Use the labels in the right column to find what you want. Or you can go thru them one by one, there are only 33,819 posts. Searching is done in the search box in upper left corner. I blog on anything to do with stroke. DO NOT DO ANYTHING SUGGESTED HERE AS I AM NOT MEDICALLY TRAINED, YOUR DOCTOR IS, LISTEN TO THEM. BUT I BET THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET YOU 100% RECOVERED. I DON'T EITHER BUT HAVE PLENTY OF QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTOR TO ANSWER.
Changing stroke rehab and research worldwide now.Time is Brain!trillions and trillions of neuronsthatDIEeach day because there areNOeffective hyperacute therapies besides tPA(only 12% effective). I have 523 posts on hyperacute therapy, enough for researchers to spend decades proving them out. These are my personal ideas and blog on stroke rehabilitation and stroke research. Do not attempt any of these without checking with your medical provider. Unless you join me in agitating, when you need these therapies they won't be there.
What this blog is for:
My blog is not to help survivors recover, it is to have the 10 million yearly stroke survivors light fires underneath their doctors, stroke hospitals and stroke researchers to get stroke solved. 100% recovery. The stroke medical world is completely failing at that goal, they don't even have it as a goal. Shortly after getting out of the hospital and getting NO information on the process or protocols of stroke rehabilitation and recovery I started searching on the internet and found that no other survivor received useful information. This is an attempt to cover all stroke rehabilitation information that should be readily available to survivors so they can talk with informed knowledge to their medical staff. It lays out what needs to be done to get stroke survivors closer to 100% recovery. It's quite disgusting that this information is not available from every stroke association and doctors group.
Showing posts with label don't follow me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label don't follow me. Show all posts
I'm doing a 12 cup pot
of coffee a day with full fat milk to lessen my chances of dementia and Parkinsons. Tell me
EXACTLY
how much coffee to drink for that and I'll change. Yep, that is a lot
more than the 400mg. suggested limit, I don't care! Preventing dementia
and Parkinsons is vastly more important than whatever problems it can
cause!
Of course, your fuckingly incompetent? doctor did
nothing with this from 3+ years ago! And still hasn't created a 24 hour
coffee station
This line is great: The findings indicate that even the Espresso Martini cocktail contains the espresso's beneficial compounds - and can contribute to staving off dementia.
Coffee has been associated with key cardiovascular benefits over the years. But how much is too much? It has remained unclear just how many cups of coffee a person can drink on a daily basis without overdoing it.
According to a scientific statement published in Circulation, adults can safely consume up to five cups of caffeinated coffee—good for approximately 400 mg of caffeine—each day. In fact, drinking that much coffee is linked to multiple benefits, including a lower risk of heart failure, heart disease and even stroke.
Higher daily doses of caffeine, however, may increase a person’s risk of high blood pressure or lead to heart rhythm issues. Researchers specifically pointed to energy drinks and their high caffeine levels as a potential health hazard.
The new scientific statement was prepared by a volunteer writing group with support from the American Heart Association (AHA). Co-authors included specialists from the fields of cardiology, nutrition, epidemiology and public health. The scientific statement does not include specific treatment recommendations, but it will help guide future recommendations developed by the AHA and other medical societies.
“Although research suggests that caffeine consumption may be associated with certain cardiovascular benefits for some people, it’s important to remember that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ strategy for safe caffeine consumption,” wrote electrophysiologist Gregory M. Marcus, MD, chair of the statement’s writing group and a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. “People can respond very differently to caffeine based on various factors, such as age, medications, underlying health conditions, genetics and how quickly their bodies metabolize it. What may be a reasonable amount for one person could cause unwanted effects in another, such as heart palpitations, anxiety or sleep disruption. That's why it’s important to pay attention to how your body responds to caffeine and talk with your healthcare team about what is right for you.”
Click here to read the full scientific statement in Circulation. Read about another recent analysis on this topic here.
I do coffee all day, takes that long to
get in a 12 cup pot of coffee. This won't change my habit, it's mainly
to reduce my dementia and Parkinsons risk and no one knows the amounts
for that.
I'm still doing a 12 cup pot of coffee daily to prevent Parkinsons
and frailty! Much more important than any problems it can cause.
I'm doing a 12 cup pot
of coffee a day with full fat milk to lessen my chances of dementia and Parkinsons. Tell me
EXACTLY
how much coffee to drink for that and I'll change. Yep, that is a lot
more than the 400mg. suggested limit, I don't care! Preventing dementia
and Parkinsons is vastly more important than whatever problems it can
cause!
Of course, your fuckingly incompetent? doctor did
nothing with this from 3+ years ago! And still hasn't created a 24 hour
coffee station
This line is great: The findings indicate that even the Espresso Martini cocktail contains the espresso's beneficial compounds - and can contribute to staving off dementia.
If you’re a coffee lover, this news will surely perk you up. According to the American Heart Association’s recent scientific statement in Circulation, most adults can safely consume up to five, 8-ounce cups of caffeinated coffee (equal to about 400 mg of caffeine) a day without harming your heart or increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease.
The scientists also say for some people, that third, fourth, or fifth cup may decrease the risk of some cardiovascular conditions, including stroke, heart failure, heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and atrial fibrillation, along with Type 2 diabetes.
These findings are reassuring because they finally dispel the long-standing myth that coffee is detrimental to cardiovascular health, says Craig Basman, M.D., a structural and interventional cardiologist and associate director of Structural and Congenital Heart Disease at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) in Hackensack, NJ.
“The conventional guidance, based on earlier studies and the existing literature, was to limit caffeine intake to one to two cups a day,” he explains. “But now we’re seeing that moderate coffee consumption may actually provide cardioprotective benefits, and adding an extra cup or two daily doesn’t appear to increase cardiovascular risk, including arrhythmia (an abnormal or irregular heart rhythm) risk, in healthy adults,” says Dr. Basman.
Related video: How much coffee per day is safe? Here's the answer. (WATN Memphis)Bibhu Mohanty, M.D., a structural cardiologist and an associate professor at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine in Tampa, agrees. He believes the AHA statement acknowledges and gives a broad recommendation that’s good for most people based on existing data, all without pushing any extremes. statement acknowledges and gives a broad recommendation that’s good for most people based on existing data, all without pushing any extremes.
“This is the most definitive statement coming from a body as authoritative as the American Heart Association,” says Dr. Mohanty. “What they’ve distilled is in the 3 to 5 cup range, you’re not going to hurt yourself or add to your cardiovascular risk.”
Here’s more of the research findings and how those drinking a little extra Joe every day may keep some cardiovascular issues, and more, at bay.
How might coffee protect your heart?
Coffee beans, harvested from coffee trees, are the seeds that grow inside a fruit called the “coffee cherry.” Like other plant-based foods, coffee offers a multitude of positive properties. For example, according to many studies, consuming plant-based foods can significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, some types of cancers and all-cause mortality.
What is it about coffee’s content that might account for a healthier ticker? It may be due to the flavonoids in the beans. “A lot of plant-based products have a variety of flavonoids (bioactive compounds with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities) that impact blood vessel tone and how well they can dilate,” says Dr. Mohanty. “If the lining of blood vessels is allowed to properly dilate, it can allow for more blood flow to the heart, which can be very important if a person has plaque buildup in their arteries.”
Dr. Mohanty also says research has shown that flavonoids contribute to improving your high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as the “good” type of cholesterol, and decreasing your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol levels. “Flavonoids can shift the ratio of HDL and LDL cholesterol so it’s going in a good direction,” says Dr. Mohanty.
A higher intake of flavonoids has also been found to lower the risk of hypertension. One study in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine reported those people who had the highest total flavonoid intake were 25% less likely to have high blood pressure compared to the participants with the lowest flavonoid intake.
“Unfiltered coffee can raise unwanted cholesterol whereas filtered coffee cannot,” Dr. Basman says. Why? By using a mesh or paper filter, it prevents certain negative compounds like cafestol, a natural oil that raises LDL levels, from making its way into your coffee.
Adding any extras to your brew can also interfere or cancel out any cardiovascular protection. “The health benefits are quickly lost when you start adding fillers, such as sugar, cream, milk or flavored syrups,” explains Dr. Basman. “You’re adding things containing chemicals and/or fat that’s not necessarily healthy for the heart. For instance, cream or whole milk may raise your cholesterol.”
The paper’s scientists also note adding sugar or dairy products to your coffee can substantially increase calorie intake. This can of course result in extra weight gain, which can potentially increase your risk of developing conditions such as obesity and diabetes, both of which could lead to heart problems.
But Dr. Basman says don’t sweat it too much if you don’t want to drink your coffee straight. “Although the healthiest way to consume coffee is generally black, I’m not overly concerned about a modest amount of milk or sugar having a significant negative metabolic effect,” he says. “As long as it’s not in excessive quantities, it’s unlikely to meaningfully offset the cardiovascular benefits we’re seeing.”
What about other caffeinated drinks?
It's important to note the research looked at caffeinated black coffee and emphasize these possible cardiovascular benefits don’t apply to caffeinated sodas or those keep-you-awake energy drinks, the latter of which can have whopping amounts of caffeine.
“Individually, these drinks have 3 to 10 times more caffeine than a cup of coffee, which if taken in excess, can pose potentially serious problems, such as heart palpitations, arrhythmias and high blood pressure,” warns Dr. Mohanty.
The bottom line
The researchers stress when it comes to caffeine consumption, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” strategy. Individuals can respond differently to caffeine based on an array of factors, including age, medications, underlying health conditions, how quickly their body metabolizes it and even genetics. The scientists also underscore the importance of paying attention to how you respond to caffeine and talking to your doctor if drinking more coffee doesn’t feel right.
However, for many java enthusiasts, there’s no need to feel guilty for indulging in those extra cups. Dr. Mohanty says he’s happy to know people can enjoy their caffeinated coffee and have some guidance on a specific amount of consumption that’s safe. “The paper gives a very fair assessment that consuming within that mid-range of 3 to 5 cups a day is okay and may have positive effects on your heart health.”
After all, coffee is more than just a drink to wake you up; it’s a beverage that brings people together. “Coffee is a big part of our lives both socially and culturally, and no one is trying to take that away from us,” says Dr. Mohanty.
Marijuana use seems to be more popular (or at least more openly talked about) than ever. Regardless of whether you’re on the gummy bandwagon, you might wonder how it really affects your brain after the buzz wears off.
Older adults — those 60 and older — are the fastest-growing group of cannabis users in the country. According to a 2022 study, adults over 60 who started using did so for medical reasons, including to treat pain and arthritis, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression.
While more than three-quarters of those people found the cannabis either somewhat or very helpful, the question remains: What are the side effects? You may be particularly curious about brain effects, given concerns about cognitive decline. So what exactly does the research say?
Cannabis use is linked to worse working memory
This probably isn’t too surprising, but cannabis can affect your ability to retain information in the short term. This makes some intuitive sense to anyone who has tried it: “If you smoke cannabis, afterward, if you do a working memory test where you’re trying to maintain some piece of information, like a phone number or a short list of words, you’re less good at doing that while you’re acutely intoxicated,” said Joseph Schacht, associate professor of psychiatry and co-director of the Division of Addiction Science, Prevention and Treatment at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Long-term cannabis use has also been associated with changes in brain volume. This is most pronounced in people who started using cannabis in adolescence, when the brain was still developing. “Cannabinoid exposure during that developmental window probably interferes with some of those normal brain development functions,” Schacht said.
Some research shows changes in the white matter of the brain in people who started using cannabis before the age of 16. White matter connects and facilitates communication among various regions of the brain. Younger users show more difficulty with cognitive tasks requiring executive function, such as inhibition control, linked to lower integrity of certain parts of white matter and higher behavioral impulsivity, said Staci Gruber, director of Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Gruber is the study’s lead author.
In a 2026 meta-analysis of 77 studies in the journal Addiction, cannabis use was linked with reduced volume in the amygdala in particular, a region of the brain involved in processing and regulating emotions. But this study didn’t include information on when people started using the drug.
In adults ages 40 to 70 who began using cannabis after roughly 25 years of age, lifetime cannabis use is actually associated with greater brain volume, according to research published this year in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. That’s particularly true in areas of the brain with receptors for cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis that modulate things such as pain, mood and appetite. The study authors concluded this may be a sign of the “neuroprotective” benefits of cannabis in older adults, given that brain atrophy is common with age and is linked to cognitive decline and lower quality of life.
Those neuroprotective benefits could at least partly explain why cannabis use isn’t associated with dementia risk.
We need more data on how cannabis affects mood disorders
In a review in Lancet Psychiatry, researchers found no help or harm from specific cannabinoids with relation to a number of mood-related concerns, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also concluded there wasn’t enough data to study any potential effects on bipolar disorder or depression.
Gruber, however, noted that the study looked at either THC alone, CBD alone or a combination of THC and CBD, not the potential risks and benefits of the entire cannabis plant. (THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive cannabinoid associated with the high caused by marijuana, while CBD, or cannabidiol, is a nonintoxicating cannabis compound.) “The idea that we would look primarily at single extracted compounds for things like anxiety is one that isn’t necessarily going to be as successful as when we look at multi-compound products,” she said. “The synergistic action of these things all together is significantly greater than the sum of its parts,” much like how sports teams are more successful with multiple players on the field.
Schacht notes that some people use cannabis as a way to mitigate symptoms without addressing the underlying cause. “As someone who has worked in addiction and substance use for a number of years, depression and anxiety are frequently reasons that people use a number of substances, such as cannabis, alcohol and nicotine,” he said. “Those drugs can be helpful in relieving those symptoms in the short term, but over the long term, I think it's fairly clear that they are not helpful and, in some cases, actually exacerbate the problem that led people to turn to them in the first place.”
Using marijuana as a teenager or young adult is linked to a greater risk of some serious mental health problems. “People who start using cannabis when they are young and who have any kind of a family history of psychosis or severe mental illness are at risk for developing psychosis and severe mental illness themselves because of the cannabis use,” Schacht said. The greatest association with psychosis and other severe mental illnesses is also typically strongest in the heaviest cannabis users.
Ultimately, Gruber said, more studies are needed — both larger studies and those that focus on the entire cannabis plant.
And, yet, researching cannabis is challenging because it is categorized federally as a Schedule I drug, meaning that, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, it has “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” The risk of abuse decreases as the schedule number gets higher. The government’s strict regulations on studying these substances limit research opportunities. “It would be so much easier if people could use those things in the laboratory, for example, but we can’t generally do that,” Schacht said.
That would also help researchers investigate whether the method of cannabis delivery matters. More research is needed to know whether smoking, vaping or oral administration make any difference in cognitive (or other) effects.
Age matters when it comes to problematic cannabis use
To many people, other Schedule I drugs such as heroin and LSD sound much more concerning. But research suggests that 22 percent to 30 percent of people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder, a type of substance use problem.
The risk of developing cannabis use disorder is higher in people who start using marijuana in adolescence and use it frequently. “It doesn’t mean that every single person who uses cannabis at an early age is going to have a problem, but our work and the work of others demonstrates that earlier onset of recreational cannabis use, along with more frequent and higher magnitude of use, is usually associated with worse potential outcomes,” Gruber said.
To her, future research should focus on whether the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis can be harnessed without increasing the risk of harm to improve upon current standards of care. It will take time for research to catch up to the increasing popularity of this plant, Gruber said, but that very popularity points to some benefit: “If people didn’t yield something from it, why would they keep using this?”
In the meantime, without more research, it can be challenging for some people to decide whether cannabis might benefit them. “The best thing we can hope for is good, sound, empirical data that helps to drive individuals’ decisions as opposed to hearing somebody say ‘That should never be used,’” Gruber said. If you’re concerned about a specific aspect of your brain health, such as dementia risk, and how cannabis may affect you, consider talking to your doctor before trying legal products.
(Sunday
is music at Red Cedar, Tuesday is music at Moriarties, Thursday is
trivia at Moriarties; all are bars, so alcohol is involved, there will
be no condemnations of that.) All part of my plan to exponentially
expand my social connections to prevent dementia. Alcohol will be
involved and there will be no naysaying of that.
Experts and research say this everyday habit can keep your brain healthy and sharp in your 70s.
Key Points
Social connection helps keep your mind sharp with age.
Being social supports brain and immune function while connecting you to your community.
Physical activity, quality sleep and good nutrition all support brain health.
As we age, keeping our minds sharp becomes just as important as staying physically strong. After age 65, about 40% of older adults experience some form of memory loss, and among those over 70, roughly 16% face mild cognitive impairments, such as trouble remembering or finding the right words. Although genetics and preexisting medical conditions play a role in cognitive health and aging, lifestyle habits can make a big difference in keeping your mind engaged.
While many lifestyle factors support cognition and brain health, recent research has found that your social life may play the biggest role. “The best habit for staying sharp after 70 is staying socially connected, through conversation, community activities or simply spending quality time with others,” says Erica Park, M.D., M.B.A., FAAPMR. Read on to learn why experts say social connection is the key to staying sharp in your later years.
Why Social Connection Is Key to Staying Sharp
Whether it’s meeting a friend for a walk, attending community events or hopping on a video call with family members, regular social interaction is crucial for mental sharpness. Here’s why.
It Supports Your Brain Structure and Function
Older adults who rarely interact with loved ones and have low participation in the community are at a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. “Regular interaction helps reduce stress, supports memory and keeps the mind engaged,” says Park.
Large long-term studies have found that people who are socially isolated have a 26% to 62% higher risk of dementia than those who stay socially connected. Brain scans reveal that these adults have less gray matter in brain regions that are responsible for memory and learning. These changes are linked to the underexpression of specific genes that protect against Alzheimer’s disease and support healthy brain function.
It Supports a Strong Immune System
Though you may think of physical health and cognitive health as two separate things, they’re closely intertwined. At the genetic level, loneliness causes an underexpression of anti-inflammatory genes and an overexpression of genes related to proinflammatory immune responses. This can decrease the body’s ability to ward off illness and disease.
A healthy immune system not only makes it easier to engage in other activities that support your brain and well-being, but it may also directly influence cognition. Recent research shows that poor immune function and heightened inflammation are associated with cognitive impairment, regardless if dementia is present.
It Keeps Your Mind Engaged
Every conversation or shared activity is like a mini workout for your brain. Whether you’re learning a new card game, discussing the latest read with your book club, picking up a new skill for a community project or having a deep, thought-provoking conversation, you’re engaging and strengthening areas of the brain that keep your mind sharp.
One small study found that older adults who spent at least six weeks learning skills such as drawing, learning a new language or playing music experienced improvements in executive functions—like planning, organizing and problem solving—that lasted up to a year after the learning period.
It May Keep You Active
Regular physical activity has a strong relationship to better cognitive health. “Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, supports memory and mood and keeps you socially connected if you’re part of a group or team,” says Katie Schimmelpfenning, RDN. In fact, one study found active older adults had a 37% decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to their inactive peers.
The benefits go both ways, according to a recent study that found higher levels of social support increase physical activity among older adults, while being physically active fosters more socialization. So whether you meet a friend for a walk, take a yoga class or play a game of pickleball, you’ll be sharpening your memory and thinking skills.
How to Incorporate Social Connection
If you’re looking to boost your mental sharpness through connection, here are some ways to become a social butterfly.
Join a Club or Class
Reflect on skills or topics you’ve always wanted to learn—or activities you once loved—and find a way to make them happen. “Join a local club or senior center, or participate in a group activity like a walking group, book club or community class,” suggests Park. These activities offer benefits beyond social connection, including physical activity, learning opportunities and a strong sense of purpose and community.
Schedule Weekly Dates
To hold yourself accountable and reduce decision fatigue about how you spend your time, schedule activities on your calendar. Whether you sign up for a weekly class, go for a morning walk with friends or plan a video chat with a loved one, you’re more likely to stick with a habit when others are counting on you.
Just be sure to start small and build at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable. “The more it becomes part of your weekly rhythm, the more natural—and beneficial—it will feel,” says Park.
Pair It with Another Habit
To get into the routine of scheduling and engaging in social activities, you may need to pair it with a daily habit you already do. “I recommend pairing new habits with things you already do daily,” says Schimmelpfenning. For example, if you sit down at your computer every morning to check your email, spend a few minutes checking your community events calendar or FaceTime with a family member or friend. Other great ideas include running errands or doing household tasks like gardening with a friend, or going for a group walk after participating in worship services or another community gathering.
Other Tips for Keeping the Mind Sharp
Prioritize Physical Activity. Being physically active at least five times per week may provide the biggest cognitive benefits after 70. Just be sure to start small, emphasize safety and find activities you enjoy.
Eat a Balanced, Nutrient-Dense Diet. Support your brain health by eating whole, nutrient-dense foods. “Prioritizing nourishing, balanced meals with adequate protein, fruits and vegetables can help lower inflammation and prevent chronic disease with aging,” says Hennis Tung, M.S., RD.
Continue Learning New Skills. Regularly using your mind is essential for keeping it sharp as you age. Participating in different fitness activities and exploring new topics all support improved cognitive function.
Get Enough Sleep. There is a strong relationship between aging, poor sleep and cognitive decline. While the relationship between the three is not exactly clear, adults who prioritize sleep and address sleep problems like sleep apnea or insomnia may have added protection against cognitive decline.
Our Expert Take
Staying socially connected does more than just boost your mood—it’s one of the most powerful ways to protect your brain as you age. Social interaction keeps your mind active, supports healthy brain structure, strengthens your immune system and often encourages other healthy habits like regular exercise. Whether it’s joining a community group, calling a friend or finding a workout buddy, prioritizing social connection can help you stay sharper, healthier and happier well into your 70s and beyond.
Stephen Lankenau has
spent years studying how people use cannabis in everyday life. As
director of Drexel University's Medical Cannabis Research Center, he has
watched legalization spread, products grow stronger and daily use
become increasingly common.
Yet one of the most basic questions remains surprisingly difficult to answer: How much cannabis is too much for the brain?
Social
rituals around alcohol help define moderation - a beer after work, a
glass of wine with dinner - and numerous studies have looked at safe
alcohol limits. One federally commissioned paper published this month in
the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that anything more
than one drink a day increases mortality. But cannabis is entering
mainstream life with few shared rules or routines. Researchers are
trying to understand what problematic use looks like and whether new
habits and cultural norms could help prevent it.
The
question is becoming more urgent as cannabis use rises, particularly
among younger adults, who tend to use it most heavily and are the most
likely to experiment with increasingly potent products.
Doctors
report increasing numbers of patients arriving in emergency rooms with
confusion, paranoia, rapid heart beats, dizziness and other signs of
cannabis intoxication. One study found that cases of cannabinoid
hyperemesis syndrome, a condition involving severe, repeated vomiting,
quadrupled among adults ages 18 to 35 between 2016 and 2022.
Recreational
cannabis is now legal in 24 states and D.C. In 2002, about 25 million
Americans reported using cannabis in the past year, according to the
National Survey on Drug Use and Health. By 2023, that number had climbed
to nearly 70 million. Daily or near-daily use has climbed even faster
than occasional use, and adults over 35 are now among the
fastest-growing groups of users.
Sorting
out what constitutes "too much" is tricky. Most research has not been
designed around recreational use, and today's consumers can choose from
products ranging from high-potency vapes and concentrates to gummies,
drinks and tinctures. But the science is advancing quickly. Some of the
findings challenge long-held assumptions about the benefits of cannabis
and health. And contemporary cannabis research is increasingly
converging on three big variables: How often? How young? How strong is
the drug?
1. Shifting potency
When
marijuana entered mainstream American life in the 1960s, it quickly
became attached to a familiar set of images: hippies, anti-war protests,
youthful rebellion, experimentation. The debate over its effects was
often blunt. Cannabis was either dangerous or liberating, mind-clouding
or mind-expanding.
Interpreting
cannabis research today is challenging because marijuana is far more
potent than the products used by previous generations. In the 1970s and
'80s, most cannabis flower contained relatively modest levels of THC -
often in the low single digits. Today, many commercial products
routinely exceed 20 percent THC. Concentrated products such as vape
cartridges, waxes and "dabs" can reach 70 to 90 percent.
THC,
or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound primarily responsible for
cannabis's psychoactive effects, including intoxication, paranoia and,
in some users, psychotic symptoms.
Some
scientists think highly concentrated THC may produce larger dopamine
surges and more profound disruptions in perception and salience
processing - the brain's ability to determine what deserves attention.
A
growing number of studies have linked frequent use of high-potency
cannabis to altered brain connectivity, working-memory deficits and
increased risk of psychosis-like symptoms, particularly among younger
users and people with underlying vulnerabilities.
2. Overstated mental health benefits
Many
adults, especially older ones, use cannabis for medical reasons such as
to address pain, sleep or anxiety. But two recent studies - one in JAMA
Internal Medicine and another in the Lancet - cast doubts.
The
JAMA Internal Medicine report looked at previous studies related to
PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder and other conditions,
and found that the current evidence does not support the use of cannabis
for any of them. On the other hand, the researchers warned, use of
cannabis "demonstrates substantial risks of adverse effects."
The
Lancet paper involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of 54
randomized controlled trials with nearly 2500 participants involving a
wide range of mental health and other conditions. It found some evidence
of a reduction in insomnia, tic or Tourette's syndrome, and autism
spectrum disorder, but said "the quality of this evidence was generally
low."
"Given the
scarcity of evidence, the routine use of cannabinoids for the treatment
of mental disorders … is currently rarely justified," the authors
concluded.
3. Cognitive effects may vary by age
One
of the more surprising shifts in cannabis research is that moderate use
in adulthood may not impair cognition nearly as much as scientists once
feared.
A widely
discussed 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open, which examined
middle-aged and older adults, found no major association between
moderate cannabis use and cognitive decline across several domains after
a year of use. But the researchers noted participants generally used
lower-potency products and consumed them less than daily.
Carl
Hart, a Columbia University psychologist who has studied cannabis and
other drugs for decades, argues that the adult brain may be far more
resilient to marijuana than many people assume. In one experiment, Hart
and his colleagues offered adult participants the chance to earn money
by performing well on a math test. Participants could choose whether to
smoke cannabis beforehand.
"Invariably they did not want to smoke because they wanted to make as much money as possible," Hart said.
In
this study and others, Hart found that smoking cannabis had a minimal
impact on accuracy of complex cognitive tasks. To Hart, the findings
challenge one of the oldest assumptions about marijuana - that it
inevitably drains motivation or ambition.
"Think
of all the many people who take cannabis," he said, "there are some
people not motivated to do jack, but that isn't because of cannabis. And
there are a wide range of people who have done incredible things in the
world while on cannabis. But the notion just won't die."
Other clues about what should be considered safe use come from a large 2025 study published in JAMA Network Open.
Researchers
analyzing brain scans from more than 1,000 young adults ages 22 to 36
found that the clearest cognitive effects appeared among heavy lifetime
users - people who had used cannabis more than 1,000 times. They showed
reduced brain activity during tasks of working memory - which involves
holding and using information in real time - while moderate users showed
far fewer differences. The findings suggest that frequency and
intensity of use may matter more than occasional consumption alone.
Notably,
working memory was the only cognitive domain among seven tested that
showed a statistically significant association with heavy cannabis use,
suggesting that any effects on the brain may be more targeted than
wide-reaching.
4. Teenage brains appear most vulnerable
Studies
going back decades have found that adolescents who use cannabis
regularly tend to earn lower grades and graduate from high school at
lower rates, a pattern sometimes referred to as "amotivational
syndrome."
We didn't see it in the adult brain. It was only the adolescent brain
Bertha Madras, a professor of psychobiology at Harvard Medical School
In
February, a JAMA Health Forum study that followed roughly 460,000
adolescents ages 13 to 17 into young adulthood found that using cannabis
in the previous year was associate with double the risk of later
psychotic disorders and bipolar disorders when they reach age 26. In
2025, a JAMA Psychiatry study of young adults with cannabis use disorder
found alterations in the dopamine-related brain system that were
similar to what is seen in psychosis. These observation studies cannot
prove causation, but the links have worried scientists.
Cannabis
use disorder involves an inability to quit and psychological dependence
and physiological withdrawal symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention says 3 out of 10 people who use cannabis have it.
"All
of these very serious neuropsychiatric symptoms are associated with
motivation," said Bertha Madras, a professor of psychobiology at Harvard
Medical School.
During
puberty and early adulthood, neural connections are rapidly being
formed, strengthened and pruned. In fact, brain-imaging research has
linked cannabis use before age 16 to changes in white matter, the neural
pathways that help different regions of the brain communicate.
One paper from 2021 found small declines in IQ in youths who used cannabis frequently.
Madras
has conducted animal experiments involving adolescent rats and primates
given daily marijuana exposure comparable to human use. She found
pronounced inflammation in a part of the brain involved in emotional
regulation and stress control.
"We
didn't see it in the adult brain. It was only the adolescent brain,"
she said. "We began to speculate this observation may help explain why
the drug has certain adverse effects on adolescents more than in
adults."
Some
studies suggest that cannabis use beginning at a younger age is
associated with more persistent changes in executive function and
IQ-related measures, but the findings remain subject to debate because
it is difficult to fully account for socioeconomic, environmental,
genetic and other confounding factors.
5. Chance of a cognitive rebound
The
idea of taking a "tolerance break" - a temporary pause in cannabis use -
has long been popular among regular users. Over time, the body can
become less responsive to THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis,
meaning people may need larger amounts to achieve the same effects. Many
long-term users notice that cannabis feels less potent than it once
did, even as their consumption increases.
The
field remains complicated because many studies are small and it can be
difficult to separate the effects of cannabis from those of alcohol,
nicotine and other substances.
A
2021 review published in Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports found
that some cognitive deficits associated with cannabis use - particularly
those involving attention and working memory - may improve after
sustained abstinence, especially among adults and lighter users.
Similarly, a 2018 study in the Journal of the International
Neuropsychological Society found that adolescents and young adults who
abstained from cannabis for two weeks showed measurable improvements in
attention.
Brain
imaging studies have also provided encouraging signs. Several have found
that altered patterns of brain connectivity in heavy cannabis users may
partially normalize after a period of abstinence, particularly in
networks involved in executive function, reward processing and emotional
regulation.
These
findings do not necessarily mean that all cannabis-related brain changes
are reversible, nor do they establish how long recovery may take. But
they suggest that for some people, reducing or stopping cannabis use may
allow some cognitive function to rebound over time.
6. Signs of protecting older brains
Scientists
are increasingly exploring whether certain cannabinoids might help
protect aging brains by reducing inflammation and cellular stress -
processes believed to play a role in diseases such as Alzheimer's and
Parkinson's. The research is still early, and most of the evidence comes
from laboratory studies rather than human trials.
A
2024 study from the Salk Institute drew attention for its focus on a
little-known cannabinoid called cannabinol, or CBN, which forms as THC
ages and breaks down over time.
The
researchers studied a form of cell death that has been increasingly
linked to neurodegenerative disease. In conditions such as Alzheimer's
and Parkinson's, neurons often begin to die after their mitochondria -
the tiny structures that produce energy inside cells - stop functioning
properly.
Using
mouse neurons, human brain-cell cultures and fruit-fly models, the Salk
team found that CBN appeared to help protect neurons by preserving
mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress, a damaging process
associated with aging and neurodegeneration.
The
findings generated excitement among some researchers because they
suggest that stabilizing those cellular energy systems might someday
help slow aspects of neurodegenerative decline. But scientists caution
that the work remains far from proving that cannabis-derived products
can prevent dementia or Parkinson's disease in humans.
7. Setting boundaries matters
Researchers
studying cannabis have noted that while some users develop problematic
patterns of use, most do not. This led scientists to ask what successful
users do differently. The idea stems from the long-standing "drug, set
and setting" theory, which argues that a person's experience with a
substance is shaped not only by the drug itself but also by their
mindset ("set") and the environment in which they use it ("setting").
In a paper published in December, Lankenau and colleagues looked a nine years of data on young cannabis users in Los Angeles.
They
found that most participants fell into an "uncontrolled" group that
used cannabis without consistently following self-imposed rules, while a
smaller "controlled" group practiced rules such as not using before
work or school and not driving while high. Those in the controlled group
used cannabis less frequently and were less likely to show signs of
problematic use.
A
key takeaway, he said, is that moderation may depend less on the amount
of cannabis someone uses than on whether they develop consistent
boundaries around when, where and why they use it. The authors argue
that understanding and promoting these "controlled use" practices could
become an important public health strategy in the era of legal cannabis.
Lankenau
argued that as cannabis becomes more widely available, public health
agencies - not cannabis companies - need to take the lead in educating
consumers about potency, dosing and potential risks. Because many people
can now purchase high-potency products directly from dispensaries
without consulting a physician.
"The more educated consumers are, the less negative effects we will see," Lankenau said.
Related video: How much coffee per day is safe? Here's the answer. (WATN Memphis)