Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive, degenerative neurological movement disorder that affects approximately 6.3 million people worldwide. PD usually affects people over the age of currently 60 with four primary symptoms are tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and postural instability with no cure for the condition till this date.
But findings from a new review suggest symptoms of the condition could be improved with marijuana,also called cannabis.
Researchers are testing marijuana as a treatment for many diseases, including neurological conditions, with Parkinson's disease (PD) high on the list.
What is the science and pharmacology behind marijuana, and will it prove boon to the patients with Parkinson's symptoms?
The answer is yet to accomplish, however, the proposed hypothesis and researches being conducted can be useful to the queries regarding one of the trending topics of medical research.
The endocannabinoid system located in the brain is made up of cannabinoid receptors that are linked to brain cells that regulate thinking and some body functions including movement control. Components are highly expressed in the neural circuit of basal ganglia, which is part of neuronal system.
But why is marijuana specifically useful for PD? According to research being conducted, the cannabinoid compounds in marijuana bind to dopamine receptors to reduce the effects of reduced dopamine in the brain.The researchers say inflammation can damage neurons that produce dopamine and preventing neuron damage could slow PD progression. Researchers think that cannabis might be saving neurons from damage caused by PD and also been studied for use in treating other symptoms, like slowness caused by PD and excess movement. The most compelling finding was that chemical components of marijuana yield benefits in different PD symptoms. Marijuana has been found to relieve pain in other diseases, and it should be studied for pain relief in people with PD. Pain affects nearly 50 percent of people with the condition.
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There is a need for safer drugs to treat PD, and cannabis may provide a useful alternative or addition to the current treatment of PD.
However, as with any substance, there are risks to take into account. Recent research has uncovered some risks to marijuana use, including memory loss, dizziness, blurring of vision, mood and behavioral changes, increased osteoporosis risk, and impaired blood vessel function.
Based on the researches being conducted and identifying new scope in the field of medicine, Washington, D.C., and 28 states passed legislation allowing the use of marijuana-based products for medical purposes. In some states patients must register in order to possess and use cannabis whereas in other states require patients to acquire a document from a physician stating that the patient has an approved condition.
Is Medical Marijuana an ideal Option for Me?
Research is still needed to determine marijuana should be administered and how its long-term usage can affect PD symptoms. But despite several clinical studies, it has not been demonstrated that cannabis can directly benefit people with Parkinson's.
The new researches and findings are yet to come.But will marijuana prove really boon to mankind? We all shall be eager to know the answer .
Credit:http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/treatment/complementary-treatment/medical-marijuana-and-parkinsons-disease
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