Chapter 11 - Use of cannabidiol oil by caregivers: A focus on Alzheimer’s disease

A lack of effective treatment for the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and the stressful nature of caregiving have prompted caregivers to explore alternative treatment options. Preliminary research indicated that cannabidiol oil has neuroprotective, muscle relaxant, and antiinflammatory properties; however, little research has examined its effect on individuals with neurodegenerative disorders, in particular, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias. Although cannabidiol oil has been gaining popularity in recent years, the literature on cannabinoid administration among caregivers of individuals with AD is scarce and deserves further investigation. This review focuses on mapping the current research findings, and it concludes with some prospective directions for future research.