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Cannabis Could Reverse The Aging Process In The Brain

Cannabis Could Reverse The Aging Process In The Brain

A study found older mice had improved memories after a small dose.

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Stoners rejoice - a new study has found the chemical in cannabis that makes people feel high could also slow down or reverse the cognitive decline associated with old age.

OK, before we get too excited, the study was carried out on mice, not people. However, it did show that older mice who were given a low dose of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) had memories which matched the young THC-free mice.

The study, led by Andras Bilkei-Gorzo and published in the journal of Nature Medicine, saw mice of varying ages given small doses of THC and also found that young mice who were given THC performed the memory task less well than their THC-free counterparts.

Credit: PA

Speaking to the Independent, Bilkei-Gorzo said: "THC restored the cognitive ability of the old mice to the level of the young ones."

He explained that when we age, the brain's endocannabinoid system, which affects memory, moods and sensations, 'actively declines'.

"Giving THC artificially activates the system in the old mice," he added.

"It can restore signalling to a normal level."

Generic image of mice in a lab. Credit: PA

Mice were tasked with solving a water maze puzzle as well as timed on how quickly they could recognise familiar objects. The THC-free older mice struggled with both tasks, but after being given THC they performed as well as the drug-free, young mice. The results were the other way around for the young mice, however, as they performed the tasks well without THC and struggled once given it.

In the journal, researchers wrote: "These results reveal a profound, long-lasting improvement of cognitive performance resulting from a low dose of THC treatment in mature and old animals."

Physciatrist Michael Bloomfield, from University College London told the Independent that while the study was 'exciting', further research is needed because the effects of THC are 'complicated'.

He said: "This means that the possibility of doctors potentially prescribing cannabis THC or similar compounds for memory problems in older people is still a long way off."

Researchers are now looking to carry out a similar test on humans later this year. I wonder how you sign up...

Featured Image Credit: PA