Marijuana may stave off Alzheimer's

[ECH1969]

Good news for aging hippies: Smoking pot may stave off Alzheimer's disease.

New research shows that the active ingredient in marijuana may prevent the progression of the disease by preserving levels of an important neurotransmitter that allows the brain to function.

Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute in California found that marijuana's active ingredient, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, can prevent the neurotransmitter acetylcholine from breaking down more effectively than commercially marketed drugs.

THC is also more effective at blocking clumps of protein that can inhibit memory and cognition in Alzheimer's patients, the researchers reported in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics. The researchers said their discovery could lead to more effective drug treatment for Alzheimer's, the leading cause of dementia among the elderly.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/10/05/pot.alzheimers.reut/index.html

[BOSSHOG]

1. I wish we knew that five years ago

when my father was slipping into that madness.

If anyone opposes this medical use or stem cell research should be locked in the Alzheimer's Ward of a nursing home for six months.

[bluestateguy]

2. How about taking it in brownies?

I'd rather not smoke, if I can avoid it.

[JuniperLea]

5. The latest studies show the smoke from Mary Jane is good for you

Seriously. No indication it causes repertory illness or cancer and it actually helps people with asthma.

I'm sure it cures or at least helps a lot more than we know. There has to be some reason such a benign drug is so hated. Alcohol is so much more destructive.

If everyone started smoking pot instead of ingesting pharmaceuticals, well, think about it. The population would get healthier and the drug companies would make less profit. That's why.

[bleedingheart]

3. I imagine Big Pharma taking what used to cost $20/bag

and making it cost $50/pill .....

[grizmaster]

4. With how much pot makes you forget how could you be sure?

[havocmom]

6. That was my concern also

or, err, I thought it was. Now I'm not so sure ;)

Actually, never tried the herb but getting to the point with chronic pain that it is looking tempting as the years go by.

[Ress1]

7. That's strange.

They've always said users would experience memory loss.

[Moderator]

8. duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=2547026