SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Results of a surprising new study published by Study Finds, seem to indicate that recreational cannabis use is “associated with a significantly lower risk of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in adults 45 and older. SCD refers to an individual’s self-reported experience of worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss. It’s often an early warning sign of impending cognitive impairment and dementia”.
Conducted by researchers at SUNY Upstate Medical University, and published in Current Alzheimer Research, Zhi Chen, an assistant professor in the school’s Department of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, and Professor Roger Wong took data obtained from the a national U.S. health survey- the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. They compared various aspects of cannabis use – reasons for use, frequency, and methods of consumption – and the frequency of prevalence of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in over 4,700 middle-aged and older adults.
They found that compared to non-users, those who consumed marijuana recreationally, “had 96 % lower odds of reporting SCD, even after adjusting for numerous demographic, health, and lifestyle factors”. Recreational cannabis users were much less likely to notice a decline in their memory and thinking compared to non cannabis users.
Using cannabis for both medical and non-medical reasons were also associated with reduced reports of SCD risk. Also, how often someone used cannabis and the method of consumption (such as smoking, eating, or vaping) didn’t appear to affect subjective cognitive decline (SCD) reports.
The researchers propose a few potential reasons for these findings. Tetrahydrocannabibnol (THC), the psychoactive (“high” inducing) cannabinoid in marijuana could play a role. Animal studies have inferred that very low doses of THC might improve cognitive function in older mice. Whether this affects humans this way needs further study.
Many people turn to cannabis to manage sleep disturbances and stress which can both cause cognitive impairment in later life. The use of the non-psychoactive compound cannabidiol (CBD) to combat sleep and stress issues could lead to better cognitive outcomes.
Researchers caution that “these results are still preliminary, and more work is needed (to tease apart the complex relationship between cannabis and cognition as we age”. A few limitations of their study cited are its reliance on self-reported data and looking solely at adults over 45+, meaning findings may not apply to younger users. “The main takeaway is that cannabis might be protective for our cognition, but it is really crucial to have longitudinal studies because this is just a snapshot of 2021,” says Wong in a university release. “We do not know if recreational cannabis use leads to better cognition or the other way around if those with better cognition are more likely to use recreational cannabis. We need long term studies to see if recreational cannabis use is protecting our cognition over time. That’s something we don’t know yet, but that research is hindered since cannabis remains illegal federally.”
Higher education, better physical and mental health, and lack of heart disease history were linked to lower SCD risk underscoring the importance of overall healthy aging in protecting brain health over the lifespan.
“This study adds an intriguing new dimension to the conversation around cannabis and cognition in older adults. While “reefer madness” propaganda of the past portrayed cannabis as unequivocally detrimental to memory and thinking, the reality may be more nuanced. This doesn’t mean that older adults should start sparking up joints in hopes of staving off dementia as cannabis use can come with risks and side-effects.” As more states move to legalize and destigmatize cannabis, and use increases, it’s important for science to examine its potential benefits and harms on the aging brain. As the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementias increase any attempt to research prevention or delay of cognitive decline is of high value.
Until we have widespread access to research, focusing on staying physically active, eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying socially connected, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities as we age will benefit brain health.
Adapted from Study Finds Article