These days, the secret is out about the potential benefits of using CBD to treat various conditions, such as anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. Many people have been praising CBD for its life-improving qualities, but how does CBD affect memory? Recent research is shedding light on the subject, and the preliminary results are cause for optimism.
The Study
A study conducted at University College London indicates that taking a single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) may increase the blood flow in the regions of the brain responsible for processing memories.
Specifically, the study found that blood flow in the temporal lobes and hippocampus, the areas of the brain responsible for learning and memory, was improved by taking a single 600mg dose of CBD.
The results could have far-reaching implications when it comes to treating several memory-affecting neurological conditions.
The principal aim of the study was to measure the effect that CBD has on cerebral blood flow levels, that is, the amount of blood that flows to specific areas in the brain.
After having their brains scanned, each participant was given either a 600mg dose of CBD or a placebo. Afterward, each participant underwent arterial spin labelling, an MRI technique used by doctors and scientists to monitor blood flow in the brain.
The Results
The results showed that after ingesting a single 600mg capsule of CBD, blood flow increased in the temporal lobes of the participants, specifically in the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex regions of the brain.
So, what are the implications of the research? Might there be a real-world application of CBD for memory enhancement? What does it all mean?
Increased Cerebral Blood Flow
The study demonstrated that CBD can increase cerebral blood flow, which may be good news for those suffering from memory problems as well as Alzheimer’s and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.
Increased Dopamine Production
Because CBD has also been shown to significantly increase dopamine production, it may also help prevent memory loss.
Dopamine plays an important role in episodic memory which helps people remember where for example they parked their car, helping us remember what happened when and where.
Potential Side Effects of CBD
Some people report having a dry mouth or other discomforts, such as diarrhoea after taking CBD, but such cases are a tiny minority.
It’s always best to check with your doctor before consuming any new supplement or medication just to make sure that it’s safe for you specifically, especially if you are on any medication.
Looking Forward
There is a lot of research yet to be conducted, however studies such as the one conducted at University College London continue to provide positive results.
CBD may offer a whole host of benefits, including helping with cerebral blood flow regulation and increasing dopamine levels in the brain’s memory centers, and understanding this could indeed prove instrumental in combating a number of debilitating memory disorders.
As the research comes in, the long list of positive effects associated with CBD continues to grow. In most cases, CBD seems to be good for people, though it may well be years before scientists fully understand precisely how beneficial CBD actually is!
Your Feminapause Team xx
