Cannabinoids for Behavioural Symptoms in Adults with Dementia: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines

Antipsychotics have historically been used off-label for treating dementia-related behavioural symptoms in adults residing in long-term care, but the modest benefit of treatment was found to be outweighed by the harms – including an increased risk of death – for most people. Thus, the use of antipsychotics has generally been reserved for shortterm treatment of the most severe cases of aggression. Identifying safer, more effective alternatives to antipsychotics is a priority. One such potential alternative under investigation is the use of cannabinoids. The objective of this report was to review the evidence base for the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of behavioural symptoms in adults with dementia.