Researchers at the University of Kentucky are investigating the potential of medical cannabis to alleviate symptoms in late-stage dementia patients through the LiBBY Study, a clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The study aims to find alternatives to current treatments like sedatives, which often come with significant side effects, and improve the quality of life for patients in their final years.
Addressing Unmet Needs in Late-Stage Dementia Care
Greg Jicha, M.D., Ph.D., a neurologist and director of clinical trials at UK’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, emphasized the pressing need for alternative treatments. "We have very few medicines used to provide comfort in the later stages of dementia," Jicha stated. He noted that while much of the focus is on preventing or slowing the disease in its early stages, the needs of late-stage patients are often overlooked. These patients often experience acute symptoms, making simple tasks difficult and requiring constant care.
The LiBBY Study, named after a late-stage dementia patient, explores the potential benefits of cannabis-derived treatments for addressing agitation and discomfort. "There’s nothing more painful to family members than watching their loved one with dementia agitated, fearful or frightful," Jicha shared, highlighting the emotional toll on both patients and their families.
Scientific Basis and Study Design
The study is grounded in the understanding that cannabinoid receptors in the brain are tied to emotional regulation. "This could be an opportunity to bring peace and even improve interactions between patients and their families in the final stages of life," Jicha explained. The trial offers participants access to THC and CBD through an open-label extension after an initial randomization phase, ensuring all enrolled patients can benefit from the study’s findings.
Jessica McFarlin, M.D., division chief of UK HealthCare’s Palliative and Supportive Care, highlighted the importance of evidence-based treatments in palliative care. "We need evidence-based treatments to ensure we’re providing the highest quality of care, even in those final chapters," McFarlin said. She also noted that the study provides a structured, monitored alternative to self-medication, which many families are currently resorting to without knowing the safety or effectiveness of the products they are using.
Implications for Policy and Future Research
Researchers are optimistic that the findings of the LiBBY Study could pave the way for dementia to be formally recognized as a medical condition for which cannabis can be prescribed in Kentucky. "Our hope is that this research will demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of medical marijuana for managing dementia symptoms," said Jicha. The University of Kentucky Cannabis Center is a vital resource for this research, providing access to cutting-edge research, expertise, and infrastructure.
McFarlin added, "If this trial is successful, it could open doors for using medical marijuana in other end-of-life conditions, offering more choices and hope for patients and families alike."
