THC Causes Weight Gain and Reduces Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease

An open study with 48 patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease shows that oral THC causes weight gain in patients with appetite loss. It may also reduce agitation, improve function and mental abilities. The open study conducted at the Meridian Institute for Aging in Manchester Township, USA, was presented at the Eleventh International Congress of the International Psychogeriatric Association on 17-22 August 2003 in Chicago.

THC (dronabinol)(A.K.A. marinol-ed), 5 mg/day in 2 divided doses was given initially and titrated up to a maximum of 10 mg/day. Weight gain was reported in all patients. Agitation significantly improved in 65%. In 37% mental abilities improved. Functional improvement was reported in 69%.

In 1997 a first placebo-controlled study by Volicer and colleagues had shown that THC not only increased appetite but also reduced agitation in Alzheimer patients. Results of the new study had already been presented on 15 May at the annual meeting of the American Geriatrics Society.

See: http://www.cannabis-med.org/studies/study.php

Source: Patel S, et al. PC-037 Safety and efficacy of dronabinol in the treatment of agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease with anorexia: A retrospective chart review. Poster presented at the IPA's Eleventh International Congress on 17-22 August 2003 in Chicago.