Scientific studies show that CBD oil for Parkinson’s disease can be an indispensable assistant in your medicine cabinet.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss (degeneration) of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. While most people diagnosed with Parkinson’s are 60 years old or older, an estimated 5 to 10% of people with Parkinson’s are diagnosed before they are 50. There are currently more than 5 million people in the world suffering from this insidious disease.
Many people use CBD, or cannabidiol, to combat the Parkinson’s. It is one of over 100 chemicals found in the hemp plant. CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two most important cannabinoids. These and other cannabinoids act on cannabinoid receptors throughout the body and affect various body functions (such as movement, sleep, reaction, appetite, pain perception, etc.). However, CBD has no unwanted hallucinogenic effects, while THC is a well-known hallucinogen.
With the legalisation of CBD in 2021, the availability of and demand for cannabidiol in Lithuania is growing. It is not surprising that the interest of people with Parkinson’s disease and their relatives in the benefits of this product is also increasing. So let’s not delay and discuss Parkinson’s disease symptoms, causes, treatment options and the benefits of CBD for patients.
Common symptoms of the disease
- Involuntary shaking of certain body parts (tremor);
- Slowed down, less coordinated body movements;
- Muscle stiffness.
A person with Parkinson’s disease may also experience a number of other physical, neurological and psychological symptoms. They include conditions such as depression and anxiety, balance problems (which are especially dangerous because the patient can fall and get seriously injured), loss of smell, insomnia and other sleep disorders, and memory loss. If you have at least a few of these symptoms, you should consult a family doctor who will accurately assess your health, ask about the problems experienced and, in case of a concern, refer you to a specialist for further health tests.
As the condition progresses, symptoms usually get worse, more complicated, and it can become increasingly difficult to carry out daily activities without the help of other people. The good news is that with the right help in time, most patients respond quite well to treatment and can lead relatively comfortable and active lives.
Causes and treatment
When the degeneration of nerve cells occurs, the level of dopamine, a very important neurotransmitter produced in the brain, decreases in the patient’s brain. Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating body movement. A decrease in its levels causes many of the Parkinson’s symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease is not fatal per se, but the condition can be very taxing on the body, damaging physical and emotional health. The immune system of some patients gets weaker, making them more susceptible to serious and life-threatening infections. But with advances in treatment, most people now have a fairly normal life expectancy.
Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are treatments that help reduce the main symptoms and maintain the quality of life for as long as possible. They include:
- Supportive care, e.g. physiotherapy, kinesiotherapy and occupational therapy;
- Medication treatment;
- A surgical brain operation in some cases.
- Cannabidiol (CBD) slows down the course of the disease and effectively relieves symptoms.
How does CBD oil work for Parkinson’s disease?
While researching CBD, scientists and medical professionals have found that this cannabinoid has valuable neuroprotective properties that are very important for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Here are the benefits of cannabidiol:
- Reduces involuntary tremors of the hands and other body parts;
- Improves coordination and reduces muscle stiffness;
- Effectively combats accompanying symptoms of the disease, such as disturbed sleep, lack of appetite and poor psychological well-being. CBD oil reduces tension, relieves stress and improves the sleep quality emotional well-being.
This is supported by a clinical study conducted in 2020. It revealed that regular use of CBD improved mobility, communication and emotional well-being while reducing physical discomfort in people with Parkinson’s disease. It was found that cannabidiol reduced cell degeneration and inflammatory processes in the body, as well as improved motor activity, balance and coordination of movements.
Thus, thanks to CBD, patients’ quality of life improves, and people can continue to enjoy their active life and everyday pleasures.
Which CBD oil to choose?
CBD isolate has the mildest effect because it contains just CBD oil. This product is perfect for cosmetic purposes (e.g. improving the condition of your skin and hair), but may not be strong enough to combat the symptoms of the disease. If you are looking for a stronger effect in suppressing symptoms and improving your well-being, full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oils provide excellent results.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains not only cannabidiol, but also one or more other beneficial cannabinoids (such as CBN and CBG). This oil doesn’t contain THC, making it a great in-between option.
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains practically all the elements naturally found in hemp plants. It has the most intense effect of all the CBD oil types mentioned above. That being said, remember that the content of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in CBD products available in Lithuania cannot exceed more than 0.2%, so check the lab test results of the CBD products you want to buy.
High-quality CBD oil for Parkinson’s disease can provide excellent results and significantly improve your quality of life: if you are hesitating, it’s time to see for yourself!
