Cannabis use, like Canadian edibles online or flowers, has an anecdotal association with memory loss. More researchers are determining the function of this plant to provide more proof that supports or refutes the effects people are saying.
A recent study by SUNY Upstate Medical University examined the connection between cannabis consumption and cognitive performance. This thorough analysis looks at several variables and how these impact cognitive function.
Key Takeaways:
- Age, genetics, sleep disturbances, stress, and other factors can contribute to cognitive decline.
- Recreational users show a decreased impact on subjective cognitive decline.
- Cannabis can help manage stress and sleep problems, which are factors that can contribute to dementia or Alzheimers.
Cognitive Function and Decline
A person’s cognitive function encompasses their capacity for thought. These functions comprise a spectrum of interrelated skills pertaining to learning and problem-solving. They represent some of the brain’s most significant and remarkable capabilities.
Cognitive decline sets in around the age of 60 or 65, though it may commence earlier for certain individuals. Signs of memory and reasoning changes can emerge as early as the 30s, while decreases in information processing speed become apparent by the mid-thirties.
While these shifts may start subtly, they accumulate over time, often becoming more pronounced after age 50. Age is not only the defining factor for cognitive decline.
Many medical conditions may lead to memory loss or symptoms resembling dementia, but the good news is that most of them are treatable.
Potential factors behind reversible memory loss encompass:
- Medications
- Minor head trauma or injury
- Emotional disorders
- Alcoholism
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
- Hypothyroidism
- Brain diseases
- Sleep Apnea
Cannabis, a substance widely utilized for medical and recreational purposes, raises concerns regarding cognitive decline. Many hold the belief that marijuana usage leads to memory impairment.
Is there substantial evidence to support this claim?
SUNY Upstate Medical University Findings
Marijuana use is associated with decreased odds of subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Individuals who consume cannabis for recreational or medical reasons report experiencing less confusion and memory loss.
The results, published in the journal Current Alzheimer Research, imply that THC’s effects on cognitive performance might be more complex than we thought.
Researchers investigated the connection between SCD and many cannabis-related variables using data from the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
- Reason
- Frequency
- Methods of consumption
Reason for Use Results
Non-medical cannabis use demonstrated a noteworthy association with a 96% decrease in odds of experiencing SCD compared to non-users. Medical cannabis use and dual medical and non-medical use also exhibited reduced odds of SCD, though not statistically significant.
Frequency of Use
Some tests also revealed a noteworthy correlation between the frequency of cannabis use and SCD. Individuals with SCD had a significantly higher average of cannabis consumption days compared to those without SCD.
The findings indicated a higher prevalence of SCD among individuals who utilized cannabis for medical purposes or a combination of medical and non-medical, in contrast to those solely using it recreationally.
Although the bivariate tests hinted at a positive correlation between cannabis use frequency and SCD, further analysis showed that this association dissipated once adjustments accounted for factors such as the motive and manner of cannabis consumption.
Possible Reason For The Results
Researchers said in their study that non-medical cannabis use shows reduced odds of SCD in comparison to non-users. Several factors might explain this observation.
A 2017 mouse study observed that very low doses of THC exposure might improve cognitive impairment among older female mice, though its long-term effects in humans warrant further exploration.
Coping with Insomnia
Another consideration is the role of cannabis in coping with insomnia, a commonly reported motivation for its use. A study published in Nature Communications delved into the data of nearly 8,000 individuals in Britain at the age of 50. The analysis illuminated a concerning trend: individuals in their 50s and 60s who consistently slept six hours or less faced an elevated risk of dementia in later years. In comparison to those enjoying the recommended seven hours of sleep, individuals with insufficient rest exhibited a 30% higher likelihood of dementia diagnosis.
Given recent findings associating more frequent sleep disturbances with higher dementia risk in older adults, it is noteworthy that cannabis can help improve sleep to reduce SCD.
Non-medical THC use can lead to decreased insomnia, especially when factors like nightmares and PTSD precipitate it. Cannabis might enhance sleep quality, expedite sleep onset, and reduce disturbances. This potential benefit on sleep quality could contribute to the observed decrease in SCD associated with non-medical cannabis use.
Reduce Stress
A long-term study conducted in Sweden discovered that midlife stress, which may arise from various sources such as divorce, work-related pressures, or health issues affecting parents or siblings, could potentially elevate the susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease in the later stages of life.
Many individuals turn to cannabis to alleviate stress. The researchers indicate that CBD effectively reduces stress, which is helpful since elevated stress levels may reduce cognitive function in older adults.
Factors Affecting the Current Study
Although the study from SUNY Upstate Medical University presents promising findings, the authors underscore that there are factors that affect the study.
- Method of consumption may differ at the onset, and it’s notable that some users combine different methods.
- In research findings, higher education levels consistently showed a correlation with reduced odds of SCD across all models.
- There’s a positive association between experiencing poor mental health in the past month and having a history of mental health issues with SCD.
- Individuals with a history of heart disease exhibited nearly twice the odds of experiencing SCD.
- Module exclusively targeted adults aged 45 and above. This means that the younger demographic, with distinct cannabis use patterns and varying susceptibility to cognitive decline, was not included.
- All inquiries within the BRFSS cognitive decline module relied on self-reports from the participants.
Conclusion
The expanding collection of research delving into the cognitive benefits of cannabis is gradually challenging the prevailing negative perceptions surrounding its use. While further investigation is necessary to understand its effects fully, there are promising indications of positive outcomes. Some findings suggest that cannabis may indirectly contribute to mitigating the risk of conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s by fostering better sleep and reducing stress levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I use cannabis to avoid cognitive decline?
An article from Harvard Health Publishing mentions that individuals who used cannabis infrequently, less than once a week, and without a history of dependence did not exhibit cannabis-related cognitive deficits. This finding implies that there exists a spectrum of recreational cannabis use that may not necessarily result in enduring cognitive impairments.
Can cannabis affect cognitive function while you are high?
Cannabis intoxication has a link to short-term impairment across various fundamental cognitive functions. This impairment may include learning, memory (both episodic and otherwise), attentional control, and motor inhibition.
Are there non-smoking or non-vaping CBD products available for consumption?
You can utilize CBD products as an alternative to avoid experiencing the short-term cognitive effects associated with THC. Various options, such as edibles, capsules, and beverages, are available online to cater to your CBD requirements. Recognize that these products have a more prolonged onset compared to smoking or vaping.
Does cannabis affect the IQ of a user?
The results of two longitudinal studies, which show that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate a direct causal relationship between marijuana use and IQ decline, have been emphasized by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Despite observations of declines in verbal ability and general knowledge among cannabis users, the research suggests that predispositions existing before marijuana use could be influential. NIDA underscores the significance of familial factors such as genetics and family environment in contributing to observed IQ changes during adolescence rather than solely attributing them to marijuana consumption.
