Cannabis and Memory in Older Adults
Official title: Effects of cannabis on age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimers disease pathology
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11111453 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research looks at how cannabis use affects memory and brain health in older adults, especially concerning age-related memory changes and Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $510,214 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG072714-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11111453 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults who use cannabis or are considering its use, and those concerned about age-related cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease, are ideal candidates to follow this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older adults or who do not use cannabis may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this research.
What this research studies
Many older adults are using cannabis for various reasons, but we don't fully understand how it impacts their thinking and memory. While most past research on cannabis and memory focused on younger people, this project will explore how cannabis, when used in common ways like smoking or edibles, affects the aging brain. We want to see if cannabis might help or harm memory and if it plays a role in conditions like Alzheimer's disease. This work aims to fill a critical gap in our knowledge to better inform older adults about cannabis use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide clear guidance to older adults and their doctors about the risks and benefits of cannabis use for cognitive health and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Research on cannabis and cognition in older adults is very limited, making this a novel area, though some preclinical studies suggest cannabinoids might affect age-related brain changes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Setlow, Barry — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Setlow, Barry
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.