Cannabis and Dementia: What New Research Says About Seniors

Is there an association between cannabis-related acute care visits and an increased risk of dementia among older adults?  A recent study¹ based out of Ontario suggests this, finding that individuals over 65 who sought emergency department (ED) care, or were hospitalized for cannabis-related issues, had a risk factor for developing dementia within 10 years 1.6x higher compared to those without such encounters.  Some of the other findings to come from the study include:  It was also found that between 2008 and 2019, annual rates of cannabis-related ED visits increased 5.0-fold among individuals aged 45 to 64 years, and 3.2-fold among those aged 65 and older.​

The study suggests that acute cannabis intoxication may lead to cognitive impairments.  Furthermore, repeated episodes could even contribute to long-term cognitive decline.  Simply put, cannabis use in older adults may exacerbate existing health conditions and even have the potential to increase dementia risk.​

Why Are These Insights Important?

With the legalization and increased accessibility of cannabis, there has been a notable rise in its use among older adults.  While some may be using it for cannabis for medical purposes, such as pain management, the study highlights the importance of monitoring cannabis use in this particular population due to potential cognitive risks.​

Despite these concerns, though, there remain various proven medicinal benefits on offer through cannabis use.  The following are a few early examples of even more potential to stem from recent studies on the plant.

Exploring Therapeutic Potential: Cannabidiol (CBD), in particular, has shown potential therapeutic benefits for neurodegenerative diseases.  CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to neuroprotection.  Preclinical studies suggest that CBD can protect neurons from damage, promote neuronal survival, and enhance neuroplasticity.

In Alzheimer’s disease, cannabinoids have exhibited potential in reducing neuroinflammation, improving cognitive function, and modulating neurogenesis.  In Parkinson’s disease, cannabis-based treatments have demonstrated benefits in alleviating motor symptoms, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall quality of life.  There are even preliminary studies looking at Huntington’s disease and ALS, which have also indicated potential therapeutic effects.

While more research is obviously needed, these findings suggest that the potential to cause harm or benefit is currently a grey area that warrants further efforts.

Managing Behavioral Symptoms:  Interestingly, another area where cannabis has shown the ability actually to help those suffering from dementia is in managing associated behavioral symptoms.  A recent clinical trial found that dronabinol, an FDA-approved synthetic version of THC, reduced agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s by an average of 30%.  Compared to current treatments for agitation, such as antipsychotics, dronabinol produced similar calming effects without adverse results such as delirium or seizures.​

The findings suggest that synthetic cannabinoids could serve as a safer alternative to traditional antipsychotic medications for managing agitation in dementia patients.

CBD and Senior Health:  Beyond neurodegenerative diseases, CBD has been explored for its potential benefits in addressing common health concerns among seniors.  Studies have indicated that CBD can reduce inflammation while alleviating pain, which may be beneficial for conditions like arthritis and multiple sclerosis.  CBD has also been associated with improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety, contributing to enhanced overall well-being in older adults.​

Final Thoughts

Clearly, the relationship between cannabis use and cognitive health in older adults is complex.  While this most recent study highlights a potential risk associated with cannabis-related acute care visits, particularly concerning dementia, emerging research with somewhat contrary findings seems to point toward possible therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids like CBD in managing neurodegenerative diseases and related symptoms.​

Studies Referenced:

^{1. Myran DT, Pugliese M, Harrison LD, Stall NM, Webber C. Risk of Dementia in Individuals With Emergency Department Visits or Hospitalizations Due to Cannabis. JAMA Neurol. Published online April 14, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.0530}