Groundbreaking study conducted at Laniado Hospital
Groundbreaking study conducted at Laniado Hospital: The use of cannabis by patients with dementia significantly improves their behavioral problems.
The study, conducted by Dr. Vered Hermush, director of the department of geriatrics at Laniado Hospital, in collaboration with the company Tikun Olam, proves that taking cannabis improves several behavioral disorders. Behavioral disorders are an integral part of dementia. These disorders are very difficult to bear for patients and their families. Geriatric physicians and the relatives of these patients are often confronted with the physical and verbal abuse of patients. Dr. Hermush, has been treating patients with dementia for many years, she tested the impact of medical cannabis on behavioral problems in these patients. The study, which lasted a year and a half, covered 64 patients, men and women, with an average age of 80 years. The results of the study are unequivocal: a dramatic positive effect has been observed. It is important to note, however, that this is initial data and further research is needed. On average, three different behavioral disorders were improved in all patients. And there was a dramatic improvement in at least one disorder in 72% of patients. In addition, no particular side effects have been observed due to cannabis. The study was recently presented at the IACM conference in Berlin and has attracted keen interest from medical officials. The study was carried out in collaboration with the company Tikun Olam: the cannabis strain used by researchers, named Avidekel, is rich in CBD and contains a very low dose of THC (a psychoactive substance). Dr. Vered Hermush said: “these results surprised me. The research hypothesis was that there would be a positive impact on patients, but I did not expect such clear and categorical results. I meet many patients and their loved ones every day who suffer from these disorders. But I think this study brings us closer to a solution to this problem.” Mr. Nadav Chen, CEO of Laniado, congratulated Dr. Hermush and her team for publishing this study. He said that “research is one of the cornerstones of the development and progress of medicine in general and of our hospital in particular. We will continue, in Laniado, to invest in such studies, both in geriatrics and other areas.”