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UK: Alzheimer's patients get 'the munchies'

Ananova

Wednesday 20 Aug 2003

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Medics say a synthetic cannabis compound can help Alzheimer's patients by
giving them the "munchies".

The research suggests that dronabinol improves the appetite of patients at
risk of wasting away by not eating.

It also appears to reduce agitation, another well known symptom of Alzheimer's.

Dronabinol, marketed under the trade name Marinol, is an artificial version
of the active cannabis ingredient delta-9-THC.

The feeling of increased hunger caused by cannabis is known as "the
munchies" by regular smokers.

Now researchers in the United States have harnessed this effect to help
Alzheimer's patients whose lives may be put at risk by an inability to
recognise hunger and thirst.

Senior investigator Dr Joshua Shua-Haim, medical director at the Meridian
Institute for Aging in New Jersey, said: "Our research suggests dronabinol
may reduce agitation and improve appetite in patients with Alzheimer's
disease, when traditional therapies are not successful.

"It's important to look at all the aspects of Alzheimer's disease that
contribute to quality of life for patients, family members and caregivers.
Agitation and weight loss are upsetting and stressful as the patient's
needs become ever more demanding."

 

 

 

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