What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressing neurodegenerative brain disease, causing cell loss, that mainly appears after age 60. First described in 1817 by British physician, scientist and political activist James Parkinson, it is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's and is not contagious. Unlike Alzheimer's, which more directly targets memory and communication, Parkinson's is generally associated with impaired problem solving and thinking speed.
Click to read our article on “Alzheimer's and CBD.”
Certain regions of the human brain contain cells that produce dopamine. Dopamine is one of the neurotransmitters involved in electrical communication between brain cells. Its functions include regulating movement and emotional responses. When 60–80% of dopamine-producing cells are lost, insufficient dopamine is produced and the motor symptoms of Parkinson's appear.
Click to read our detailed article on “CBD and neurotransmitters.”
What are Parkinson's symptoms?
The first stage begins on one side of the body and eventually appears on the other. Its main characteristic symptoms are slowed movement due to muscle stiffness, trembling hands and feet, and a slightly forward-leaning posture. Some people also experience tremors in the tongue and jaw. In the second stage, symptoms begin appearing on both sides. Balance problems and falls are added in the third stage. By the fourth stage, patients struggle to walk and cannot carry out everyday activities without help. In the final stage, patients depend on a wheelchair and need constant care.
Alongside the brain-related symptoms, complaints such as constipation, lower blood pressure, depression, impaired sleep quality, restless legs syndrome and reduced sense of smell have been identified over time.
People with Parkinson's generally need prescription medicines whose side effects can include dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth, appetite loss, heartburn and drowsiness.
Who develops Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's occurs worldwide and in every socioeconomic setting. Detected 50% more often in men than women, this neurological disease mainly affects people over 60. Around 5% of cases occur in young adults aged 20–40. Genetic causes may be involved in younger patients. Having a parent or sibling with Parkinson's can increase the risk compared with the general population.
The annual rate of new diagnoses is 11–14 per 100,000 people. At the time of this report, an estimated 150,000 people in Turkey and over 10 million worldwide had Parkinson's. Patient numbers were projected to reach 30 million by 2030. Since Turkey is among the rapidly aging societies, its growing older population makes a surge in Parkinson's cases likely in coming years.
Parkinson's and CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, has long been studied in laboratories, and research has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Inflammation in the nervous system has been linked to neurodegeneration, prompting the hypothesis that CBD could be useful as a neuroprotective agent, meaning one that can prevent cell death.
By protecting nerve cells in the brain and body, these properties might slow worsening symptoms involving movement and thinking and help with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's.
Human research has increased since the FDA, the US Food and Drug Administration, changed some regulations in 2015 to facilitate CBD use in clinical trials. However, few CBD studies have examined the various symptoms of Parkinson's.
A study published by Brazilian researchers in 2020 reported test results measuring increased anxiety and stress during public speaking. Twenty-four Parkinson's patients over 60 who received 300 mg of CBD before speaking showed less anxiety and reduced tremors compared with the placebo control group.
A study published in 2017 by researchers at the University of Louisville in Kentucky found that CBD potentially increased dopamine levels. This finding matters for people with Parkinson's.
A study published in 2014 found that medical cannabis helped relieve pain in Parkinson's patients. The study of 22 patients observed significant improvements in pain and sleep scores. Of course, the medical cannabis used contained THC and other plant compounds alongside CBD.
Psychosis is one possible complication of Parkinson's. It affects how the brain processes information and can cause a person to lose touch with reality. In a small study in 2009, researchers found that CBD reduced psychosis symptom severity without adverse side effects.
Sleep disturbance and poor sleep quality are also symptoms experienced by Parkinson's patients. According to research published in 2014, CBD and medical cannabis may help prevent REM sleep behavior disturbances, loss of muscle atonia and movement during dreams.
Another 2014 study found improved general well-being and quality of life after CBD was given to 21 Parkinson's patients without psychiatric symptoms or conditions.
In conclusion…
Studies suggest that CBD and medical cannabis may ease tremors and other debilitating Parkinson's symptoms, and evidence gathered so far is positive. However, these results do not mean that taking CBD prevents Parkinson's from developing.
It is almost impossible to know who will develop Parkinson's. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms begin, the patient's brain has already sustained substantial damage, and preventive strategies are limited.
Nevertheless, we cannot overlook that many patients worldwide use various forms of CBD and medical cannabis for symptoms including insomnia, anxiety, tremors, dystonia, involuntary muscle spasms, and pain. While conventional medicines become less effective over time, CBD is reported to offer lasting benefits, and new studies present it as an exciting alternative to conventional medication.
CBD's side effect profile in Parkinson's patients is not yet clear. If you want to try it for a symptom, we recommend discussing it with your doctor. Making sure it does not interact with your other medicines will help protect against possible side effects. Remember that more doctors are now considering CBD as a complementary treatment option.
Wishing you good health.
