Parkinson's disease is a condition in which nerve cells in the brain are damaged and eventually disappear, which affects a person's movement. Nerve cells produce dopamine, a chemical messenger that plays a role in body movement. When dopamine production is reduced, it leads to a series of mobility problems, as well as impaired mental health.
It is not known exactly what causes the deterioration of nerve cells in people with Parkinson's disease, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease yet, and treatments focus on symptom management and maintaining the quality of life.
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease usually appear after the age of 50, but may appear at a younger age in some people. The usual symptoms are as follows
- tremors or jerks
- slowing down of movements
- muscle stiffness
- balance problems
- memory loss
- changes in smell
- swallowing problems
- psychotic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations and paranoia.
These symptoms gradually worsen over time. Also, because this type of nerve damage occurs slowly, it is believed that when symptoms appear, the disease has already damaged around 80% of the nerves. A person with Parkinson's disease may also have other disorders related to the disease, such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
Traditional treatment options for Parkinson's disease
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease are managed with drugs that help control tremors, and drugs that help increase dopamine in the brain. However, the use of these drugs causes side effects which can also affect the quality of life.
For some people who do not respond to medications, Parkinson's disease surgery may be an option. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the most commonly performed procedure. Electrical impulses are sent to the brain by a pulse device, such as a pacemaker, from the chest. The goal is to block abnormal nerve signals and improve mobility. Surgery is often a last resort because while you may see dramatic improvement initially, it comes with significant risks, such as personality changes, over time.
Other traditional treatments for Parkinson's disease are physiotherapy, which relieves stiff muscles and improves flexibility, speech therapy, and general support for daily living. The extent to which a person needs assistance with daily activities depends on how advanced the disease is, how severe the symptoms are, and how they are managed.
It is important for people with Parkinson's disease to adopt a healthy diet and ensure that they maintain their level of fitness, as this not only contributes to their overall health, but can also alleviate some additional illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Supplements such as CBD oil have also been found to be helpful in helping symptoms of Parkinson's disease and associated conditions.
CBD oil for Parkinson's disease
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in hemp plants. Hemp is very different from marijuana, but both belong to the plant species of cannabis. Marijuana contains high amounts of THC, the cannabinoid that gets people high. Hemp contains only traces of THC. Hemp oil therefore cannot get you high and is not addictive. The World Health Organization has stated that CBD oil is safe, even in high doses.
The use of CBD oil is becoming more and more popular because it has many health benefits. For people with Parkinson's disease, it is useful for managing a range of symptoms. Studies on Parkinson's disease and CBD oil are still at an early stage, but this study1 indicates that “preliminary results indicate that CBD is tolerated, safe and has beneficial effects in Parkinson's disease. "
CBD is a known pain reliever, and can help relieve the discomfort of stiff muscles. When pain is reduced, it allows physiotherapy to work better to increase muscle flexibility and improve movement. CBD is also a neuroprotector, and because Parkinson's disease is caused by nerve damage, the use of CBD oil can help slow its progression.
CBD oil also shows promise as a treatment for the psychotic symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This study2 describes patients' reactions to CBD: “All patients received flexible dose CBD (they started with an oral dose of 150 mg / day) for 4 weeks, in addition to their usual treatment. Psychotic symptoms assessed by Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Parkinson Psychosis Questionnaire showed a significant decrease under CBD treatment. "
In addition to providing some relief from the direct effects of Parkinson's disease, CBD oil is also effective in helping with anxiety, depression, and insomnia, which contributes to overall quality of life. .
Understanding which CBD oil is best for Parkinson's disease is essential in order to reap most of the therapeutic benefits. Always choose a brand that sells high-quality CBD oil, uses gentle extraction processes to preserve beneficial compounds, and offers lab tests that customers can view freely.
Besides purchasing a quality oil, the correct dosage of CBD is also essential for achieving the best results. There is no single dosage that works for everyone, but the optimal amount is based on factors such as height, weight, gender and age, as well as the severity of symptoms. We help you determine the best CBD dosage for your needs.
Scientific research has already shown that CBD oil helps improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson's disease. There is also a lot of anecdotal evidence that cannot be ignored. As more is learned about the therapeutic benefits of CBD oil and cannabis, treatments for Parkinson's disease will be developed.
What you need to know about CBD and Parkinson's disease
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a condition in which the nerves in the brain are damaged, which affects mobility and speech. The nerves produce dopamine, which regulates movement. When dopamine is reduced, mobility is affected. The loss of nerve cells leads to a decrease in the production of dopamine necessary for healthy functioning. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease yet, but medications can help manage symptoms and extend quality of life.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease are tremors, muscle stiffness and slow movements. As the disease progresses, other symptoms may appear, including psychotic disorders, swallowing problems, and memory loss. Besides Parkinson's disease, a person can also suffer from anxiety, depression, and insomnia, as living with a chronic condition can take a toll on mental health.
Is CBD Oil Effective Against Parkinson's Disease?
Research on Parkinson's disease and CBD oil has shown that it is beneficial in many ways. It relieves pain, has neuroprotective qualities and also relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression. Many people with Parkinson's disease report having a better quality of life when using CBD oil.
What is the best dosage of CBD for Parkinson's disease?
The best dosage of CBD for Parkinson's disease depends on each individual. A person's height, age, weight, and gender are all factors to consider in determining the optimal dosage.
sources:
https://www.mdedge.com/neurology/article/141080/parkinsons-disease/can-cannabis-help-patients-parkinsons-disease
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0269881108096519