A compound found in cannabis may help protect the brain from early memory and social problems linked to Alzheimer’s disease. A new animal study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that cannabidiol prevented cognitive decline in rats by reducing brain inflammation and activating key brain receptors.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder best known for causing memory loss, but it also affects thinking, decision-making, and social engagement. Scientists increasingly recognize that inflammation in the brain plays a major role in driving these symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease.
Cannabidiol is a chemical compound extracted from the cannabis plant that does not cause a “high.” In recent years, it has gained attention for its potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. While cannabidiol is already used in some medical treatments, its possible role in preventing or slowing Alzheimer’s disease remains under investigation.
Roni Shira Toledano and Irit Akirav from the University of Haifa, Israel, wanted to explore whether cannabidiol could stop Alzheimer-like symptoms from developing in the first place, rather than trying to reverse damage after it occurs. They were particularly interested in the role of type 1 cannabinoid receptors, which are found throughout the brain and are involved in memory, learning, and inflammation control.
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