June is Alzheimer’s and brain awareness month. It is a month to raise awareness and educate people about brain diseases (such as Alzheimer’s) that can affect cognitive function to a crippling degree, and often make autonomy difficult (or impossible) for patients who suffer from it. Alzheimer’s is not yet fully understood; but there is ongoing research that offers more and more hope each year when trying to understand the disease. It is important that we educate each other on the causes and symptoms of Alzheimer’s; so that the fight against it can start at home. Preventative measures and early detection are crucial in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease, but there are other therapies out there. Cannabidiol oil (CBD) and Alzheimer’s disease have become a very buzzworthy duo in the medical field as of late. And for some patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, CBD has been a great benefit to their treatment.

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What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, largely recognized as the most common form of dementia. It is often believed by some to only affect the elderly, but this is untrue. Recent studies have shown amyloid buildup in brains of people as young as 20 years of age.

One thing that is important to remember in relation to Alzheimer’s Disease: it is not a normal result sign of aging.

So what causes Alzheimer’s disease?

While scientists are still not absolutely sure what causes AD, “plaques and tangles” in the brain are believed to be the two most likely culprits. Plaques are amyloid buildups between nerve cells that can disrupt normal signal transmission from cell to cell at the synapses. It is also suspected that these amyloid plaques may activate the body’s immunoresponse, thus triggering inflammation in the brain. This can cause many brain cells to die, which in turn causes tangles to form inside the dying cells. Tangles interfere with the regular transport mechanism in the cells throughout the cerebral cortex; and the transport of essential nutrients becomes much more difficult as a result. Most people will develop plaques and tangles as they get older, thus making the elderly more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease. However, patients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s tend to have significantly more plaques and tangles than their average counterparts of the same age.

How can I prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

Now that we’ve defined Alzheimer’s and explored potential causes, we can explore some of the steps you can take to help potentially prevent the disease.

It is not difficult to get on the right track, as living a healthy lifestyle is one of the best defenses.

For instance, many conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, also increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Examples would be: high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and arteriosclerosis. The best lifestyle changes to prevent cardiovascular disease are physical exercise and diet. Make sure you are getting the appropriate amount of exercise for your age each day; and you are eating a low-fat diet aimed at losing or maintaining weight.

Research suggests that connecting socially with other people may also decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s. The more established and new social connections you have (and the more you interact with them) the better. Alongside social connections, intellectual stimulation (especially in social situations) also decreases your risk of Alzheimer’s.

Lastly, avoiding physical trauma to the head is always important. Make sure you wear your seatbelt when in a vehicle or wear the proper headgear when engaging in physical sports or dangerous work.

CBD and Alzheimer’s Disease

As we mentioned earlier, the benefits of CBD oil for medical purposes continue to gain traction within the medical community. For many patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, the use of CBD oil has truly been a blessing.

CBD oil and CBD extract benefits for Alzheimer’s patients offer a small array of promising therapeutic effects such as: reducing neuroinflammatory response, promoting neurogenesis (newly established neuron growth), and reducing deficits in social recognition & memory. 

According to a 2017 study published by the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, CBD has shown to possess neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in vitro.

This suggests that CBD could potentially inhibit the cognitive and functional impairments that arise from the onset of Alzheimer’s.

Where can I buy safe, effective CBD online?

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of CBD products for Alzheimer’s or for a number of other conditions or for general health and well-being, Plants Not Pills™ offers organically-grown CBD products… made right here in the USA. These products are available in full spectrum and THC-free formulations.

Click here to browse available products or call 888.247.3420 to speak to a Plants Not Pills™ representative.