Marijuana may block Alzheimers

[KRSESQ]

Scripps Research Institute research.

Janda's team found that THC blocks an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, which speeds the formation of amyloid plaque in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's drugs Aricept and Cognex work by blocking acetylcholinesterase. When tested at double the concentration of THC, Aricept blocked plaque formation only 22% as well as THC, and Cognex blocked plaque formation only 7% as well as THC.

"THC and its analogs may provide an improved [treatment for] both the symptoms and progression of Alzheimer's disease," the researchers conclude.

Still in the most preliminary stages but VERY interesting.

Kevin

[Dr Mordrid]

Wonder if Marinol has the same effect? Hmmm....


It's already available by prescription.

[lowlifecat]

what is marinol?

[KRSESQ]

Synthetic THC taken orally and generally available to cancer patients for whom other anti-nausea treatments have proven ineffective.

Kevin

[Umfriend]

But unfortunately without the buzz (right?)

[KRSESQ]

From the marinol.com website:

MARINOL® has been proven to be safe and generally well tolerated. The most frequently reported side effects during clinical studies involved the nervous system and included dizziness, feelings of exaggerated happiness, paranoid reaction, drowsiness, and thinking abnormally.

So the answer to your question would be a qualified "yes."

Kevin

[lowlifecat]

Synthetic THC taken orally and generally available to cancer patients for whom other anti-nausea treatments have proven ineffective.

Kevin

ok, not what i was thinking about. I have neighbours who sell MJ pills; these are all natural but with almost no THC content.

theory is that there are a plethora of chemicals in pot (other than THC) that are benificial.. especially for aches and pains. they of coarse swear by them but i haven't tried myself.

is this pure THC that they testing with or a concentrate of the chemicals found in MJ?

[Gurm]

I find it ironic that the "war on drugs" types have spent years insisting that marijuana CAUSES alzheimer's.

*snort*

[Dr Mordrid]

Never saw a claim that it causes Alzheimers, but have seen numerous studies that long term use can cause other cognitive deficits we used to call "the Spicoli Syndrome".

[Gurm]

Never saw a claim that it causes Alzheimers, but have seen numerous studies that long term use can cause other cognitive deficits we used to call "the Spicoli Syndrome".

Haven't been watching much anti-drug propaganda then, have you? I would imagine that the health-care types have more informative posters, but ...