CBD is a non-does cbd help with memory component of cannabis and does not induce the ‘high’ associated with marijuana. It has been shown to increase blood flow in areas of the brain that are involved in memory processing. This is a significant finding because it suggests that CBD has region-specific effects on the human brain and does not have broader cognitive effects as suggested by previous studies (eg, in people with frontotemporal dementia).

“Mindful Molecules: Unraveling the Connection Between CBD and Memory

CBD may improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease by helping to clear protein deposits known as beta amyloid plaque from the brain. It may also reduce the buildup of tau protein tangles that form in the brain and lead to neurodegeneration. It may even slow the decline of motor skills that are characteristic of the disease. It can act as an anti-inflammatory, reduce anxiety, and help maintain sleep rhythms. CBD also appears to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is the chemical in the brain that regulates movement, mood and behavior.

A clinical study found that CBD improved episodic memory and reduced depression in people with frontotemporal dementia, a group of conditions characterized by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain’s frontal lobes (behind the forehead). People with this condition often show depressed mood, psychosis, and trouble understanding language. CBD appeared to be more effective than a typical antipsychotic drug in treating these symptoms.

CBD increases levels of proteins called IL-33 and TREM2 in mice with Alzheimer’s, which helps reduce the buildup of amyloid plaque and improves cognition. These proteins are essential for a natural housekeeping process in the brain, where microglial cells consume dead neurons and other debris, including beta amyloid.