RecruitingPhase 2NCT04436081

Effects of THC-Free CBD Oil on Agitation in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease

Sponsor

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Feb 26, 2021

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Dementia Alzheimer Disease Major Neurocognitive Disorder With Aggressive Behavior

Summary

This is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial that aims to 1) determine the efficacy of THC-free cannabidiol (CBD oil) in reducing the severity of agitation among participants and 2) determine whether THC-free CBD oil can reduce the burden on caregivers and increase the participants' quality of life.

Eligibility

Min Age: 50 YearsMax Age: 90 Years

Inclusion Criteria7

Males/females over 50 years old.
Have a diagnosis of dementia due to AD or mixed AD with another type of dementia.
A Mini-Mental State Exam score (MMSE) between 4 and 28 inclusive.
Presence of agitation with a Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI)-agitation/aggression subscore > 3.
Participants and their informal caregivers must be fluent in English (includes reading, writing, and speech) and able to give informed consent.
For patients treated with cognitive-enhancing medications (cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) and/or memantine), the dosage must be stable for at least 1 month (30 days). If the ChEI and/or memantine has been discontinued, patients may enroll after 15 days.
Eligible caregivers must either live with the participant or have a minimum of 4 hours of daily contact with them.

Exclusion Criteria16

Diagnosis of non-AD or non-mixed dementias.
Very mild dementia or advanced dementia (MMSE: greater than 28 or less than 4).
NPI-agitation-aggression score < 3.
Having a serious or unstable medical illness including cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, respiratory, endocrine, neurologic or hematologic disease which might confound assessment of safety outcomes as determined by the study physician.
Presence or history of other serious psychiatric disorders or neurological conditions (e.g. psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia).
Current abuse of/dependence on marijuana, current drug abuse, current alcohol abuse.
Having seizure disorders.
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Indication of baseline delirium as determined by the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM).
Current use of lithium.
Inability to swallow CBD oil softgels.
Changes in dosage of anti-depressives within 4 weeks before randomization and during the study.
Changes in dosage of antipsychotics or benzodiazepines within 1 week prior to randomization and during the study.
Contraindications to CBD oil (history of hypersensitivity to any cannabinoid).
Frequent falling due to orthostatic hypotension.
Use of tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), fluoxetine, and/or carbamazepine. -Patients who reside in nursing homes.