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Can Louisiana Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease Use Medical Marijuana to Treat Their Symptoms?

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting nearly 6 million Americans, and over 92,000 people over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s in Louisiana. 

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It is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that attacks and kills brain cells. 

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Alzheimer’s is a qualifying condition to get approved for a medical marijuana card in Louisiana.

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Alzheimer’s typically occurs in older age but can affect younger individuals as well (usually early 40s). 

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There are two types of Alzheimer's disease, late onset (after 65) and early onset (prior to 65), and the disease can vary in terms of severity and progression. 

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Symptoms of Alzheimer’s can include:

  • confusion

  • severe memory loss

  • difficulty with daily tasks like cooking or driving

  • mood changes such as depression or agitation

  • withdrawal from social activities 

  • difficulty speaking or finding words

  • losing or misplacing items

 

The cause of Alzheimer’s is still unknown, but many believe that the frequency of certain genetic markers found more often in those with Alzheimer’s may play a role in the disease.

How is Alzheimer’s Treated?

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, and treatment plans are usually focused on managing symptoms, reducing pain, and improving quality of life.


Medications can help with depression, agitation, pain, and problematic behavior but unfortunately do not slow down the progression of the disease.


Alzheimer’s is a progressive, incurable disease that affects your memory and senses. While some people can live with mild symptoms for years on end, others may be subject to more severe symptoms. The typical survival rate for Alzheimer’s is around 8-20 years, depending on how far the disease has progressed at the time they are diagnosed.


There are some medications approved by the FDA that can help relieve certain symptoms of Alzheimer’s, or in some cases aid in reducing the progression of this disorder. 


Unfortunately for these patients, these medications often cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and even anorexia.

Can Medical Marijuana Help with Alzheimer’s?

Currently, Alzheimer's is the sixth leading cause of death in America, and studies suggest that medical marijuana may help treat Alzheimer’s disease by stimulating brain cell production which can lead to reduced symptoms such as pain and tremors, increased appetite, and decreased anxiety. 

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The cannabis plant has properties that suggest marijuana may actually improve the function of your brain, and it might even be able to help treat some forms of dementia.

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There have been many published studies showing how the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis could aid in reducing Alzheimer’s progression as well other symptoms affecting those suffering from this neurological disorder. 

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One way scientists are trying to explain the memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease is through plaque buildup. 

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Amyloid-plaques are full of beta-amyloid proteins and accumulate outside nerve cells in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, which leads to higher rates of cellular death when compared to people without these symptoms; research shows consistent over accumulation of these plaques in the brain may be responsible for cognition problems.

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Some studies suggest that cannabis has an effect on reducing beta amyloid buildup and preventing this cellular death, potentially delaying symptom onset for some people.

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Patients with Alzheimer’s have anecdotally reported many benefits from using cannabis such as: 

 

  • decreased aggression

  • better quality of sleep

  • reduced hallucinations

  • improved anxiety

  • decreased depression

  • increased appetite

  • improved social interactions

Get a Louisiana Medical Marijuana Card for Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s can be a difficult disease to struggle with. For many, the thought of losing the memory of loved ones or forgetting critical moments in life is debilitating and extremely stressful. 

 

Because of the links between cognitive improvement, anti-inflammatory properties, and improved quality of life, Alzheimer’s has been approved as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana in Louisiana. 

 

To find out more about using medical marijuana for Alzheimer’s, consult with our staff of qualified doctors that can help walk you through the path of getting medical marijuana to help with Alzheimer’s.

 

Our doctors can be reached at (833) 253-2943 to help answer any questions you may have about getting a Louisiana marijuana card for Alzheimer's.

Get Approved in Three Easy Steps!

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Step 1

Schedule a telemedicine appointment by calling us at (833) 253-2943.

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Step 2

Meet virtually with one of our certified physicians through telemedicine to discuss your medical history.

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Step 3

With the doctor's approval, you'll receive your recommendation from the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.

We are here to help!

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