Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study

Article type: Short Communication

Authors: Shelef, Assaf^{a; *} | Barak, Yoram^a | Berger, Uri^b | Paleacu, Diana^a | Tadger, Shelly^a | Plopsky, Igor^a | Baruch, Yehuda^a

Affiliations: [a] Abarbanel Mental Health Center, Bat-Yam, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel | [b] Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to: Dr. Assaf Shelef, Abarbanel Mental Health Center, 15 KKL Street, Bat-Yam, 59100, Israel. Tel.: +972 3 5552611; E-mail: shelefmd@gmail.com.

Abstract: Background:Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective:To measure efficacy and safety of medical cannabis oil (MCO) containing THC as an add-on to pharmacotherapy, in relieving behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Methods:Eleven AD patients were recruited to an open label, 4 weeks, prospective trial. Results:Ten patients completed the trial. Significant reduction in CGI severity score (6.5 to 5.7; p <  0.01) and NPI score were recorded (44.4 to 12.8; p <  0.01). NPI domains of significant decrease were: Delusions, agitation/aggression, irritability, apathy, sleep and caregiver distress. Conclusion:Adding MCO to AD patients’ pharmacotherapy is safe and a promising treatment option.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol

DOI: 10.3233/JAD-150915

Journal: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, vol. 51, no. 1, pp. 15-19, 2016