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Published on May 23, 2013
Marijuana cannabinoids slow brain degradation and aging, reverse dementia

Marijuana cannabinoids slow brain degradation and aging, reverse dementia: here's how
Thursday, May 23, 2013 by: Ethan A. Huff, staff writer
Tags: Brain, Cannabinoids, Marijuana


(NaturalNews) The human brain contains an extensive network of special receptor sites that modulate nervous system function only when activated by the appropriate cannabinoid compounds, many of which are found in abundance in the marijuana plant. And emerging research continues to uncover the unique role these cannabinoids play in protecting brain function, which in turn helps deter the aging process and even reverse the damaging effects of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia and cognitive abnormality.

One of the latest discoveries concerning cannabinoids involves their ability to act as antioxidants in the brain. Researchers from Germany found that the brain's cannabinoid system is fully capable of not only cleansing damaged brain cells from the brain, but also triggering the production of new brain cells within the brain, a concept that contradicts years of conventional thinking about how the brain works. Cannabinoids also supercharge mitochondria in the brain, which are the powerhouses of energy that maintain proper cell function.

Published in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, these discoveries shed new insight on how natural marijuana cannabinoids hold the capacity to literally quell the brain inflammation responsible for causing cognitive decline, neural failure, and brain degeneration. By supplying these receptor sites with cannabinoids, patients may be able to overcome brain conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and many other conditions, not to mention premature brain aging, all conditions for which modern science has failed to find real solutions.

"I've been trying to find a drug that will reduce brain inflammation and restore cognitive function in rats for over 25 years; cannabinoids are the first and only class of drugs that have ever been effective," said Gary Wenk, a professor of neuroscience, immunology and medical genetics at Ohio State University (OSU) who helped with the research. "I think that the perception about this drug is changing and in the future people will be less fearful," he added, referencing the fact that marijuana is still viewed mostly negatively by many people.

Marijuana cannabinoids help restore the body's own natural cellular abilities

Ever since researchers first discovered the existence of cannabinoid receptor systems in rat brains back in 1988, independent scientists largely unconcerned with the stigma of marijuana have been gradually forming a piecemeal understanding of how the system works, and how cannabinoids can help prevent and reverse all sorts of chronic conditions that result from a lack of these important compounds. Today, marijuana research is moving forward more strongly than ever, and this taboo plant is finally receiving proper recognition as the medical "superfood" that it truly is.

"Cannabis actually goes upstream, it provides feedback from the postsynaptic nerve to the presynaptic nerve, which is unheard of in neural chemistry," explains Dr. William Courtney, founder of the Cannabis International Foundation (CIF), which is actively working to consolidate all available and relevant science on marijuana's medical uses for the purpose of promoting a reformation in health maintenance, restoration, and wellness around the world.

"The phytocannabinoids from this plant augment the body's attempt to restore an increased function to a normal level. So [marijuana cannabinoids] mimic the regulatory system of cellular physiology."

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Seriously, I love me some pot, but I don't believe it can really be helpful. This is from my experience. I would want to see it in a "real" medical journal before I would change my mind.

I think if something "natural" that is as common as pot had any effect, we would know by now.

By the way, marijuana is legal for personal use and possession in Massachusetts! You can't buy or sell it, but you can share with friends. There will be dispensaries for medical use, but they aren't in business yet.
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Is the cannabis recommended for the patient or the caregiver?
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native Americans didn't live long enought to develop dementia
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what do you want to know? I have been taking care of my dad since 2008 and he is off most of his meds and is doing better in many ways than when I got himm home with me.
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i need help in this diseaese for my father.
so that i can easily discuss about disease handling
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I respect what this writer has said,however ,bull bunk. Pot will help with the munchies and putting on weight in some people,but not all. There is a product on the market called PhytoStem caps.It has nothing to do with pot but,it will help your loved one a great deal.It is a plant "stem cell" vitamin supplement new on the market that I am using and give to my dad with dementia.For me I found it has visably taken some of the look of stress (wrinkles) away.For dad his appetite has gotten ALOT better and it seems to have smoothed some of the ruff edges off his frustration of the day. You make the pt. happy and your job,just got a lot easier.
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Well, I hope this Miller Lite I'm enjoying right now is washing out some plaques and tangles.

The Wiki article was interesting. I wonder how much cannabis would be required to see therapeutic effects. It might also help with depressed appetites. Caregivers would have to keep a supply of munchies on hand.
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Can't say any stoners I've know have been indicator of the brain-saving effects of THC. As for the non-dementia of the natives I think mostly dying before the age of 60 would eliminate 95% of dementia. Vigerous exercise along with restricted calorie low-carb, 0% white sugar/flour diet would probably get rid of modern diabetes too.
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Found this on wikipedia....basically a "wiki" synopsis of what mongomay posted:

"Alzheimer's disease [edit]

Cannabinoids found in medical cannabis prevent or inhibit the progression of Alzheimer's disease.[85][86]
Research done by the Scripps Research Institute in California shows that the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, prevents the formation of deposits in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. THC was found to prevent an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase from accelerating the formation of "Alzheimer plaques" in the brain more effectively than commercially marketed drugs. THC is also more effective at blocking clumps of protein that can inhibit memory and cognition in Alzheimer's patients, as reported in Molecular Pharmaceutics.[85] Cannabinoids can also potentially prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by reducing tau protein phosphorylation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation.[86]
A 2012 review from the Philosophical Transactions of a Royal Society B suggested that activating the cannabinoid system may trigger an "anti-oxidant cleanse" in the brain by removing damaged cells and improving the efficiency of the mitochrondria. The review found cannabinoids may slow decline in age and disease-related cognitive functioning.[87][88]"

I'd be interested to know if any studies have been done with actual Alzheimer's patients. It seems to fly in the face of what I've witnessed, having known a few long time regular users whose minds I would not describe as particularly "sharp", but maybe their minds hadn't been all that sharp to begin with. IDK
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@ boni,
i read that article today. i believe they were saying that stoners arent generally overweight to begin with, hence less succeptable to diabetes. i could believe that. ive watched stoners smoke lunch for 40 years. 40 years. 40 years.
most would chase it with a hydraulic sandwich. ( quart of beer ) either way they dont seem to have any more health problems than the general population. im 54 and dont take any meds except ambian.
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I read yesterday that in helps keep blood sugar low in diabetics too. I guess I'm gonna avoid 2 of Moms biggest ailments. If only it could help her spinal stenosis.
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something that can pass the blood brain barrier?
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okay in all seriousness
any folks have backgrounds in natural supplementation?

i have heard all the grass experiences that I want.

What do think about the ability to have something natural?

I do not remember my history books about native populations having the dementia symptoms.... could it be from the nature of their living?

Hemp and such
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Hi Yaya!!! Sneaking in for a bit, lots of end of school year stuff going on and going up to take care of Mom for a few.

Hope all is well!
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Ah yes....those were the days.....

It was just legalized in MA for medical use. MIL has glaucoma. Hmmmm.....

Hi Mishka! Missed you!
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Just thought about it -- if cannabis is good for the brain, wine is good for the heart, and socializing is good for everything, those hippies sitting and passing the joint around while drinking Boone's Farm knew the secret of life. :)
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I would love to try Mary Jane instead of the psychiatrist recommended Resperdal for my girl but she is only 16 -17 in August and we do not live in a state where it is legal. I mean , sheesh, the friggin' warnings that come with these anti-psychotic drugs are insane-ummm, no pun intended. I would have her take it pill form or brownie form -gluten free brownie.
And would love this for my stressed out OCD mom. And me. Yeah, I support this.
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Got a brownie, man?
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Uuhhhh........what?
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i tried it for 40 years. 40 years. 40 years..
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