of refractory agitation in Alzheimer’s disease: a pilot study. Poster presented at ASCP's 34th Annual Meeting, 2003; Source: EurekAlert of 14 November 2003)

*Industrial-Hemp has no psychoactive properties following definition of the European Economic Community (EEC); THC content is less than 0.3%. In general, low THC-seed varieties without psychoactive properties are those that have a THC content of less than 1%. (See also No-THC Hemp-seed.) THC= Delta-9 TetraHydroCannabinol.