Dementia isn’t a single disease, but a collective term that describes multiple symptoms of cognitive decline, including memory loss. In addition to memory, dementia affects the way a person communicates, thinks, and behaves.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, making up about 60-80% of cases. An estimated 10% of adults aged 65 or older have Alzheimer’s disease. However, dementia isn’t a normal part of aging and may occur in younger people.
Other forms of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Certain conditions, such as a traumatic brain injury or Huntington’s disease, may lead to dementia.
Dementia symptoms vary with the specific cause. Common signs and symptoms of dementia include:
Symptoms of dementia usually start out mild and worsen over time. A person with advanced dementia may require full-time care.
Scientists are currently researching the effects of cannabis on the brain, but early studies suggest promising results. Medical cannabis may reduce behavioral symptoms in people with dementia, including:
There’s no cure for dementia. Conventional treatments, such as pharmaceuticals, often cause harsh side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and sleep disturbances. Medical cannabis causes a few minor side effects; the most common of which is sleepiness.
According to the Compassionate Use Program, Texas residents with a diagnosis of dementia qualify for medical marijuana.
Dr. Kendrick uses virtual consults to evaluate a patient’s symptoms and medical history in order to determine if medical cannabis is an appropriate treatment.
She then writes a prescription for low-dose THC, which you take to a dispensary. If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you may legally obtain the medicine on their behalf.
For a holistic approach to dementia treatment, call Compassionate Telemedicine, or book an appointment online today.