Impact of the Cannabinoid System in Alzheimer's Disease

Curr Neuropharmacol. 2023;21(3):715-726. doi: 10.2174/1570159X20666220201091006.

Abstract

Cannabinoids are compounds isolated from cannabis and are also widely present in both nervous and immune systems of animals. In recent years, with in-depth research on cannabinoids, their clinical medicinal value has been evaluated, and many exciting achievements have been continuously accumulating, especially in the field of neurodegenerative disease. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia and has become a global health problem that seriously impacts human health today. In this review, we discuss the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. How cannabinoids act on different endocannabinoid receptor subtypes to regulate Alzheimer's disease and the roles of the endocannabinoid system in Alzheimer's disease are outlined, and the underlying mechanisms are discussed. Finally, we summarize the most relevant opportunities of cannabinoid pharmacology related to Alzheimer's disease and discuss the potential usefulness of cannabinoids in the clinical treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; CB1 receptor; CB2 receptor; Cannabinoids; endocannabinoid; neurodegenerative diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease* / drug therapy
  • Animals
  • Cannabinoids* / pharmacology
  • Cannabinoids* / therapeutic use
  • Cannabis*
  • Endocannabinoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Endocannabinoids