CBD for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease, can dramatically change a person’s life. These conditions, also called neurological disorders, are major health issues worldwide because they affect the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They can lead to serious problems with movement, thinking, and overall quality of life.

While traditional treatments can provide some relief, they often come with side effects. For example, using Levodopa, a common treatment for Parkinson’s disease, over a long time can cause motor fluctuations and involuntary movements. This highlights the need to find new treatment options for neurological diseases.

A Brief Overview of Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders involve the gradual damage and destruction of nerve cells, especially in the brain. Researchers estimate that these diseases affect more than 50 million people worldwide, and the number is expected to rise as the population ages.

There are several types of neurodegenerative disorders. The most common include:

• Dementia-Type Diseases: Diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involve progressive damage to different parts of the brain, leading to the death of neurons. This neuronal death results in various symptoms depending on which brain areas are affected. Common symptoms of AD include confusion, memory loss, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and changes in behaviour.
• Demyelinating Diseases: Diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) involve damage or loss of myelin, the protective layer around nerve fibres. This damage disrupts the transmission of nerve signals. Common symptoms of MS include tingling or numbness, pain, muscle spasms, weakness and paralysis, coordination problems, and fatigue.
• Parkinson's-Type Diseases: Diseases like Parkinson’s disease (PD) involve damage to brain neurons that control coordination and muscle movement. Common symptoms of PD include slowed movements, shaking or tremors, balance issues, shuffling gait, and a hunched posture.
• Motor Neuron Diseases: Diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, involve the death of neurons that control muscle movement. Symptoms include loss of muscle control.
• Alzheimer’s Disease: This is a specific type of dementia that progressively damages various parts of the brain, causing significant memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with daily tasks.

Factors Contributing to Neurodegenerative Diseases:

1. Age: The risk of developing a neurodegenerative disease increases as you get older.
2. Genes: Many neurodegenerative diseases are linked to genetics, meaning that mutations that cause these diseases can be inherited.
3. Environment: Exposure to harmful chemicals or pollutants, or certain infections, may raise the risk of developing a neurodegenerative disease.
4. Medical History: Previous health issues or events may contribute to or worsen the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
5. Lifestyle: Factors such as diet, exercise, and the use of alcohol or tobacco can be associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Role of CBD on Neurodegenerative Disorders

Cannabidiol (CBD) can help address neurodegenerative disorders through several mechanisms:

• Anti-inflammatory Effects: CBD may reduce inflammation by acting as an inverse agonist at CB2 receptors.
• Gene Expression: CBD lowers the levels of proinflammatory genes by activating PPARg receptors.
• Antioxidant Effects: CBD has strong antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from damage.
• Immune System Regulation: CBD reduces immune system activity by activating adenosine A2A receptors.
• Neuroprotection: CBD supports brain health by activating 5-hydroxytryptamine subtypes 1A (5-HT1A) receptors.
• Mitochondrial Health: CBD helps prevent damage to mitochondria by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron buildup, which in turn lowers neurodegeneration.
• Endocannabinoid Activity: CBD inhibits fatty-acid amide hydrolase, an enzyme that breaks down endocannabinoids like anandamide. This helps increase endocannabinoid activity, which can reduce neuroinflammation and dysfunction.