Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common type of dementia and is mostly seen in older adults. It is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time. While there is no cure for this problem, treatments are available to help manage its symptoms.

Medical marijuana has become an option for people looking to improve the quality of life for these patients. It may help ease some of the symptoms of the disease, such as anxiety, confusion, and sleep issues. In this blog, we will explore what Alzheimer’s is, the available treatments, and how medical cannabis can help.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

In general, this is a brain disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, which is a term used for memory loss and other cognitive issues. It starts slowly, but it gets worse over time.

Common Symptoms:

• Memory loss that affects daily life, such as forgetting recent events or names
• Difficulty with problem-solving or making decisions
• Trouble completing familiar tasks, like cooking or driving
• Confusion about time and place
• Problems with speaking or writing
• Misplacing items and not being able to find them again
• Changes in mood or personality, such as depression or anxiety

As this problem gets worse, patients may lose the ability to recognize family and friends, and they may need help with daily tasks such as eating, dressing, and bathing.

Causes

The main cause is not fully understood. Scientists say it is caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment. In the brains of these patients, abnormal protein deposits build up and form plaques and tangles. These damage the nerve cells in the brain and block communication between them.

Age is the main risk factor. Most people with the disease are over 65, but it can also affect younger people. Other risk factors include family history, head injuries, and conditions like heart disease or diabetes.

Treatment

There is currently no cure of this problem, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms. The goal of treatment is to improve the quality of life and slow the progression of the disease.

Common Treatments:

Medications: Some drugs are used to help with memory loss and confusion. These medications include Donepezil and memantine. They may help improve memory and thinking skills, but they do not stop the disease from progressing.

Therapy: Cognitive therapy can help such patients maintain their thinking and memory skills for longer. This involves activities like memory games, puzzles, and problem-solving tasks.

Lifestyle Changes: Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and social engagement can help support brain health. Staying active and socially connected may slow down the progression.

Supportive Care: As the disease progresses, patients often need help with regular tasks. This can include in-home care, memory care facilities, or adult daycare services. Support for family members and caregivers is also very important.

While these treatments are commonly used, there is growing interest in alternative therapies like medical cannabis, which may offer additional benefits for such patients.

Why Choose Medical Marijuana?

This substance has become a popular option for patients with a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. It contains chemical compounds like THC and CBD. They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate functions like mood, pain, and memory.

Potential Benefits of Medical Cannabis:

Reduced Brain Inflammation: It is believed to be one of the factors that lead to this problem. Studies suggest that cannabinoids, especially CBD, may have anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing brain inflammation may help slow down the progression of the disease.

Improvement in Mood and Behavior: Patients often experience anxiety, agitation, and depression. Medical cannabis, especially CBD, may help reduce anxiety and improve mood. This can help patients feel calm and relaxed.

Better Sleep: Many patients have trouble sleeping, which can make their symptoms worse. This substance may help improve sleep quality and reduce restlessness, helping patients feel more rested.

Pain Relief: Some patients experience physical pain, which can add to their discomfort. Medical cannabis has been shown to provide pain relief, helping improve the overall quality of life for patients.

Protection of Brain Cells: Some studies have suggested that cannabinoids may help protect brain cells from damage caused by Alzheimer’s. In particular, THC may help reduce the build-up of plaques in the brain, which are one of the main causes of the disease.

While more research is needed, many patients and their families have found that medical cannabis can offer relief from symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card from EZMedcard

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and you want to try medical cannabis, you will need to get a medical marijuana card. EZMedcard makes the process simple and easy to understand. Here’s how to get your card:

Steps to Get a Card:

Schedule an Appointment: The first step is to book an appointment with EZMedcard. You can do this online or by phone. You will meet with a licensed doctor who will check your condition.

Ask a doctor: During the consultation, the medical marijuana doctor will review your medical past and discuss your symptoms. Alzheimer’s is one of the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in many states, including Mississippi.

Receive a Certification: If the doctor determines that you are eligible, they will provide you with a certification for this substance. This certification is needed to apply for your card.

Apply for Your Card: Once you have your certification, you can apply for your medical marijuana card through the state’s medical marijuana program. We will help you with the application process to ensure everything is done correctly.

Get Your Card and Access Medical Cannabis: After your application is approved, you will receive your card. This card allows you to legally purchase medical cannabis from licensed medical shops.

At EZMedcard, we make the process of getting a medical marijuana card easy and hassle-free, so you can focus on what matters most—your health.