Medical Cannabis and Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that occurs when the signals between the brain and the nervous system become disrupted, and continue to get worse over time. It is famously characterised by tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement and although its high profile sufferers include Back To The Future actor Michael J Fox, 59 and the late boxer Muhammad Ali, until recently, there has been no significant treatment advancements for decades. However, a team of scientists at the University of Sheffield is working on developing new personalised drug therapies for neurodegenerative diseases to rescue the function of the cells affected. The charity Parkinson’s UK states that the numbers of those with Parkinson’s are 145,000 although it is estimated that more than one million lives are affected by being family, friends, and colleagues with those who have it.

What causes Parkinson’s?

It’s not known why the loss of nerve cells associated with Parkinson’s disease occurs but when nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine stop working properly, the brain isn’t able to control movement properly creating tremors (shaking), slowness of movement, and rigidity (muscle stiffness).

Dopamine acts as a messenger between the parts of the brain and nervous system that help control and coordinate body movements and as the level of dopamine continues to fall slowly over many years, symptoms develop and new symptoms appear. It’s unclear as to exactly why people get Parkinson’s, but researchers think it’s a combination of genetic and environmental factors that cause the dopamine-producing nerve cells to die. The vast majority of people have what is called ‘idiopathic Parkinson’s’, meaning that there’s no known cause. The small minority that has the genetic link are likely to get diagnosed at a younger age when most are diagnosed over 60. Inflammation is piquing researchers’ interests too as inflammation from the gut may spread up into the brain.

What are the Symptoms?

Tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement are the hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease. The shaking usually begins in the hand or arm and is more likely to occur when the limb is relaxed and resting. The slowness of movement (bradykinesia) can make everyday tasks difficult and result in a distinctive slow, shuffling walk with very small steps, while the muscle stiffness and tension also make it difficult to move around. Psychological symptoms include anxiety and depression, memory, and sleep problems.

What are the Risk Factors?

Gender and age affect the likelihood of developing the condition. Many studies have identified that the incidence of Parkinson’s disease is more common in men than women although the reasons for the differences in men and women with Parkinson’s are unclear.

While the research is not conclusive, several studies have shown a link between head trauma and an increase in a person’s risk of developing the disease.

A number of studies have looked at the relationship between exposure to environmental factors, like pesticides, and the development of neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease but the evidence, is currently inconclusive. Around 15 percent of those who have Parkinson’s disease have a family history of it.

How can Medical Cannabis help with Parkinson’s Disease?

Endocannabinoid receptors exist in the brain, particularly at the cortex, cerebellum, basal ganglia, hippocampus, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves and a review titled “Marijuana for Parkinson’s Disease?” states that these receptors control muscular movements and appear to confer anti-epileptic, sedative, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anti-psychotic, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Therefore, medical cannabis might benefit motor and non-motor aspects.

Animal research has also shown anti-oxidant action through THC and CBD. In animals, CB1 antagonists lowered bradykinesia, while CB1 agonists reduced tremors and patient surveys state the alleviation of non-motor symptoms, specifically depressed mood, fatigue, and memory impairments, and anecdotal accounts of neurological efficacy.

A study in the European Journal of Internal Medicine found that medical cannabis is a safe and effective way for older people to alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s, cancer, and other diseases. The study, “Epidemiological characteristics, safety and efficacy of medical cannabis in the elderly,” involved 2,736 patients 65-years or older. They had received medical cannabis through Tikun Olam, Israel’s largest medical cannabis supplier, between January 2015 and October 2017. After six months of treatment, 94% of the respondents, with an average age of 74.5 years, reported an improvement in their condition.

What about other Natural Remedies?

Scientists have examined Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and health foods to evaluate oxidative properties. Vitamin E can fight damage in the brain caused by free radicals and has been suggested to lower the risk of Parkinson’s but there have been some concerns about possible side effects of Vitamin E supplements, particularly the form of Vitamin E commonly available (alpha-tocopherol). A “mixed” supplement, containing multiple forms of Vitamin E may be safer or more effective.

Green Tea Polyphenols (GTP) have antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities and some studies have suggested that these compounds could have a neuroprotective effect.

Vitamin B12 is an important factor in brain and nerve health, especially memory, and as people age, they may develop difficulty absorbing B12 from the gut, even if the amount in their food sources is adequate.

Help and advice

If you need advice or help with Medical Cannabis, please use the contact form provided. We try to answer all emails within 24 hours and are happy to help and advise on all aspects of Medical Cannabis treatments in complete confidence.

Disclaimer: Please note that whilst we consider ourselves subject matter experts regarding Medical Cannabis, we are not medical professionals. We are a Medical Cannabis information resource, educating and helping those in need. Whilst we are very strong believers in the benefits of Medical Cannabis, there is still limited evidence that Medical Cannabis can treat/cure all the illnesses we discuss on our website. We recommend you do as much research as possible, and where practical seek professional medical advice before proceeding with Medical Cannabis oil.

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