A recently published research article indicates 36% of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients reported having used natural products such as cannabis to alleviate related symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder; primarily impacting movement control. Motor symptoms of PD include tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and impaired balance. Non-motor symptoms may include depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes. The exact cause of Parkinson’s is unknown and there is no cure, but treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
As well as using conventional medications, some Parkinson’s disease patients are turning to natural products to help manage their condition.
Canadian and Dutch researchers found of 367 PD patients surveyed, 16% used coffee specifically to reduce the impact of PD-related symptoms, 13% used cannabis, and 5% reported using both coffee and cannabis products. Other natural products in fairly common use included turmeric (10%), chamomile (5%), and velvet bean (7%).
But the researchers warn:
“Natural health products are commonly used to alleviate symptoms by people with PD, but most users are unaware that these products can interact with PD medication and do not discuss their consumption with their healthcare professional.”
The research article has been published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.
On a related note, a survey carried out by the USA’s Parkinson’s Foundation in 2021 revealed insights on the use of and views on cannabis among people living with PD. According to the Foundation, more than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s Disease. PD is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease, and men are 1.5 times more likely than women to have it.
The direct and indirect cost of Parkinson’s is estimated to be nearly $52 billion per year – just in the USA.
The Foundation has also published a guide to medical marijuana and PD; outlining some of the potential benefits and risks. It notes there isn’t conclusive scientific evidence that cannabis is beneficial in managing PD.
“While some results have been positive, the effects of medical marijuana are probably not completely understood,” says the Foundation. “This is why more studies, especially those with more subjects, are needed.”
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