A novel cannabis-based treatment has demonstrated significant success in reducing agitation among individuals with late-stage dementia, according to findings from the Phase 2 LiBBY (Life’s End Benefits of cannaBidiol and tetrahYdrocannabinol) clinical trial. The results, presented at the 2026 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, suggest a new therapeutic avenue for a symptom that affects more than half of individuals living with dementia.
The trial involved 120 adults diagnosed with dementia who experienced clinically significant agitation. Participants were administered an oral formulation containing 2 milligrams of THC and 100 milligrams of CBD twice daily. Within two weeks, approximately 84% of those receiving the treatment showed improvements in agitation. This figure rose to nearly 90% after 12 weeks of consistent treatment.
In comparison, only 30% of patients in the placebo group reported fewer signs of agitation after two weeks, a number that decreased to 23% by the end of the 12-week period.
"We now have evidence supporting a new and very effective treatment approach for agitation that may be appropriate for people in the final stages of dementia at the end of life," lead investigator Jacobo Mintzer stated in a press release. "These results not only highlight a promising therapeutic option, but also underscore the importance of prioritizing attention, care and research for individuals in mid- and late-stage Alzheimer’s and related dementias," added Elizabeth Edgerly, Alzheimer’s Association vice president.
Agitation in dementia patients can manifest as emotional distress, excessive motor activity, and verbal or physical tension, often signaling underlying discomfort, fear, or unmet needs in individuals who have lost the capacity to communicate effectively. Current prescription medications for agitation, including benzodiazepines, opioids, and antipsychotics, are not always effective and carry significant risks.
The study also highlighted the feasibility of including individuals with late-stage dementia in clinical trials, which could help broaden the scope of future research in the field. The findings are particularly significant given the projected increase in dementia cases, with more than 7 million Americans currently affected by Alzheimer's, a number expected to nearly double by 2060.
While the study focused on the benefits, previous research on cannabis and the aging brain has yielded mixed results. Some studies have indicated potential harm to learning and memory from THC, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Conversely, other research has suggested potential cognitive benefits for middle-aged and older adults using cannabis, and low doses of THC have been explored for their neuroprotective properties, particularly when combined with anti-inflammatory medications in preclinical studies.