Study Finds Cannabis Users Have Lower Chance of Cognitive Decline

Cannabis use is associated with lower rates of subjective cognitive decline (SCD), according to a new study by researchers at the State University of New York (SUNY). The study found that participants who used marijuana recreationally or medically had less confusion and memory loss than those who did not use marijuana.

The new study was published online last month by the journal current Alzheimer's disease research, found that recreational cannabis use had the most significant impact on cognitive decline.

The authors write that “compared to non-users, non-medical cannabis use was significantly associated with a 96% lower odds of SCD.” According to the report From the filter.

People who used cannabis for medical purposes, or for both recreational and medical purposes, also showed “reduced odds of SCD.” However, the difference did not reach a statistically significant level.

author of the study Note that previous research has found a link between heavy cannabis use and cognitive performance. Previous studies have shown that frequent or heavy marijuana use is associated with decreased verbal recall, subjective memory complaints, and decreased cognitive function, among other signs of mental decline.

“However, the cognitive effects of cannabis are not determined solely by the frequency of cannabis consumption,” the researchers wrote, and other factors such as the specific product used, the method of consumption, and the reason for use may also be “related. “It may have an impact on cognitive outcomes,” he added. With cannabis use. ”

“Our study addresses these knowledge gaps by comprehensively examining how the reasons, frequency, and methods of cannabis use among middle-aged and older adults in the United States are associated with SCD. ” added the study authors.

To conduct the study, researchers at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, analyzed health survey data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Researchers say the system's model of cognitive decline is “in Washington DC and 14 U.S. states (Georgia, Hawaii, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Maryland).'' (Michigan, Ohio). , OK, and New York).

The total sample included 4,744 observations with valid SCD responses.

Survey asked about memory loss and confusion

The survey asked respondents, “During the past 12 months, have you experienced frequent or worsening confusion or memory loss?” Respondents were given the option to answer yes, no, don't know, not sure, or decline the question.

The researchers analyzed the survey data based on three cannabis variables, including frequency of use in the past month (from 0 to 30 days); Reasons for cannabis use (including non-users, medical purposes, non-medical purposes, or both) and methods of cannabis consumption (non-users, including smoking, eating, drinking, vaporizing, dabbing, etc.).

The researchers said, “We found that non-medical cannabis use was significantly associated with lower odds of SCD compared to non-users,'' and there are several reasons for their findings. He added that it could be considered.

The researchers proposed several reasons that may explain why cannabis use is associated with lower rates of self-reported cognitive decline. They cite a recent study showing that “in a national sample of older adults, higher frequency of sleep disturbances was associated with higher risk of dementia,” and noted that many people use cannabis to help them sleep. ing.

“Several studies have found that cannabis use may improve sleep quality, help you fall asleep faster, and reduce sleep disturbances.” ,” says the discussion section of the new paper.

However, study results were inconsistent regarding several variables. Researchers found an association between the method of cannabis consumption, including a higher prevalence of SCD in cannabis smokers. The study also found a link between frequency of use and cognitive decline.

“Increased frequency and variety of cannabis use showed positive associations with SCD, but these relationships were not statistically significant.”

The researchers emphasized that this study does not negate previous research showing that frequent or heavy use of marijuana is associated with cognitive decline. Instead, they said the mixed results indicate a need for further research on the subject.

“Our findings highlight the importance of considering multiple factors, including the reason for cannabis use, when examining the relationship between cannabis and SCD,” the authors write in their conclusion. “Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms contributing to these associations.”

The authors noted several limitations to the study, including its reliance on self-reported data. They also reported a potential bias in responses from participants in states that have not legalized medical marijuana, stating that “individuals in such states may be more likely to underreport or misreport cannabis use.” “There is a gender,” he pointed out.

This research was published as a “paper in press,” indicating that it was accepted by a journal and was copy-edited and formatted for publication. Further revisions and proofreading changes may occur before the final version of the article is published.