Using cannabidiol to help prevent Alzheimer's disease in older adults
Official title: Cannabidiol for Individuals at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10870209 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether taking CBD can help improve brain health and slow down memory loss in older adults who might be at risk for Alzheimer's disease, and participants will try different types of CBD or a placebo over six months to see how it affects their thinking and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $709,313 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079502-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10870209 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or experiencing mild cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease or those under 65 years of age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on cognitive health in older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Participants will be involved in a 24-week clinical trial where they will receive either full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD, CBD alone, or a placebo, all while being monitored for changes in cognitive function and biomarkers related to inflammation and oxidative stress. The study aims to determine if CBD can help slow down cognitive decline and improve overall mental health in this population. By participating, individuals will contribute to understanding how cannabinoids may impact Alzheimer's disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving their cognitive health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of cannabinoids like CBD is gaining popularity, this specific approach to assessing its impact on Alzheimer's disease is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical trials.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hutchison, Kent E. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Hutchison, Kent E.
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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.