Summary
Scientists in Spain think they have discovered that the active ingredient in marijuana can help protect the brain from some of the problems caused by Alzheimer's disease. While marijuana does not cure the disease, the researchers say, lab tests have shown that the illegal drug can probably help reduce the mental problems that Alzheimer's patients suffer. The discovery may set the stage for a renewed debate over the medicinal use of marijuana.
Original source:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,148518,00.html
Details
- New clues about Alzheimer's disease have emerged from a Spanish study of marijuana.
- The drug's active ingredients --- cannabinoids help prevent brain problems seen in Alzheimer's, say the scientists.
- There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, which progressively damages brain areas involved in memory, judgment, language and behavior.
- Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of mental decline, or dementia (search), in older adults.
- Instead, the researchers focused on human brain tissue samples and conducted cannabinoid experiments on rats.
- The findings showed that "cannabinoids work both to prevent inflammation and to protect the brain," says researcher Maria de Ceballos in a news release.
- Their results appear in the Feb. 23 edition of The Journal of Neuroscience.
- The researchers studied human brain tissue samples, some of which were from deceased Alzheimer's patients and some from normal brain tissue.
- Plaques are protein clumps that are seen outside brain cells, and they have been shown to activate inflammation seen in brain tissue of Alzheimer's disease patients.
- Besides the typical plaques seen with Alzheimer's disease, the brain tissues taken from Alzheimer's patients also had many fewer cannabinoid receptors.
- The researchers also injected rats with a protein called beta-amyloid, which gave the rats an Alzheimer's-like brain condition.
- After two months, the rats were tested for learning, memory, and mental functions.
- The researchers tried to train them to find a platform in a tank of water.
- By the fifth day, the rats that received the cannabinoid injections were able to find the platform on their own.
- "Our results indicate that cannabinoid receptors are important in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease and that cannabinoids succeed in preventing the neurodegenerative process occurring in the disease," write the researchers in the journal.
Related Articles
• How Acetyl-L-Carnitine prevents Alzheimer's disease and dementia while boosting brain function
• Essential fatty acid phosphatidylserine (PS) is powerful prevention for memory loss, Alzheimer's and dementia
• Popular Alzheimer's Drug Found to Be All But Worthless in Independent Study
• Stress significantly hastens progression of Alzheimer's disease (press release)
• A sweet solution for Alzheimer's disease? (press release)
 |
Popular Topics:
Alzheimer's, Marijuana, Alzheimer's disease, Diabetes, Breast cancer, Prostate cancer, Heart disease, Depression, High cholesterol, Osteoporosis, Vaccines, Autism, ADHD, Infertility, Weight loss, Cancer, Alzheimer's, Trans fats, Acrylamides, Fluoride, Mercury |
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
 Email this article to a friend
 Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/005456.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
 Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
 Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
 |
 |
NEW 6-CD audio set reveals amazing new protocol for reversing cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and more. Click to learn more. |
 |
Own the first 8 Health Ranger Report audio programs on 6 CDs. Covers weight loss, ADHD, vaccinations, processed meats, bone health and more. Click to learn more. |
Featured Videos
Short clip on Aspartame
A short clip on aspartame from the documentary All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive video on Aspartame
The dangers of aspartame! Exclusive interview footage from Cori Brackett of Sweet Remedy.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive Footage from All Jacked Up!
See interview footage featuring the Health Ranger in the upcoming junk food film, All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Drug Ad Parody
See the Health Ranger's satire parody of Merck's cholesterol drug ad.
Click here to view now... |
Take Your Meds
Sugar Addicts
Adderall vs. Meth
|
|
Read recommendations on supplement companies, health food manufacturers and personal care product makers that you can trust. Our 100% independent review list tells you who to trust and who to avoid in the natural health industry. Click to read. |
|
Printable Version
