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. 2019 Dec;6(4):443-455.
doi: 10.1007/s40429-019-00285-9. Epub 2019 Oct 22.

A Systematic Review of the Neurocognitive Effects of Cannabis Use in Older Adults

Emmi P Scott  1 , Emily Brennan  1 , Andreana Benitez  1
Affiliations

A Systematic Review of the Neurocognitive Effects of Cannabis Use in Older Adults

Emmi P Scott et al. Curr Addict Rep. 2019 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Older adults currently represent the fastest growing demographic of cannabis users, yet few studies have investigated the effects of cannabis use on cognitive functioning in aging. We conducted a systematic review of the recent literature examining cognitive outcomes associated with cannabis use in older adults, with and without neurocognitive disorders, to clarify the potential neuroprotective benefits and risks of cognitive decline in this population.

Recent findings: We identified 26 studies examining cognitive outcomes associated with medical and recreational use of cannabis in healthy aging, dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, HIV, and pain populations. Although variability in the cannabis products used, outcomes assessed, and study quality limits the conclusions that can be made, modest reductions in cognitive performance were generally detected with higher doses and heavier lifetime use.

Summary: This review highlights the need for additional high-quality research using standardized, validated assessments of cannabis exposure and cognitive outcomes. Reliable measures and longitudinal data are necessary to better characterize the effects of cannabis use on cognitive aging, as well as differential effects of recreational and medical cannabis.

Keywords: aging; cannabis; cognition; marijuana; neurodegenerative disease; neuropsychological.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Andreana Benitez, Emmi Scott, and Emily Brennan declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PRISMA flowchart
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