Therapeutic use of Cannabis sativa in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: an integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1806-6976.smad.2025.227069Keywords:
Alzheimer disease, Cannabis, Medical Marijuana, Neurobehavioral ManifestationsAbstract
Objective: to investigate, in light of the scientific literature, the efficacy of the therapeutic use of Cannabis sativa in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Methodology: this is an integrative literature review that gathered articles based on a systematized methodology. The search for studies was conducted through the following databases: Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), SciVerse Scopus, and Web of Science, using Health Sciences Descriptors. Results: the sample included 16 scientific articles, all indicating a growing trend in exploring Cannabis sativa compounds for symptomatic treatment of the disease. Experimental laboratory studies stand out among the findings, as well as the analysis of the optimal non-toxic dose for treatment efficacy. Treatment
efficacy is demonstrated by the delay and/or reduction of behavioral symptoms of the disease, resulting in improved quality of life for the involved family context. Conclusion: the use of Cannabis sativa compounds demonstrated efficacy in the symptomatic treatment of individuals with Alzheimer’s, revealing medical advancements and a paradigm shift regarding the plant. The presented evidence sheds light on specific nuances that may impact not only the life of the person with the disease but also the entire family dynamic.
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