title: Safety and Efficacy of Medical Cannabis Oil for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: An-Open Label, Add-On, Pilot Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To measure efficacy and safety of medical cannabis oil (MCO) containing THC as an add-on to pharmacotherapy, in relieving behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven AD patients were recruited to an open label, 4 weeks, prospective trial.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten patients completed the trial. Significant reduction in CGI severity score (6.5 to 5.7; p <  0.01) and NPI score were recorded (44.4 to 12.8; p <  0.01). NPI domains of significant decrease were: Delusions, agitation/aggression, irritability, apathy, sleep and caregiver distress.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adding MCO to AD patients' pharmacotherapy is safe and a promising treatment option.
authors.affiliation: Abarbanel Mental Health Center, Bat-Yam, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Assaf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shelef
authors.affiliation: Abarbanel Mental Health Center, Bat-Yam, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Yoram
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Barak
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
authors.forename: Uri
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.affiliation: Abarbanel Mental Health Center, Bat-Yam, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Paleacu
authors.affiliation: Abarbanel Mental Health Center, Bat-Yam, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Shelly
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tadger
authors.affiliation: Abarbanel Mental Health Center, Bat-Yam, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Plopsky
authors.affiliation: Abarbanel Mental Health Center, Bat-Yam, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
authors.forename: Yehuda
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Baruch
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001526:Behavioral Symptoms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D064086:Medical Marijuana / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010808:Physical Examination; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D064086:Medical Marijuana
keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia; cannabis; tetrahydrocannabinol