Clinical Trial Finds THC:CBD Spray Safe and Feasible for Treating Agitation in Alzheimer’s Patients

Conducted across care homes in the United Kingdom, the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled STAND trial evaluated the cannabinoid spray nabiximols (Sativex) as a potential therapy for agitation and aggression linked to Alzheimer’s. Nabiximols contains an equal ratio of THC and CBD and is typically administered as an oromucosal spray.

The trial enrolled 29 patients with probable Alzheimer’s disease and clinically significant agitation. Participants were randomized to receive either nabiximols or a placebo over a four-week period, followed by a four-week observation phase. The study set out to assess feasibility, safety, and preliminary effectiveness. Researchers found that none of the patients withdrew, adherence to the treatment was 100%, and there were no adverse reactions reported. While the target enrollment was not met due to COVID-19 disruptions, the authors concluded that delivering nabiximols to Alzheimer’s patients with agitation is feasible and safe.

The findings, published in Age and Ageing, support the need for a larger follow-up study to determine the potential of nabiximols as an effective treatment option for agitation in dementia patients.

The full study can be found here.