CBD has drawn increasing interest in recent years, with many seniors exploring how taking CBD in low doses can help them manage medical conditions like anxiety and depression
The Kensington Falls Church partnered with CV Sciences to present a free webinar on CBD to help and support our residents and their families in pursuit of accurate information and insights.
Why, How, and Safety of Low-Dose CBD
Dr. Steven Schmitz is a board-certified physician with nearly two decades of pharmaceutical industry experience—including extensive drug, dietary supplement, and clinical development experience will lead the one-hour event.
While working with several major pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Schmitz concentrated on drug safety and side effects. In addition, Dr. Schmitz was accompanied with the following for this in-demand event:
- Sue Feldmeth, RN, and founder of MC Wellness, a medical consulting firm dedicated to educating and guiding individuals on the safe use of medical Cannabis and CBD
- Jesse Karagianes, Vice President of Science, Regulation & Education at CV Sciences™, makers of PlusCBD™ and has many years of experience in the nutritional health industry. He is regarded as an authority in his field.
- Leandra Sims, The Kensington Sierra Madre’s very own Connections Memory Care Manager, shares firsthand experience of witnessing the incredible benefits CBD can offer our residents.
CBD treatment for anxiety or depression?
Anxiety is a broad term that can encompass several conditions. Generalized anxiety and anxiety-related disorders can present in various ways or with different symptoms, including excessive worry, chest pain, panic attacks, social phobia, etc.
Individuals living with depression can experience feelings of hopelessness, sadness, fatigue, uncommon aches and pains, negativity, irritability, and frustration, making even small, routine activities challenging or even overwhelming.
Low-dose CBD is gaining popularity as a treatment for anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and PTSD symptoms, generalized social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among others.
CBD oil is also used to help those living with
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Parkinson’s disease
- Arthritis
- Certain cancers
- Mental health conditions and disorders beyond anxiety and depression
What Is CBD?
CBD is the familiar name for cannabidiol, the second most prevalent active ingredient in Cannabis; THC is the other major active ingredient in Cannabis.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive component in the Cannabis plant and is the chemical responsible for the “high” feeling most people associate with consuming Cannabis.
Because CBD oil doesn’t contain THC, users don’t get “high” or experience other psychoactive effects, allowing them to access its health benefits without significant adverse effects.
The World Health Organization found that naturally occurring CBD is not only tolerated well by humans and animals but that, in its pure state, it doesn’t appear to have “abuse potential or cause harm.”
Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil for anxiety?
Hemp Oil, sometimes called Hemp Seed Oil, is extracted from seeds of the Cannabis plant, also known as the Hemp plant, and is primarily a nutritional or dietary supplement.
Hemp oil is high in Omega-3, and Omega-6 fatty acids, i.e., “healthy fats,” amino acids, and also contains high levels of beneficial antioxidants.
While both hemp oil and CBD have anti-inflammatory effects on the body, hemp oil, which does not contain THC, is typically considered a food or nutritional supplement, whereas CBD oil, which does contain THC, is considered therapeutic.
And while Omega-3 fatty acids can have preventive and therapeutic effects on mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, CBD is generally considered a more effective option for those living with anxiety.
Does CBD help socially?
According to research, evidence supporting CBD’s ability to reduce both mental and physiological anxiety suggests that it may also play a significant role in reducing as a potential treatment for social anxiety and promoting social connection.
Additionally, CBD can lessen our anxiety response to others, making socializing easier and improving a sense of connection with others.
How can this help seniors?
Research by Mental Health America found that almost 30% of all seniors live with a severe anxiety disorder to a level impacting their ability to function.
That percentage increases for seniors experiencing less severe anxiety, including stress, loneliness, fearfulness, worry, or sadness.
Prolonged anxiety can lead to feelings of disconnectedness and isolation, which can be more frequent for those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory conditions.
CBD offers an alternative to prescription drugs and their side effects. Additionally, CBD doesn’t have the same addictive qualities or properties as many traditional anti-anxiety medications can.
And CBD oil isn’t just for seniors living with anxiety. In addition to reducing the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
CBD oil offers numerous benefits that contribute to healthy aging, including,
- Improving sleep quality, decreasing interrupted sleep, and supporting older adults with difficulty staying asleep
- Reducing pain and increasing pain-restricted mobility
- Reducing neuropathy—pain, numbness, and weakness often felt in the hands and feet
- Lessening the severity of arthritis pain
- Reducing muscle spasms
- Promoting relaxation
- Regulating fear
- Supporting bone and heart health
- Stimulating appetite
How Kensington Senior Living can help seniors and their family caregivers
The Kensington Falls Church is built around a single promise: to love and care for our residents as we love and care for our own families.
Our compassionate, trained staff strives to provide the best care anywhere for your loved ones in our assisted living and memory care neighborhoods.
At The Kensington Falls Church, our residents can enjoy fine dining all day, including special diets, on-site physical rehabilitation, 24-hour medical staff, life-enrichment activities, and much more.
CBD treatment for anxiety: Why, how, and safety of low-dose CBD
Learn more about how low-dose CBD can help you or your loved one. RSVP and join us for this one-hour, free interactive event on Jan 25, 6:00 – 7:00 pm EST
Contact The Kensington Falls Church today to find out more about how we can help you provide the care you want for those you love most.
And don’t forget to check out our caregiver blog, which is packed with caregiver resources, including a list of upcoming live events.