O uso do canabidiol no tratamento da Doença de Alzheimer: Mecanismos de ação e perspectivas terapêuticas

Abstract

Aging causes physiological, psychological, and morphological changes and increases the incidence of chronic degenerative diseases, most notably Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aging causes physiological, psychological, and morphological changes and increases the incidence of chronic-degenerative diseases, most notably Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Globally, there are approximately 50 million people with dementia, with 60% attributed to the disease. AD is a progressive, incurable, and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuronal loss and cognitive deficits that compromise autonomy. Conventional treatments, such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA antagonists, alleviate symptoms but do not stop neurodegeneration. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of Cannabis sativa, has gained attention for its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, potentially reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, preserving neural connections, and offering a complementary and less stigmatized therapeutic alternative compared to the recreational use of the plant. This study aims to analyze the relationship between CBD use and AD, highlighting its therapeutic potential as a complementary treatment and its relevance in the context of aging. This is an exploratory and qualitative literature review on the use of CBD in Alzheimer's Disease, with an emphasis on its mechanisms of action and therapeutic perspectives. The research was conducted in the SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Cannabis sativa contains compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD, which interact with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), regulating neurological and inflammatory functions. CBD, being non-psychoactive, stands out for its neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. In DA, the CBD acts by reducing the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, the hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein, and oxidative stress, thereby preserving neurons and cognitive functions; presenting with this relevant benefits, with improvement of behavioral symptoms and a good safety profile. Furthermore, there is evidence that it may contribute to slowing neurodegeneration and preserving cognitive functions. However, larger and longer-term clinical trials are still needed to prove its effectiveness and define standardized protocols for use, in order to consolidate CBD as a complementary therapeutic option in the management of AD.