Behavioral symptoms are among the most distressing aspects of Alzheimer’s disease—for both patients and caregivers. New research suggests that a cannabis-derived compound may help calm one of the most challenging symptoms of dementia: agitation.

A small clinical study has found that a synthetic form of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—one of the primary active compounds in cannabis—may significantly reduce agitation in people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers reported that patients who received the medication experienced an average reduction in agitation of about 30 percent.

The compound studied, dronabinol, is a synthetic version of THC that is already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, as well as appetite loss associated with HIV/AIDS. However, it has not been approved specifically for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia-related symptoms.

The research was conducted by investigators from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Tufts University School of Medicine, and the findings were presented at the International Psychogeriatric Association Congress in Buenos Aires in 2024.

Because the results were shared at a conference and have not yet undergone full peer review, experts emphasize that the findings should be considered preliminary. 

Why Agitation Matters in Alzheimer’s Disease

Agitation is one of the most common behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Studies estimate that as many as 70–75 percent of people with advanced Alzheimer’s experience agitation at some point during the course of the illness.

Symptoms may include:

• Restlessness or pacing

• Verbal outbursts such as yelling

• Aggression or physical agitation

• Anxiety and irritability

These behaviors can be extremely difficult for caregivers to manage and are among the leading reasons individuals with dementia are moved from home care into assisted living or nursing facilities.

“Behavioral symptoms like agitation often place the greatest emotional and physical burden on families caring for someone with dementia,” said geriatric psychiatrist Paul Rosenberg, MD, a researcher involved in the study. “Identifying treatments that safely reduce these symptoms could make a meaningful difference in quality of life for patients and caregivers alike.”

Inside the Study

The study enrolled 75 adults with Alzheimer’s disease who were experiencing moderate to severe agitation. Participants were recruited from five medical centers and randomly assigned to receive either dronabinol or a placebo.

Those in the treatment group received 5 milligrams of dronabinol twice daily for three weeks.

Researchers used standardized behavioral assessments to evaluate agitation levels on a scale ranging from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms.

At the end of the trial, the participants who received the synthetic THC showed an average reduction of about 30 percent in agitation symptoms, compared with those who received a placebo.

Importantly, the drug appeared to be generally well tolerated, with relatively few serious side effects reported.

A Potential Alternative to Risky Medications

Currently, agitation in Alzheimer’s disease is often treated with antipsychotic medications. While these drugs can sometimes help control severe behavioral symptoms, they also carry significant risks, including:

• Increased risk of stroke

• Sedation and falls

• Worsening confusion

• Higher risk of premature death in older adults with dementia

Because of these concerns, clinicians and researchers have been searching for safer alternatives.

“Many medications used today for agitation in dementia have significant safety concerns,” said geriatric psychiatrist Brent Forester, MD, a study investigator. “Compounds that act on the brain’s cannabinoid system may represent a new therapeutic pathway worth exploring.”

The Role of the Endocannabinoid System

Scientists believe cannabis-derived compounds may influence behavior through the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, stress responses, appetite, and sleep.

Early research suggests cannabinoids may have calming, anti-anxiety, and sleep-promoting effects, which could help reduce some of the behavioral disturbances seen in dementia.

However, the research in Alzheimer’s disease remains limited.

A 2023 review published in Drugs & Aging concluded that cannabinoids may help improve behavioral symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in dementia, but the authors stressed that larger clinical trials are still needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.

Similarly, a 2024 systematic review in Frontiers in Neurology found promising early signals for cannabinoid-based therapies but emphasized that evidence remains insufficient for routine clinical use.

Non-Drug Approaches Still Play an Important Role

Even as researchers explore new medications, experts emphasize that non-drug strategies remain the first line of treatment for agitation in dementia.

These approaches may include:

• Music therapy

• Gentle physical activity or walking

• Massage or therapeutic touch

• Bright-light therapy

• Structured daily routines

• Sensory stimulation programs

Research consistently shows that combining several non-pharmacologic strategies can significantly reduce behavioral symptoms in many people with dementia.

Proceed with Caution

Although cannabis-derived compounds are attracting increasing interest in dementia care, specialists caution that families should not attempt to treat agitation using over-the-counter cannabis products without medical supervision.

Cannabis products vary widely in strength and formulation, and they may interact with other medications commonly used by older adults.

In addition, no cannabis-based products are currently approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia-related symptoms.

“While these findings are encouraging, they represent only an early step,” Rosenberg noted. “Caregivers should always consult a physician before considering cannabinoid-based treatments.”

Looking Ahead

Researchers say larger and longer clinical trials are needed to determine whether THC-based therapies—or other cannabinoids—can safely help manage behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

If future studies confirm these early findings, cannabinoid-based medications could become an additional tool for clinicians seeking safer ways to manage agitation in dementia.

For families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, even modest improvements in agitation could mean less stress, fewer hospitalizations, and more time at home with loved ones.

Recent Research Sources (2023–2025)

• Rosenberg PB et al. Cannabinoids for behavioral symptoms in dementia. Drugs & Aging, 2023.

• Bilbao A et al. Cannabinoid-based therapies in neurodegenerative disorders. Frontiers in Neurology, 2024.

• Forester BP et al. Synthetic THC for agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia. Presented at the International Psychogeriatric Association Congress, 2024.

• Alzheimer’s Association. Behavioral and psychiatric symptoms of dementia research updates, 2025.