CBD and Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a slowly progressing, degenerative neurological disorder that primarily affects the parts of the brain responsible for regulating muscle movement. The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but it is linked to damage to the dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter that plays a key role in coordinating and regulating movements. Due to the damage of dopamine-producing cells, people with Parkinson’s develop movement disorders, including tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movements, and balance problems.
It is estimated that Parkinson’s disease affects 10 million people worldwide and is the second most common neurological disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. Over 96% of diagnosed cases occur in individuals over the age of 50, and men are one and a half times more likely to develop Parkinson’s than women.
The symptoms and severity of the disease can vary from person to person. Symptoms often begin mildly and develop gradually, making early diagnosis challenging. Another characteristic of Parkinson’s disease is that the condition worsens over time, as more and more dopamine-producing cells die off.
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s, but treatment options are available to relieve symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. Treatment is personalized and depends on the severity of the disease, the type of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health condition.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DOPAMINE
A clear link can be seen between the decrease in dopamine levels in the brain and the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease.
In the early stages, signs are barely noticeable, but after the loss of 60-80% of dopamine-producing neurons, motor function impairment associated with the disease becomes evident. Dopamine neurons die off, and the brain becomes less able to produce adequate amounts of dopamine, which can lead to worsening symptoms.
THE ROLE OF THE GPR-6 RECEPTOR
GPR6 is a G-protein-coupled receptor belonging to a large and diverse family of proteins. These receptors play a crucial role in many biological processes, including cell communication, immune response, sensation, and hormone regulation. GPR6 is particularly present in the brain and is a significant focus of neurological and psychiatric research, as it may play a role in treating neurological disorders by influencing dopamine levels.
CBD AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE
It has been shown that "downregulating" the GPR6 receptor increases dopamine levels in the brain, which is highly significant.
Researchers at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky identified a previously unknown molecular target of CBD, which could have a major therapeutic impact on Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
In a study presented at the 2017 International Cannabinoid Research Society meeting in Montreal, Zhao-Hui Song and Alyssa S. Laun reported preclinical findings proving that CBD decreases GPR6 activity and thereby increases dopamine levels.
WHAT KIND OF CBD PRODUCT SHOULD SOMEONE WITH PARKINSON’S USE?
Anecdotal reports from Parkinson’s patients using different cannabis products suggest that cannabinoid acids present in whole-plant cannabis products may reduce PD tremors and other motor symptoms. Tremor can be described as rhythmic shaking, most commonly observed in the hands and fingers but can also affect the legs, jaw, or lips. Raw cannabinoid acids, such as CBDA, are abundant in fresh cannabis plants, but they convert during heat exposure, UV light, prolonged storage, or processing into other cannabinoids. For example, CBDA converts into CBD. Until now, only limited research has focused on acidic or raw cannabinoids, but existing evidence indicates that CBDA has strong therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, anti-cancer, and antispasmodic effects.
Dr. Juan Sanchez-Ramos, a leading expert in movement disorders and Medical Director of the Parkinson’s Research Foundation, encourages his patients to start with preparations that also contain THC if possible.
Therefore, use a product that contains CBD along with CBDA and THC, provided there is no contraindication for THC use (e.g., sport, work-related restrictions, sensitivity to the compound).
HOW SHOULD I DOSE CBD FOR PARKINSON’S?
The required amount of CBD can vary individually. The general recommendation is to start with a low dose and gradually increase the daily intake. Check our dosing guide table, which can serve as a helpful reference.
It is important to mention that CBD Oil is not a miracle cure! The foundations of maintaining our health are regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a stress-free lifestyle.
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