Parkinson's Disease
Understanding Parkinson's Disease
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What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system.
The condition primarily affects individuals over the age of 50, and its prevalence increases with age. Parkinson’s disease affects approximately 80,000 Australians, with men being slightly more likely to be affected than women [22].
The causes of Parkinson's disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
While the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not yet fully understood, it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Mutations in specific genes have been identified as risk factors for the disease, as well as exposure to certain toxins and chemicals. Age is also a major risk factor, with the majority of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease being over the age of 60.
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from person to person. Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement.
The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease are tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement), which can lead to difficulty with everyday activities such as walking, writing, and speaking.
Other symptoms may include:
- Shuffling gait
- Decreased facial expression
- Trouble swallowing
- Cognitive changes
- Memory problems
- Difficulty with multitasking
Parkinson’s Disease can also cause non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Treatment for Parkinson's disease
Traditional treatment options
Common treatments for fibromyalgia that help manage symptoms and improve quality of life include medications, physical therapy, speech therapy, and alternative medicine, such as medicinal cannabis.
Parkinson’s disease treatment can include medications to increase dopamine levels in the brain. Physical therapy and regular exercise can also help manage symptoms, improve mobility, and prevent falls. Speech therapy and swallowing therapy may be needed to help with communication and eating difficulties. In some cases, surgery may be an option, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), to help control tremors and other motor symptoms.
Alternative treatment options
Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, some patients have found relief in additional complementary therapies. Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and physical therapy, can also help manage symptoms.
There is growing evidence to suggest that medicinal cannabis may have potential benefits for people with Parkinson’s disease. Various studies have revealed potential benefits that include reduction in symptoms and slowing the progression of this degenerative disease [23].
Using medicinal cannabis may benefit patients looking for relief from chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and anxiety or depression symptoms [1]. While some potential risks and side effects are associated with cannabis use, other patients have found it a safe and effective treatment option.
How medicinal cannabis works
Before diving into the pros and cons of using medicinal cannabis, it’s helpful to understand how cannabis works in the body.
The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates various physiological processes, including pain, mood, appetite, and sleep. The ECS consists of a network of receptors and enzymes that interact with endocannabinoids, which are naturally occurring compounds in the body that are similar to the cannabinoids found in cannabis.
When cannabis is consumed, the THC and CBD in the plant interact with the ECS in the body. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, producing various effects, including pain relief, relaxation, and altered perception. Conversely, CBD does not bind to cannabinoid receptors but instead interacts with other body receptors involved in inflammation, pain, and mood regulation.
Potential benefits of medical cannabis for Parkinson's disease
Improved motor symptoms
Impaired motor function is often one of the most debilitating symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Throughout the past decade, a number of studies have examined the potential benefits of treating motor impairment with medicinal cannabis in patients with Parkinson’s disease [24]. These studies found that treatment with cannabis-based medicine improved motor symptoms and quality of life in some Parkinson’s disease patients [26].
Pain relief and improved sleep
Another common symptom of Parkinson’s disease is persistent pain and regular sleep disturbances.
Published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, one study found that cannabis was effective in improving motor symptoms, pain, sleep, and mood in Parkinson’s disease patients [24]. Additionally, multiple studies in animal subjects have shown that cannabinoids had potential therapeutic effects in animal models of Parkinson’s disease and other basal ganglia disorders [25].
*The above studies highlight the potential benefits of medicinal cannabis, but do have some limitations that need to be considered. These limitations may include: a relatively small sample size, use of self-reported data rather than objective measures, and not measuring the long-term effects of cannabis use or exploring the different strains/types of cannabis used, which may have an impact on the observed effects.
Potential side effects
Like any medication, medicinal cannabis can have side effects. While medicinal cannabis may benefit some patients, it is vital to understand the potential risks and side effects. Common side effects of cannabis use include dry mouth, dizziness, and increased heart rate. Some people may also experience anxiety or paranoia. It is also important to note that medicinal cannabis can interact with other medications, so it is essential to talk to your doctor before using cannabis.
Finding the right dose
When using medicinal cannabis, finding the correct dose that provides maximum benefits with minimal side effects is essential. Everyone’s tolerance and sensitivity to cannabis are different, so finding the right dose may take some trial and error.
Working with a healthcare provider who specialises in medicinal cannabis can be helpful in finding the correct dose and product for your specific needs.
The legal status of medicinal cannabis in Australia
In Australia, the use of medicinal cannabis is legal under certain circumstances. In 2021, the Australian government amended its Narcotics Drugs Act to allow for the cultivation and manufacture of medicinal cannabis products for therapeutic use [1].
To access medicinal cannabis in Australia, patients must have a valid prescription from a healthcare provider and obtain their medication from a licensed medicinal supplier. Medicinal cannabis is unavailable over the counter and cannot be legally grown or produced by patients for personal use.
While the legal framework for medicinal cannabis in Australia is still relatively new, there is growing awareness of its therapeutic potential for various medical conditions, including fibromyalgia.
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Medicinal cannabis is becoming more widely known as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
While there is still much research to be done, early studies suggest that cannabis may have potential therapeutic effects for managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. If you are interested in using medicinal cannabis to treat Parkinson’s disease, it is important to speak with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if it is a suitable option for you.
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