Shocking Study Links Cannabis Use to Higher Dementia Risk

In a startling revelation, a recent study has unveiled that individuals who sought hospital care or emergency treatment due to cannabis use are at a higher risk of developing dementia within five years. This alarming finding was published in JAMA Neurology and analyzed health records from Ontario, Canada, spanning from 2008 to 2021, involving over six million adults aged 45 to 105.

The investigation focused on 16,275 patients who required acute care for cannabis-related issues, with 60% being men. Experts warn that cannabis interferes with neural signals, impacting critical brain functions such as mood, memory, and cognition.

The Science Behind the Risk

Healthcare professionals reveal that prolonged cannabis exposure can lead to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are precursors to dementia. As individuals age, their brains become more susceptible to cognitive decline, and cannabis usage exacerbates these vulnerabilities.

Dr. Madhukar Bhardwaj, head of neurology at Aakash Healthcare, emphasized that cannabis negatively affects the hippocampus, the brain's memory center. This is particularly concerning for older adults, whose slower metabolism intensifies cannabis's impact, potentially leading to atrophy of the hippocampus—a well-known dementia indicator.

A Nationwide Concern

In India, a 2018 survey reported that 31 million people (approximately 2.8% of the population) used cannabis, with about 2.5 million showing signs of dependence. It’s worth noting that cities like Mumbai and Delhi rank among the top globally for cannabis consumption.

Legislation and Cultural Context

While cannabis has deep-rooted historical and cultural significance in India, recent legislation efforts in 2016 considered medical and commercial use, and states like Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh sanctioned cannabis cultivation for medicinal purposes in 2019. This comes amidst strict regulations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985.

The Expert Consensus

Professor Manjari Tripathi from AIIMS warned against the rising trend of marijuana legalization, predicting an increase in dementia cases, especially early-onset dementia, among users. Cannabis is also linked to various health issues including cardiovascular risks, mental health disorders, and cognitive impairments.

Dr. PN Renjen highlighted risks such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, along with psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety. He noted that cannabis consumption can have severe ramifications, including cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, characterized by cyclic vomiting.

The Vulnerable Young

Adolescents are particularly at risk, as ongoing brain development can be disrupted by cannabis use, leading to long-term deficits in attention, memory, and emotional regulation. Dr. Rajul Aggarwal warned that young people and pregnant women should completely avoid cannabis.

Conclusion: A Call for Caution

As research continues to unveil the dangers associated with cannabis use, it’s clear that the implications extend far beyond recreational enjoyment. Health experts urge users to reconsider their habits for the sake of their mental health and cognitive future.