The prescription of medical cannabis for dementia is emerging as a complementary treatment to help alleviate some of the distressing symptoms linked to cognitive decline. For some people, conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease could be easier to manage with better symptom control.
Dementia is a syndrome, meaning a collection of related neurological symptoms rather than a singular disease. The most well-known symptoms are loss of memory, the ability to think and reason, and confusion. However, there are many more symptoms associated with dementia, including anxiety and depression, agitation, impulsive behaviours, and weight loss.
Medical cannabis for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients could offer a new approach to dealing with daily symptoms that contribute to the severity of their condition.
Can medical cannabis help with dementia symptoms?
While there is no cure for dementia, there are ways to help manage symptoms more effectively. Many patients and their families or carers may seek out alternative treatments for dementia to potentially improve quality of life. Medical cannabis for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia may, for some people, help minimise the following symptoms:
Does medical cannabis help with agitation and distress?
For dementia medical cannabis treatment, UK doctors may prescribe the medication to help lower the intensity of the agitation and anxiety caused by confusion and memory loss. Medical cannabis is linked to reduced levels of anxiety.
A 2024 review of CBD studies shows that the compound has potential as an anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety medication. More recent research from 2025 suggests that administering THC and CBD could ease both general anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety, making the medication a potentially therapeutic approach for dementia patients struggling with agitation.
Is it any different for Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is just one type of dementia, and one of the most common in the UK. The causes of Alzheimer’s aren’t fully understood, but the general consensus is that an unusual build-up of proteins in the brain is the main problem.
Like other forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s can cause forgetfulness, agitation, anxiety, depression, and potentially dangerous behaviours like wandering. A consultant may prescribe medical cannabis for Alzheimer’s disease if they believe it could reduce the impact of agitation and distress and improve a patient’s quality of life.
THC or CBD for dementia: what is the difference?
While researching cannabis treatment for dementia, UK patients may have heard that there are two primary cannabinoids associated with potential symptom relief: THC and CBD.
CBD is just one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. It’s often sold in shops or online as an oil, with health claims that it may relax, ease anxiety, and support general wellness. While there is plenty of research to support the use of CBD to manage certain symptoms, it’s important to note that CBD oils and isolates are not prescription medicines, and are often sold without any dosage guidance or medical advice.
Studies suggest that CBD has an indirect impact on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It may reduce the speed at which other cannabinoids break down, and affect how receptors in the ECS, a system that regulates multiple aspects of wellness, respond to potentially therapeutic compounds. With CBD oil, dementia patients may feel reduced anxiety or be less prone to depression, in some cases.
THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that can promote the “high” associated with strong doses. This cannabinoid also impacts the ECS, but in a more direct way. THC binds to receptors, potentially impacting aspects of health such as pain perception and mood regulation. For dementia patients, a carefully considered dose of THC for dementia agitation and anxiety could help some individuals better manage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and similar conditions.
The most current research seems to indicate that a combination of cannabinoids for dementia treatment could be most beneficial. The findings of a recent randomized, controlled trial treating patients with late-stage Alzheimer’s with a combination of THC and CBD were reported at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in London, 2026. Key findings included:
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Around 9 out of 10 study participants demonstrated reduced agitation.
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Benefits were seen within two weeks.
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The positive results were statistically significantly greater in the treatment group than in the placebo group.
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Adverse effects occurred in both the placebo and treatment groups, suggesting these were not related to the medication.
When it comes to CBD/THC and dementia, medical cannabis with a balance of compounds could be a potential source of relief for some patients experiencing agitation and distress.
Can medical cannabis slow dementia down?
There is no evidence that medical cannabis can slow the progression of any form of dementia. However, some research has been completed into the links between cannabis and dementia, particularly to understand if cannabis was associated with a higher risk of dementia. The 2026 review of data from the UK Biobank and US Million Veteran Program found that patients who were self-administering cannabis performed slightly better in memory and fluid intelligence tests. There were no significant differences in long-term cognitive changes, and the study found that there was no increased risk of dementia associated with medical cannabis.
There is currently no cure for any type of dementia, although the NHS states that there have been some promising scientific advances.
Risks and side effects in older patients, and who it may not suit
Like all medications, there are minor risks of side effects, which could be more serious in older patients. Mild dizziness is one possible side effect. If a patient is prone to falls or struggles with instability, this could be a more dangerous side effect than in a younger, more physically able person. Changes in appetite can also occur, which can be challenging for anyone on a restrictive diet or someone who struggles with food on a daily basis.
Blood pressure should be carefully monitored when starting any new medication. Some evidence suggests a link between long-term cannabis use and hypertension, but the research is inconclusive at this time.
Drowsiness is another possible side effect, as well as an increased risk of temporary confusion. Carers should be aware of the possibility of these side effects, and that everyone reacts in a slightly different way to any new course of medication.
Another consideration is the types of medication the patient is already taking. A Releaf consultant will always take into account the medications someone is taking before recommending medical cannabis. Because of this, there may be circumstances where medical cannabis is simply not suitable.
Medical cannabis is also not appropriate for patients who can’t make choices about alternative treatments. Without a patient’s informed consent, a doctor cannot prescribe this medication, even if carers or family members feel it may be the right choice.
How assessment works, and what a family member needs to know
The first step to determining if someone could be prescribed medical cannabis for dementia is to fill out the eligibility checker. If you care for someone with dementia, you may need to assist in this process. It’s a quick form to fill out that usually takes around 30 seconds.
If eligible for medical cannabis, the next step is to set up a consultation. You can find out how Releaf pricing works online, and make a decision from there as to whether you want to go ahead with the consultation. The patient will be sent details of what to expect next, including the date and time of the consultation.
During the consultation, a Releaf medical professional will consider the medication the person is already on, their symptoms, and whether medical cannabis could help. They may suggest dosage and formats, and ensure the patient is well-informed throughout.
Releaf is the most trusted UK medical cannabis clinic, evidenced by our 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from over 9,000 reviews. Our world-class clinical team includes more than 50 specialists, including many who have worked with elderly and vulnerable patients.
Can cannabis help Alzheimer’s patients or those suffering from other types of dementia?
In some cases, yes. The potentially therapeutic nature of the medication could alleviate some of the distressing symptoms, helping return dignity and a higher quality of life to dementia patients. Fill out the medical cannabis eligibility checker or contact our team to find out more about how Releaf works.
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