How MMJ Health can help Patients with Dementia

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term for the loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to impact one’s daily life.

Disorders grouped under the term “dementia” are caused by abnormalities in brain changes. This is usually marked by a decline in cognitive abilities that impact a person’s ability to live an independent lifestyle. It can also affect behavior, feelings, and relationships.

What causes Dementia?

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 – 80% of cases. Vascular dementia caused by microscopic bleeding and blocked blood vessels in the brain is the second most common cause of dementia. Though, patients may also experience multiple types of dementia simultaneously called mixed dementia. Dementia can also be caused by damage to brain cells.

Other conditions may also cause symptoms of dementia, including some that may be reversible such as thyroid problems and vitamin deficiencies.

Common Types of Dementia

Common chronic pain types include:

Signs of dementia can vary greatly and many conditions are progressive, which means that the signs of dementia start out slowly and gradually get worse.

Symptoms can include:

Problems with short-term memory
Forgetting to pay bills
Trouble traveling out of the neighborhood
Forgetting to plan and prepare meals
Memory loss
Trouble keeping track of everyday items

If you or someone you know is experiencing memory difficulties or other changes in cognitive skills, don’t ignore these symptoms – seek the help of a doctor to be diagnosed. Once you are, you should schedule an appointment with your MMJ Health doctor to discuss your treatment options.

Diagnosing Dementia

There is no “one” test to determine if someone has dementia. Doctors can diagnose Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia based on medical history, physical exams, lab tests, and observation of changes in day-to-day thinking skills and functions. Some may just be diagnosed with “dementia” and not a specific type because symptoms may overlap. Specialist diagnoses by a neurologist may be necessary.

Please see a licensed doctor in order to get properly diagnosed with dementia. MMJ Health has professional and knowledgeable Medical Marijuana Specialists that can create a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle.

What can a Florida Medical Marijuana clinic do for Dementia?

Obtaining a Florida Medical Marijuana card and prescription may be able to help agitation in dementia patients. Studies have reported changes in the endocannabinoid system in the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Cannabinoids have also been shown to have neuroprotective properties, reduce neuroinflammation, and enhance neurogenesis.

Evidence suggests that medical marijuana products with a combination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) or CBD alone have demonstrated to be effective and safe for use in older people with dementia-associated agitation.

Under Amendment 2, Dementia may be a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card in Florida.

If you are currently suffering from Dementia and would like to talk to our certified Florida Marijuana doctors, you can book an appointment and come to any of our 10 convenient MMJ Health locations.