This study on marijuana’s effect on Alzheimer’s disease is exciting news: 

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have found that the active ingredient in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, inhibits the formation of amyloid plaque, the primary pathological marker for Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, the study said, THC is “a considerably superior inhibitor of [amyloid plaque] aggregation” to several currently approved drugs for treating the disease.

If scientists can use this chemical to create a drug that blocks the brain enzyme that causes Alzheimer’s symptoms, Alzheimer’s could become tomorrow’s measles or polio. This is wonderful news for future generations, especially in families where several people have this disease.

By the way, researchers warn that this does not mean you should drop by your local drug dealer to pick up some dope. Smoking large quantities of marijuana can cause brain function problems.

To read more about the study, visit http://www.scripps.edu/newsandviews/e_20060828/news.html.

Posted by on 10.28.2006 • Alzheimers Health News