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A Case Report of Treatment-Resistant Agitation in Dementia With Lewy Bodies: Medical Marijuana as an Alternative to Antipsychotics.

Authors :
Ramm RM
Lerner ZI
Levy-Meeks GS
Burke RV
Raven MC
Song A
Glass MH
Source :
Journal of palliative medicine [J Palliat Med] 2023 May; Vol. 26 (5), pp. 737-740. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Dec 26.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Palliative care teams are often consulted to assist in treating persistent dementia-related behavioral issues. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) offers an alternative to traditional antipsychotic drugs in the long-term management of dementia with behavioral change. We present the case of an 85-year-old man with dementia with Lewy bodies with worsening aggression refractory to antipsychotic management. Multiple regimens of antipsychotics failed both in the outpatient and inpatient settings. After exhausting other options and in the setting of worsening agitation, a tincture of THC was prescribed. After starting THC tincture, the patient's behavior rapidly improved, and he was discharged home to the care of his spouse. The challenges of prescribing and obtaining THC are discussed.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1557-7740
Volume :
26
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of palliative medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
36576970
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2022.0343