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I've recently started my Mom on 5 mg THC/CBD Chews (gummies) and have witnessed a wonderful change in Mom's anxiety. Her sundowning has all but gone. She has a wonderful appetite and is sleeping right through the night. She's a whole new person and is so much easier to be around. She had been taking Lorazepam for her anxiety and although it worked for the anxiety it has caused her personality to become so much more agitated. We've stopped with the anti anxiety meds and are now on THC/CBD only. Does anyone have any experience using THC/CBD gummies as to the long-term effect on Alzheimer's patients?

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Interesting.... I'm glad you have found something that works for you.
You mention 5mg, but what is the THC/CBD ratio?
Given the bewildering number of strains available did you work with a medical marijuana dispensary to determine the most beneficial product or were you just winging it?
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I don’t know if anyone has spoken to this, but there are over 100 endocannabinoids in cannabis/marijuana, of which THC and CBD are the most commonly known. CBD lacks the psychoactive effects that many people may associate with the characteristic “high”. CBD is also found in hemp.

THC has two different strains that will affect the body differently - indica vs. sativa. Sativas are known for their “head high,” an invigorating, energizing effect that can help reduce anxiety or stress and increase creativity and focus. Indicas are typically associated with full-body effects, such as increasing deep relaxation and reducing insomnia. (Indica puts one “in da couch”.)

I would say a combination of a sativa (THC) and CBD probably offers the most benefits.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical doctor or medical professional of any type. This is my personal assessment of information and data available to the general public.
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LenLevin Oct 2022
So so true Tenderoni
I am not a medical Dr but your personal assessment I agree totally. 60 year user for maintenance user.
I do repeat my self periodically
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I tried using CBD gummies w/o THC for my mother with dementia & they did absolutely nothing. The only reason was the Memory Care would not allow the gummies with THC to be given out by the QMAPS which is sheer stupidity, when you think about it, since it's all legal here in Colorado anyway. And a much better choice IMO than prescription sedatives. But I'm glad your mom is having a positive reaction with the gummies, that's great news!

I also agree with Geaton that who cares about long term effects of CBD gummies? These elders with advanced dementia & ALZ aren't going to be around 'long term' anyway, so the only thing that matters is short term relief.
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NYCmama Sep 2022
Actually that's not true, sadly many live long, long lives. My neighbor with advanced ALZ just died at 102. My only concern would be the THC factor which stones them out but I'm all for the CBD ones which lower anxiety and relaxes them.
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What's your definition of "long-term"?

It wasn't legal up until recently, so how could there be any long-term studies?

Also, medical studies rely on accurate feedback from study subjects. How do you think someone with advancing dementia/ALZ would be able to tell anyone anything about what's going on with their bodies? It's not possible. That's one of the reasons why there are so few drugs for people with cognitive impairment.

What could be worse than the long-term effects of dementia/ALZ on a person? Side-effects from THC will probably be the least of their problems...
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My Step mother got ahold of my half of my medical gummy, I was freaking out, because she's a fast chewer, even without teeth, lol .
So I didn't want to get her agitated more by taking it out of her mouth, so she chewed it up. I Didn't know what else to do, so I sat with her like always, and about 40 minutes in, she was so calm and laughing and talking up a storm.
IT WAS AMAZING, CALM, NO SMACKING ALL DAY! I COULD'NT BELIEVE IT
MIND BLOWING AND SO NICE TO SEE HER LIKE THAT!!!
THC/CBD ( INDICA )
She is 86 yrs. Has had Alzheimers for 18 yrs.
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Kerrysmiles Sep 2022
I don't partake in maybe 3 times a year, I pay for it and it's because I was in a bad accident, where a diesel truck ran into me and my daughter, and Grandboys 12 yrs. ago. I was on pain meds for for 10 + yrs. My boss at the time asked me to try and see if it's. Better. I'm still not a huge everyday user but it seems to help. Only do edibles
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Caregiving1956

Wonderful news. glad it is helping.

Oh almost forgot to say. Yes I have used the drops (no THC) for my dh aunt, her dog, my back. This was several years ago. I know beyond a shadow of doubt it helped all three of us.
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Side note here I do hope her doctor is aware that she is now taking THC/CBD gummies.
Just like any medication there can be side effects and stopping or starting a medication can have problems.
If this is working for you/ for mom great. Like a lot of medications what works for one does not always work for another and what does is effective for one another may need a different dose to be effective.
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I know they usually give lorazepam/Ativan or Xanax to calm dementia patients but we were told by the senior mental health inpatient center that these both are bad for dementia patients. Even when we told the ALFs they continued. All it did was create the agitation they were trying to alleviate and did nothing for the anxiety, depression or paranoia. Now mom is on haldol every 4 hours. Crazy sedation but her other issue is falling so she really shouldn't be walking. I doubt they will prescribe gummies which is too bad because it is legal where she lives.
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A couple of things I would advise - to be safe. Ensure that whatever you are buying - you are getting from a reputable store that can guarantee or is safely ensuring the levels in their gummies. And I would 100% ensure that you are talking to her doctor to make sure that there is no chance that any of her other medications can interact. I don't have a problem with them in general as long as they are legal where she is so there is no chance of legal fallout (and they aren't being abused) . They help a lot of people. But depending on where they are purchased the levels may not be regulated and fillers may not be safe. And medication interactions need to be monitored closely.
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Please check with your mom's doctor before changing, adding, discontinuing any medications. My mom's neurologist (mom has vascular dementia) told us that CBD does not always interact nicely with other medications and can actually cause more harm than good. Also, as others mentioned, do your research regarding where the CBD is coming from as not all is the same.
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