Neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, degenerate the nervous system and become a global health problem. With the aging population, such diseases are expected to gain prevalence; this has led to heightened interest for possible treatments. One of these plant constituents that has been in the limelight is cannabidiol, a phytochemical occurring naturally in cannabis, said to possess neuroprotective activity. This review focuses on the role of Cannabidiol in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s patients. CBD is not psychoactive, unlike THC, one of over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors that produces balance. Cannabidiol interacts with mood, sleep, and inflammation through CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Alzheimer’s and CBD
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder that results in the loss of memories and an impairment of cognitive function due to the formation of beta-amyloid plaques within the brain as well as tangles of tau protein. Studies suggest CBD could suppress toxic protein accumulation. Animal preclinical studies demonstrated Cannabidiol may aid in the removal of beta-amyloid plaques, thereby lessening pathology due to Alzheimer’s. CBD has anti-inflammatory effects and can be therapeutically applied to neuroinflammation, which exacerbates damage to the brain and loss of cognitive ability within the context of Alzheimer’s. CBD also promotes neurogenesis, which is vital for cognitive function. Research suggests that Cannabidiol, from a list of top CBD companies, can help to increase neurogenesis in the hippocampus, the brain area responsible for memory and learning. This means that it could potentially reverse the loss of cognitive ability to those suffering from Alzheimer’s as well as improve the lifespan of such patients through the preservation and regeneration of neurons.

CBD’s Hope for Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by symptoms such as shaking, stiffness and slowed movement due to neurodegeneration and cell death of those dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra. The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects of CBD may be helpful to manage Parkinson’s disease and even the user’s general health. Studies showed that CBD does exert some effect on the endocannabinoid system and could potentially help patients with Parkinson’s disease, who have lost dopamine, regain neurotransmitter equilibrium. Early findings suggest that CBD improves motor symptoms and quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Safety and Efficacy in CBD
Safety and efficacy remain unknown and at potential. More research is required to study the effects of CBD on neurodegenerative disorders in clinical settings. New studies have shown fewer side effects than standard pharmaceutical therapies. Different formulations, dosages, and responses from patients using products from list of top CBD companies have been reported thus requiring standardization in clinical protocols as well as further research. Product quality and legality of CBD products are also an issue.