TDNet Discover

Background: Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by loss of motor function and dyskinesia. There are currently no disease-modifying therapies on the market, leading to many exploratory trials involving new therapeutic options. Previous research has claimed that cannabinoids may have promising effects on motor symptoms in neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Objective: The objective of this review is to assess the role that cannabinoids play in the improvement of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s patients. Study Design: The study design is a systematic review of the literature to answer the clinical question “What role do cannabinoids play in alleviating motor symptoms and providing neuroprotection in patients with Parkinson’s disease when compared to traditional pharmacologic therapy?” Methods: A search of randomized control trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews was conducted via several databases, including the Cochrane Library and PubMed. The limits of the search included “last 10 years, free full-text, peer-reviewed, randomized control, meta-analysis, literature review, English”. The inclusion criteria were patients with Parkinson’s disease with motor symptoms who underwent therapy with cannabinoids. Studies that were excluded include trials with sample sizes less than 20 subjects, as well as patients with underlying psychosis or other neurodegenerative disorders. Three articles were selected to be qualitatively reviewed and analyzed for data variables that address the research question. Results: This review explored three studies that showed a varying range of outcomes in Parkinson’s patients treated with cannabinoids. Two of the studies showed improvement in self-reported symptoms of Parkinson’s disease with the use of higher doses of cannabinoids when compared to low doses or placebo, but showed no improvement in objective evaluation of dyskinesia. One of the studies failed to show any significant difference in subjective perception of dyskinesia or objective evaluation of motor movements in Parkinson’s patients. Conclusion: The literature produced over the last decade yields inconclusive data regarding the place of cannabinoids in Parkinson’s therapy. Further research is necessary to explore the use of cannabinoids in different doses, formulations, and across the stages of disease-progression. Additional research will help to determine if there is an optimal time frame and dosage form in order for cannabinoid products to be effective in treating Parkinsonian dyskinesia.