Heavy Cannabis Use Linked to Increased Dementia Risk

Heavy Cannabis Use Could Elevate Dementia Risk by 72%

Recent large-scale research indicates that severe cannabis use requiring hospital care in adults over 45 significantly increases the likelihood of developing dementia within five years. The study, encompassing over 6 million individuals, found a 72% higher risk among those who needed acute medical attention due to cannabis use.

Key Findings:

• While cigarette smoking is declining, cannabis consumption among middle-aged adults is rising.
• Heavy cannabis use is associated with lung damage, cancer, and cognitive impairments.
• Heavy users needing hospital care face nearly four times the risk of dementia within five years.

Why Might Cannabis Increase Dementia Risk?

Research suggests mechanisms such as neurotoxicity from THC, vascular effects like hypertension, psychological impacts including depression and psychosis, and increased risk of head injuries. Brain changes observed in cannabis users—such as reduced hippocampal volume and decreased grey matter—are similar to those seen in dementia, potentially explaining the link.

Increasing Use Among Older Adults

In countries like Canada, cannabis use among older adults has surged following legal reforms, with medical and recreational use on the rise. While some anecdotal claims suggest cannabis might help symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, robust scientific evidence is lacking.

Expert Viewpoint

Dr. Steve Allder emphasizes that severe cannabis use is associated with a higher dementia risk, advocating for more comprehensive research to understand the long-term effects fully. Caution is advised, as cannabis could contribute to neurodegenerative processes through multiple pathways.

Note: The study highlights the importance of moderation and further scientific investigation into cannabis’s long-term impacts on brain health.