CBD & the Elderly
Our elderly loved ones often deal with more health issues as they age, which can become dangerous when side effects of mixing medications can cause deadly health complications. CBD does not have the intoxicating effects of THC, making it a great addition to seniors to ease their discomfort without dulling their cognition.
Sleep
Healthy sleep is crucial to all stages of life. For seniors who are at a more vulnerable point in their lives, regulating sleep is important to their well-being. When we experience deep sleep phases our brain regenerates and is freed from toxic substances created by the body. This is why sleep quality is of immense importance as it prevents neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or glaucoma. CBD can help the extension of deep sleep and reduce lighter sleep phases. Instead of prescription sleeping pills which can create dependency and other unpleasant side effects, CBD is a natural alternative for a restful night’s sleep.
Pain & Well-Being
As the body and mind age we become more prone to physical pain and lapses in memory. CBD, and its healing properties, can be a great addition to those of the older community. A promising study from the Primate Research Institute at Kyoto University focused on those suffering from social anxiety disorder. For four weeks half of the participants were given CBD while the other half, a placebo. At the end of the trial the participants who consumed the CBD showed a significant decrease in signs of anxiety. This was measured by the Fear of Negative Evaluation Questionnaire and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. So why is this important for seniors? Social anxiety is very prevalent amongst older citizens, especially among women. This anxiety impacts day to day life and can relate to clinical depression in seniors. CBD can be easily ingested with no intoxicating side effects, and the effects can be felt in as little as 20 minutes.
Similar to social anxiety, dementia is an extremely debilitating condition for seniors. In fact, anxiety can be a diagnosable symptom of dementia. Studies have shown that CBD reduces amyloid clumps near the brain cells. These clumps are toxic breakdowns of the amyloid protein that can hinder the brain’s ability to function. Because of these studies scientists believe CBD can be a viable treatment for dementia in humans.
Those suffering from arthritis could greatly benefit from a CBD infused ointment that can be directly applied to painful areas. It can also help heal fractures and support healthier bones. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties it can be very useful for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. As well as pain regulation, CBD can have a positive cognitive impact on the elderly. It supports a feeling of calm when tackling day to day stresses. It promotes a feeling of energy and acts against inertia. This is because CBD strengthens cells and can contribute to regeneration. Cannabidiol has stronger antioxidant properties than both Vitamin C and Vitamin E combined. CBD has also been used in treatments of glaucoma. This neurodegenerative disease is caused by an increase of pressure in the eye, known as intraocular pressure. Cannabinoids have been linked to reducing this pressure by 25% and aid in pain management associated with this condition.
As more promising research is being conducted, we are learning more and more positive benefits of CBD to people of all ages. For the senior community, it can be a great addition to their daily routine to help against the signs of degenerative disease, offer relief from social anxiety and allow them to take a more natural approach with medication.
