A recent study has found that a compound found in marijuana, known as THC, may have a positive effect on brain health when paired with a common pain medication. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio, found that THC, when combined with celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, was able to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
Previous research has shown that THC has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, but it has also been linked to negative effects on the brain, particularly in learning and memory. However, when combined with celecoxib, the negative effects of THC on the brain were minimized, while the positive effects were amplified.
The study, which was published in the journal Aging and Disease, involved pairing low-dose THC extract with celecoxib and administering it to mice daily for 30 days. The results showed improved cognition, learning, and memory, as well as decreased markers of neuroinflammation and reduced Alzheimer’s-related brain pathology.
The researchers believe that the combination of THC and celecoxib may be a promising new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, as both compounds are FDA-approved for use in humans. The study’s lead author, Dr. Chu Chen, noted that the combination of the two compounds was able to improve cognition and reduce inflammation in the brain, which are key symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study’s findings are exciting because they suggest that a common compound found in marijuana may have a potential therapeutic benefit for people with Alzheimer’s disease. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosage and administration of the combination therapy.
Dr. Paul Saphier, a neurosurgeon and founder of Coaxial Neurosurgical Specialists in New Jersey, called the study an “exciting breakthrough” and noted that it may ultimately lead to a new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. He emphasized the importance of reducing inflammation in the brain, which is a key factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Overall, the study’s findings suggest that a combination of THC and celecoxib may be a promising new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, and further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosage and administration of the combination therapy.
