Shocking Link Between Cannabis Use and Dementia!

A groundbreaking study unveiled in JAMA Neurology has revealed a disturbing correlation: individuals who visit the emergency department (ED) or require hospitalization due to cannabis use see a staggering 23% increase in the risk of being diagnosed with dementia within five years!

Experts Weigh In on the Findings

Dr. Daniel Myran, a leading expert with multiple prestigious roles, including Canada Research Chair at the University of Ottawa, underscores the seriousness of this issue. He states, “Long-term and heavy cannabis use has been linked to memory issues in midlife and structural changes in the brain that are associated with dementia.”

The Study's Scope and Insights

The analysis tracked nearly 6 million adults aged 45 and older in Ontario, Canada, between 2008 and 2021, all of whom had no prior history of dementia. Researchers monitored their health data through to 2022, aiming to measure the dementia diagnosis risks among those whose cannabis use necessitated emergency care.

Disturbing Trends in Cannabis-Related Emergencies

The results were alarming: out of the study population, 16,275 individuals (or 0.3%) sought acute care due to cannabis issues—60% of whom were male. Even more shocking is the over five-fold rise in first-time acute care visits for cannabis, escalating from just 353 cases in 2008 to a staggering 2,508 in 2021. For older adults aged 65 and above, the rise was even more pronounced!

A Closer Look at Dementia Diagnosis Rates

Among individuals seeking treatment for cannabis, 5% were diagnosed with dementia within five years and 19% within ten years. In contrast, rates for those hospitalized for other reasons were significantly lower: 3.6% at five years and 14.8% by ten years.

Comparison with Alcohol Use Shows Cannabis Risks

Further analysis showed that individuals dependent on cannabis were 1.23 times more likely to develop dementia compared to those with all-cause acute care and a staggering 1.72 times more likely compared to the general populace. Interestingly, despite these concerning statistics, cannabis users had a moderately lower risk of dementia than those engaged in alcohol-related acute care.

Cautions and Future Directions

It’s essential to note the authors stress two critical points: the association observed does not imply causation, and the patterns of cannabis use that did not lead to acute care were not examined in this study. Dr. Colleen Webber, co-author of the study, highlights potential mechanisms by which cannabis may elevate dementia risk, suggesting that regular use could change brain structure or exacerbate existing risk factors like hypertension and social isolation.

Conclusion: The Need for Further Research

With the evidence mounting on the relationship between cannabis use and dementia, Dr. Myran calls for further research to unravel these potential risks, hoping to guide conversations between patients and healthcare providers.