What is ALS?
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It causes loss of muscle control, eventually leading to paralysis and death. There is currently no cure for ALS.
What causes ALS?
The exact causes of ALS are not fully understood. About 5-10% of cases are inherited, while the rest occur sporadically. Some factors that may contribute to ALS include:
– Genetics – Mutations in genes like SOD1, TARDBP, FUS, C9orf72, etc. can increase ALS risk.
– Environmental toxins – Exposure to lead, pesticides, formaldehyde, and other toxins may trigger ALS.
– Head trauma – Studies show NFL football players and military veterans have higher ALS rates, suggesting repeated head injuries could be a risk factor.
– Viral infections – Some viruses are being investigated for potential links to ALS.
– Mitochondrial dysfunction – Impaired energy production in cells may contribute to motor neuron damage.
– Glutamate toxicity – Excess glutamate can overstimulate and damage neurons.
– Oxidative stress – Free radical damage to cells and tissues may promote ALS progression.
– Protein misfolding – Clumps of abnormal protein deposits are seen in ALS patients.
ALS progression and symptoms
ALS causes degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. As these cells die, common symptoms include:
– Muscle weakness, spasticity, cramping
– Difficulty speaking and swallowing
– Impaired breathing
– Twitching and fasciculations
– Fatigue
– Weight loss
The first symptom is often weakness in a limb, the face, or difficulty speaking. Over 2-5 years, the disease spreads and patients lose abilities like walking, speaking, breathing, and swallowing. Average survival time after diagnosis is 3-5 years. About 10% live more than 10 years. Currently only one drug, riluzole, is approved for ALS and extends life by just a few months.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from cannabis plants like hemp. It is one of over 100 active compounds called cannabinoids in cannabis. CBD is gaining popularity for potential health benefits like pain relief, anxiety reduction, and more. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause psychoactive “high” effects. CBD products like oils, gummies, creams, and tinctures are widely available.
Can CBD benefit ALS?
Research into CBD for ALS is still in very early stages. CBD is not a proven cure or treatment. However, current studies suggest CBD may provide the following benefits for ALS patients:
– Reduces inflammation – Neuroinflammation is a contributor to ALS progression. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may protect nerves.
– Relieves pain – Muscle cramps and spasticity are common in ALS. CBD may help control pain and relax muscles.
– Reduces anxiety and depression – CBD improves mood disorders that frequently affect ALS patients.
– Antioxidant effects – CBD can reduce oxidative stress and free radical damage in cells.
– Improves sleep quality – Insomnia and sleep issues often occur with ALS. CBD can help restore healthy sleep cycles.
– Stimulates appetite – ALS patients often lose weight. CBD may increase appetite.
– Protects neurons – Early lab studies indicate CBD may reduce damage and death of motor neurons.
While anecdotal reports suggest CBD benefits ALS patients, more research is needed to confirm effects. Human trials are still lacking. Talk to your doctor before trying CBD.
Animal studies on CBD for ALS
Most current evidence on CBD for ALS comes from preliminary studies in mice and rats. Key findings include:
– A study in mice with an ALS gene mutation found CBD treatment delayed disease onset and extended survival. CBD reduced nerve inflammation and damage in the spinal cord.
– Mice treated with CBD after experiencing head trauma had less oxidative damage, nerve cell loss, and inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. As head trauma may trigger ALS, this indicates CBD’s protective effects.
– Rats with ALS-like symptoms had improved motor function and delayed paralysis progression when given CBD. CBD also extended survival time.
– In mice genetically engineered to model ALS, those given CBD had delayed motor impairment, less nerve cell death, and lived over a week longer than untreated mice.
Again, animal research cannot prove CBD will reliably help human ALS. But early results are promising and support further study.
Anecdotal reports of CBD for ALS
In online forums and testimonials, many ALS patients claim CBD improves several aspects of their condition. Reported benefits include:
– Reduced muscle cramps, spasticity, and pain
– Improved sleep quality and less fatigue
– Increased appetite and reduced weight loss
– Less anxiety and depression
– Slowed progression of muscle weakness
– Better lung capacity and breathing
– Improved speech and swallowing
– Delayed loss of abilities like walking
User reviews consistently cite CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties and neuroprotective effects as helpful for ALS symptoms. However, these accounts are anecdotal without research confirmation. Responses likely depend on factors like CBD dose, product quality, and individuals’ genetics.
| Study Type | Key Findings on CBD for ALS |
|---|---|
| Mice studies | – Delayed disease onset and paralysis progression– Extended survival time– Reduced inflammation and neuron death |
| Rat studies | – Improved motor function– Delayed paralysis – Extended survival |
| Anecdotal reports | – Less muscle cramps, spasticity, pain– Improved sleep and appetite– Slowed symptom progression– Better breathing and speech |
Potential risks and side effects of CBD
CBD is generally well-tolerated, with few side effects in most users. Potential drawbacks include:
– Diarrhea, appetite changes
– Fatigue, especially at high doses
– Drug interactions with blood thinners, immune suppressants, and other medications – talk to your doctor
– Beware unlabeled THC content in some CBD products – THC can worsen ALS symptoms
ALS patients are also more sensitive to side effects due to poor lung function and difficulty swallowing. Monitor your response closely when first trying CBD. Start with low doses taken orally or applied to the skin.
CBD products for ALS
CBD is not regulated by the FDA, so product quality varies. When choosing CBD, look for:
– Products from reputable brands that disclose ingredients and provide third-party test results
– Organic hemp sourced from US farms
– Full spectrum oils that contain all cannabis compounds, not just isolated CBD
– CO2 extraction method for purest CBD
– Tinctures or capsules for easy measured dosing
ALS patients often start with a low dose like 10-20 mg per day and increase slowly. Get your doctor’s guidance to find the most appropriate CBD products and dosing.
The takeaway on CBD for ALS
There is promising preclinical evidence that CBD may benefit ALS patients. However, human trials are still needed to confirm if CBD effectively treats ALS symptoms or progression. While CBD appears relatively safe, ALS patients should use it cautiously under medical supervision. CBD is not a proven ALS cure. Talk to your neurologist before trying it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD fully legal in the US?
CBD derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC is legal at the federal level. But some state laws still restrict CBD sales, so check your local regulations. CBD derived from marijuana plants remains illegal federally.
Can CBD slow down ALS progression?
Early animal research indicates CBD may help delay paralysis and loss of abilities in ALS. But this requires confirmation in human clinical trials. DO not rely on CBD alone to slow ALS progression – continue standard treatments with your doctor.
Is CBD safe for ALS patients to try?
Most evidence suggests CBD has a good safety profile, especially at lower doses. But ALS patients may be more vulnerable to side effects like fatigue and interactions with prescription medications. Talk to your doctor before trying CBD.
What’s the best way to take CBD for ALS?
Oral CBD products like tinctures, capsules, and edibles are likely best for ALS patients, as they avoid lung irritation from vaping or smoking. Work with your doctor to determine appropriate delivery methods and dosing. Start low and go slow.
Can CBD cure ALS?
No, there is no known cure for ALS at this time. While CBD may provide symptom relief, it has not been proven to cure, reverse, or permanently halt ALS itself. More research is still urgently needed.