Nisha Pandey

Cannabis-Based Treatment Shows Promise In Easing Agitation In Dementia: New Clinical Trial

A new Phase II clinical trial has found that a carefully formulated cannabis-based treatment may help alleviate agitation in people with advanced <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">dementia</a></span>. The findings offer hope for patients and caregivers who face one of the most distressing symptoms of the disease. 

The findings are a result of the LiBBY (Life's End Benefits of cannaBidiol and tetrahYdrocannabinol) trial, that was presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 in London. 

Researchers say the treatment, which combines purified tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in an oral formulation, showed significant improvements compared to a placebo. 

The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II study enrolled 120 hospice-eligible adults with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/museum-visits-movies-concerts-linked-to-slower-biological-aging-study-finds-article-155106591" data-type="tilCustomLink">dementia</a> experiencing significant agitation. 

Participants received either the THC/CBD formulation or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers assessed agitation using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) along with clinician evaluations of behavioral improvement. 

According to the trial results, participants in the cannabis treatment group experienced significantly greater reductions in agitation than those given a placebo. 

Clinician assessments showed improvement in 83.9% of treated participants after two weeks, compared with 30.5% in the placebo group. 

By 12 weeks, improvement was seen in 87.2% of treated participants versus 23.6% receiving placebo. Nearly 90% of treated participants showed overall clinical improvement during the study.

The study's lead investigator, Dr. Jacobo Mintzer of the Medical University of South Carolina, said, "These results were extremely impressive and showed a level of response not seen before in clinical trials related to dementia. Rarely do we see close to 90% of patients in a trial respond positively to a new medication."

He added, "Agitation affects many people with <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/whos-new-dementia-guidelines-prioritize-healthy-habits-warn-against-supplements-article-155105783" data-type="tilCustomLink">late-stage dementia</a>, causing symptoms such as restlessness, aggression, and emotional distress that can profoundly impact patients and their caregivers. Current treatment options are limited and often carry significant side effects."

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/normal-ageing-or-alzheimers-doctors-explain-six-key-differences-to-watch-for-article-154962355" data-type="tilCustomLink">Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch For</a> 

<h2>Agitation Is A Major Challenge in Advanced Dementia </h2>

Agitation affects the majority of people living with <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/your-country-may-influence-your-dementia-risk-more-than-you-think-study-suggests-article-155095835" data-type="tilCustomLink">Alzheimer's disease</a> and other dementias, especially in the advanced stages. 

Symptoms may include pacing, aggression, yelling, restlessness, irritability, and emotional distress, making day-to-day care increasingly challenging. 

It also places a heavy emotional and physical burden on caregivers. Many currently prescribed medications, including antipsychotics and sedatives, may increase the risk of falls, excessive sedation, stroke, or even death in older adults. 

A treatment that safely reduces agitation without substantially increasing adverse events could be helpful for the patients as well as caregivers. 

Investigators said that the results are the strongest seen so far in clinical trials on agitation in advanced dementia.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/alzheimers-may-be-detectable-years-before-symptoms-says-neurology-expert-article-154909226" data-type="tilCustomLink">Alzheimer's May Be Detectable Years Before Symptoms, Says Neurology Expert</a> 

Dementia is an umbrella term describing a significant decline in mental function that interferes with everyday life. It commonly affects memory, thinking and reasoning abilities and is caused by underlying conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/healthy-lifestyle-changes-improve-memory-thinking-in-older-adults-at-dementia-risk-the-lancet-article-155086205" data-type="tilCustomLink">vascular dementia</a>.

Cannes 2026: ‘21 September’ Director Karen Kshiti Suvarna Talks Alzheimer’s, Memory and Caregiving

<ul><li><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/captain-sully-sullenberger-miracle-on-the-hudson-pilot-reveals-early-stage-alzheimers-diagnosis-article-155101166" data-type="tilCustomLink">Memory problems</a></li><li>Confusion</li><li>Difficulty finding words</li><li>Changes in mood or behavior</li><li>Trouble completing familiar tasks</li></ul>

Dementia significantly affects an individual's ability to live independently, work and perform daily activities while placing a substantial burden on families and caregivers. 

According to the WHO, dementia costs the global economy an estimated US$1.3 trillion every year, with about half of that amount attributed to unpaid care provided by family members and friends.

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A new Phase II clinical trial has found that a carefully formulated cannabis-based treatment may help alleviate agitation in people with advanced dementia. The findings offer hope for patients and caregivers who face one of the most distressing symptoms of the disease. The findings are a result of the LiBBY (Life's End Benefits of cannaBidiol and tetrahYdrocannabinol) trial, that was presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026 in London. Researchers say the treatment, which combines purified tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in an oral formulation, showed significant improvements compared to a placebo. What Did The Trial Find? The multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II study enrolled 120 hospice-eligible adults with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia experiencing significant agitation. Participants received either the THC/CBD formulation or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers assessed agitation using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) along with clinician evaluations of behavioral improvement. According to the trial results, participants in the cannabis treatment group experienced significantly greater reductions in agitation than those given a placebo. Clinician assessments showed improvement in 83.9% of treated participants after two weeks, compared with 30.5% in the placebo group. By 12 weeks, improvement was seen in 87.2% of treated participants versus 23.6% receiving placebo. Nearly 90% of treated participants showed overall clinical improvement during the study.The study's lead investigator, Dr. Jacobo Mintzer of the Medical University of South Carolina, said, "These results were extremely impressive and showed a level of response not seen before in clinical trials related to dementia. Rarely do we see close to 90% of patients in a trial respond positively to a new medication."He added, "Agitation affects many people with late-stage dementia, causing symptoms such as restlessness, aggression, and emotional distress that can profoundly impact patients and their caregivers. Current treatment options are limited and often carry significant side effects."Also read: Normal Ageing or Alzheimer's? Doctors Explain Six Key Differences to Watch For Agitation Is A Major Challenge in Advanced Dementia Agitation affects the majority of people living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, especially in the advanced stages. Symptoms may include pacing, aggression, yelling, restlessness, irritability, and emotional distress, making day-to-day care increasingly challenging. It also places a heavy emotional and physical burden on caregivers. Many currently prescribed medications, including antipsychotics and sedatives, may increase the risk of falls, excessive sedation, stroke, or even death in older adults. A treatment that safely reduces agitation without substantially increasing adverse events could be helpful for the patients as well as caregivers. Investigators said that the results are the strongest seen so far in clinical trials on agitation in advanced dementia.Also read: Alzheimer's May Be Detectable Years Before Symptoms, Says Neurology Expert What Is Dementia? Dementia is an umbrella term describing a significant decline in mental function that interferes with everyday life. It commonly affects memory, thinking and reasoning abilities and is caused by underlying conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia.    Common Signs of Dementia: Memory problemsConfusionDifficulty finding wordsChanges in mood or behaviorTrouble completing familiar tasksThe Growing Global Burden Dementia significantly affects an individual's ability to live independently, work and perform daily activities while placing a substantial burden on families and caregivers. According to the WHO, dementia costs the global economy an estimated US$1.3 trillion every year, with about half of that amount attributed to unpaid care provided by family members and friends.

cannabis-based treatment shows promise in easing agitation in dementia: new clinical trial

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Cannabis-Based Treatment Shows Promise In Easing Agitation In Dementia: New Clinical Trial

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Cannabis-Based Treatment Shows Promise In Easing Agitation In Dementia: New Clinical Trial

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