Pubdate: Wed, 20 Aug 2003
Source: United Press International (Wire)
Copyright: 2003 United Press International
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

FAKE MARIJUANA HELPS ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

CHICAGO, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Study results suggest dronabinol, a synthetic version
of THC, the active ingredient of marijuana, may reduce agitation for
Alzheimer's sufferers.

According to data presented Wednesday at the annual meeting of the
International Psychogeriatric Association, dronabinol, marketed under the trade
name Marinol, also improves appetite in Alzheimer's patients.

Dronabinol is the only cannabinoid approved by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration and is indicated for the treatment of anorexia in patients with
HIV/AIDS and for the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer
chemotherapy.

"Our research suggests dronabinol may reduce agitation and improve appetite in
patients with Alzheimer's disease, when traditional therapies are not
successful," said Joshua Shua-Haim, lead investigator in the study and medical
director of the Meridian Institute for Aging, a continuum of senior health
programs and services in New Jersey.
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MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk