Use of Cannabinoids in Alzheimer's Disease: integrative Synthesis of the Literature

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable neurodegenerative condition with limited therapeutic options. Cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), derived from Cannabis sativa, show therapeutic potential due to their neuroprotective properties and interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Objectives: Synthesize and evaluate the available scientific evidence on the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of AD. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review using the PubMed, SciELO, BVS, Cochrane Library and Lilacs databases, focusing on studies published between 2019 and 2024 in English and Portuguese. Articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. Results: Initially, 31 articles were identified, 13 of which were selected after reviewing the titles and abstracts, excluding one duplicate study. The 13 articles selected were read in their entirety to compose the research. Conclusion: Cannabinoids, CBD and THC, have shown promising potential in the treatment of AD, suggesting benefits in reducing neurodegenerative symptoms and neuronal protection via ECS. However, more clinical studies are needed to validate these findings and establish safe and effective therapeutic protocols.