Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t discriminate. Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. More than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer’s. For patients living with Alzheimer’s, the impacts of the disease are debilitating, and for their caregivers, the disease can be devastating. Most caregivers live with patients, as patients are frequently taken care of by their family members. Caregivers are desperate for ways to bring comfort to their patients. Luckily, there may be a solution to be found in CBD products.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for anywhere between 60 and 80% of cases. Most people who experience symptoms of Alzheimer’s have late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. In this case, patients begin experiencing memory loss in their mid-60s. Though there isn’t a specific gene that causes this form of the illness, having one allele of the APOE (apolipoprotein E) gene on chromosome 19 is a risk factor. Health, environment, and lifestyle factors can also contribute to whether or not a person develops the disease. But what exactly is Alzheimer’s? A perusal of the informative website alzinfo.org provides excellent information.
The disease is a progressive illness that causes brain cells to degenerate and eventually die. In the early stages, Alzheimer’s causes patients to forget recent events. As the illness progresses, patients lose track of time, may forget older memories, get lost (even in familiar places), and may even forget to drink water or eat. Though there are medications that help mitigate these symptoms, none of them address the mental or emotional toll this illness takes on its victims.
The Mental Side Effects of Alzheimer’s
Patients with Alzheimer’s may not always know that they’re displaying symptoms of memory loss or confusion. But for those who are acutely aware that they are losing their faculties, the disease can cause agitation, depression, and anxiety. Routine activities such as cooking can suddenly become dangerous or confusing. Going to the post office or supermarket is no longer possible. For the independently minded person, these changes are an incredible loss. As a result, depression is not uncommon. Irritability and aggressiveness, mood swings, delusions, distrust of others, and poor sleep can also be seen in patients. For these side effects of the illness, CBD oil just might be a saving grace.
CBD: It’s Not Just For Relaxation
CBD is found in hemp and cannabis. However, unlike THC (the psychoactive compound found in cannabis), CBD does not produce any kind of “high” sensation. Instead, CBD is frequently used to create an overall sense of well-being, improve sleep, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. As an added bonus, CBD works extraordinarily well as a pain reliever for individuals suffering from arthritis. The best part about CBD is that its use is incredibly safe. In varying dosages, doctors have started prescribing CBD to a variety of patients, including children, in an effort to improve their mental and physical health. Some studies even suggest that CBD, when added to an existing medicinal regimen, can improve Alzheimer’s patients’ moods and quality of life. Not only that, but the burden placed on caregivers decreases when CBD is administered to Alzheimer’s patients! Incorporating CBD (from a reputable company such as Planet Earth CBD )into a patient’s care plan could be just the right move to change their life for the better.
While there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s at this time, there are methods that caregivers can employ to improve both their patients’ quality of life, as well as their own well-being. CBD provides a viable option for caregivers looking for ways to bring a little solace and joy into their patients’ lives.
