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Cannabinoid could help treat agitation in dementia patients

Published on August 7, 2026 by Pat Bulmer

Photo: Contributed

A cannabinoid pharmaceutical is showing positive results in treating agitation in patients with advanced dementia, Canada’s MediPharm Labs reports.

“The … randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study … demonstrated statistically significant improvements in agitation symptoms compared with placebo, with benefits observed as early as two weeks and sustained throughout the 12-week treatment period,” a news release from the Barrie, Ont., company said.

The positive results continued even after the trial period, the company said.

Agitation is one of the most challenging symptoms of advanced dementia and is often treated with medications that can carry significant side effects.

The Life’s End Benefits of Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol (LiBBY) study by the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California evaluated a proprietary oral combination of THC and CBD for the treatment of agitation in hospice-eligible patients with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

“The positive LiBBY study results shared today represent an important milestone for patients living with advanced dementia, their families, and the advancement of cannabinoid-based medicines,” said interim CEO Greg Hunter.

“The study findings are encouraging and add important clinical evidence in an area of urgent unmet need.”

The company is reviewing the results and evaluating potential next steps, including possible regulatory approvals, additional tests and potential collaborations.

The study was partly funded by the National Institute on Aging, an agency of the US National Institutes of Health.