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Synthetic marijuana compound reduces
agitation, improves appetite in Alzheimer's patients
Eurekalert, August 20, 2003
Chicago, Ill.
and Neptune, N.J. (August 20, 2003) – Study results suggest dronabinol,
a synthetic version of THC, the active ingredient in Cannabis sativa L
(marijuana), may reduce agitation and lead to weight gain in patients with
Alzheimer's disease, according to data presented today at the annual
meeting of the International Psychogeriatric Association. "Our research suggests dronabinol may
reduce agitation and improve appetite in patients with Alzheimer's
disease, when traditional therapies are not successful," said Joshua
Shua-Haim, M.D., lead investigator in the study and medical director of
the Meridian Institute for Aging, a continuum of senior health programs
and services in Central New Jersey affiliated with Meridian Health System.
"In the study, dronabinol appeared to be safe and effective for these
patients. The results point to a promising direction for future
research." Dronabinol, marketed under the trade name
Marinol, is synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-9-THC).
Delta-9-THC also is a naturally occurring component of Cannabis sativa L
(marijuana). Dronabinol is the only cannabinoid approved by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) and is indicated for the treatment of
anorexia in patients with HIV/AIDS and for the treatment of nausea and
vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. An estimated four million Americans have
Alzheimer's disease and the number will grow to 14 million by 2050,
according to the Alzheimer's Association. In addition to memory loss,
patients often experience agitation, loss of body weight, depression and
restlessness. Agitation is the most frequently encountered
type of behavioral disturbance associated with Alzheimer's disease and
affects an estimated 75 percent of people with the disease. Weight loss, a
common problem in patients with Alzheimer's disease, is a predictive
factor of mortality. Weight loss may derive from the deterioration of
patients' cognitive abilities, resulting in an inability to recognize
hunger and thirst. "It's important to look at all the
aspects of Alzheimer's disease that contribute to quality of life for
patients, family members and caregivers," said Dr. Shua-Haim.
"Agitation and weight loss are upsetting and stressful as the
patient's needs become ever more demanding." The study was a retrospective review and
examined 48 patients (mean age = 77) residing in a dementia unit of an
assisted living facility or a nursing home. All patients met the DSM-IV
and NINCDS-ADRDA criteria for possible Alzheimer's disease and, according
to their family or caregivers, had unsatisfactory control of their
agitation. The mini mental status examination (MMSE), a test used to
measure a person's basic cognitive skills, and an assessment of activities
of daily living were used to evaluate patients prior to treatment with
dronabinol and at one month. Patients initially received 5 mg/day of
dronabinol in two doses. The treatment was titrated up to a maximum of 10
mg/day. In addition, all patients were treated with atypical neuroleptics
and at least four medications to control behavior. The evaluation by caregivers following one
month of treatment found 31 patients (66 percent) experienced a
significant improvement in agitation. Functional improvement was observed
in 33 (69 percent) of the patients. Prior to the study, all patients
experienced weight loss and had been diagnosed with anorexia. After
treatment with dronabinol, all patients (100 percent) had gained weight.
No adverse events, such as falls, syncope, seizures or exacerbation of
agitation or depression, were reported as a result of treatment. ### Meridian Health System is comprised of Jersey
Shore Medical Center in Neptune, Medical Center of Ocean County in Brick,
and Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, in addition to long-term care
and assisted living facilities, a home care agency, ambulatory care sites,
ambulance services, and other related health services and affiliations
throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties in New Jersey. Copyright
© 2002 Global Action on Aging
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