Millions of individuals around the world suffer from Parkinson’s disease, a progressive condition that’s caused by a combination of genes, environmental factors, and lifestyle influences. While this disease cannot be cured, a good treatment plan has the power to reduce symptoms, which is a crucial aspect of living with this condition. And though traditional treatments include medication, lifestyle choices, and physical therapy, there’s been recent interest in CBD’s potential role in reducing symptoms and improving a person’s overall quality of life after diagnosis.

So, what are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and how can CBD help? Keep reading to find out.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Early signs of Parkinson’s disease are often mild and go unnoticed, but they get more severe with time. As stated by the Parkinson’s Foundation, the 10 early signs include tremors, small handwriting, loss of smell, trouble sleeping, trouble moving or walking, constipation, a soft or low voice, a masked face, dizziness or fainting, and hunching over.

As Parkinson’s disease gets more severe, a person may experience severe shaking and stiffness, difficulty with balance and coordination, depression, and cognitive changes, such as difficulty with memory and decision-making—all things that affect the well-being of an individual. 

Knowing how to handle these symptoms is key to managing this condition. Though there are treatment plans that have been used for years, the increase in research and knowledge on CBD leads us to believe that it can be a great addition. 

CBD Oil & Parkinson’s Disease

When we consider whether or not CBD oil is good for Parkinson’s disease, we have to remember that this condition does not have a cure. So the goal of incorporating CBD oil into a person’s routine is not to cure it, but rather to help them manage the symptoms and feel better in their everyday lives. Now that we’re aware of the symptoms of PD, we can better understand how CBD can make a difference.

CBD helps improve sleep

Lack of sleep, no matter the reason, can have a big impact on a person’s health. REM sleep disorder behavior, a side effect of Parkinson’s, is a condition in which a person physically acts out their dreams while sleeping, therefore, affecting their quality of sleep. The case summary of a 2014 study reported that “Four patients treated with CBD had prompt and substantial reduction in the frequency of RBD-related events without side effects.”

CBD is used by many to improve their sleep, both by people who have Parkinson’s as well as those with other sleep-related problems. Read our past article to learn more about how and when to take CBD to improve sleep.

CBD may reduce tremors

The tremor in Parkinson’s disease usually starts on one side of the body and may develop on the other side as the disease progresses. It can affect the hands, arms, face, jaw, legs, and/or feet, affecting a person’s ability to partake in their usual activities. A previous study suggests that CBD may help ease these muscle movements, stating that “Dose-related improvement in dystonia was observed in all patients and ranged from 20 to 50%.” A 2020 study also discovered that CBD helped lower tremors and anxiety in individuals with PD during a public speaking test.

CBD helps reduce pain

CBD has long been used as a remedy for pain. It can be used to help with stomach pain, both pre- and post-surgery, and PD patients are now discovering that it can be useful in their own treatment plans. Animal studies have shown this to be true. This study, for instance, showed that CBD was able to reduce pain, joint swelling, and inflammation. Another study, “Cannabis (medical marijuana) treatment for motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: an open-label observational study,” found that taking cannabis helped improve pain in PD patients. Though this study focused on medical marijuana, rather than just CBD, it shows great potential.

CBD improves the overall quality of life of Parkinson’s patients

The potential benefits of CBD that were mentioned above can translate into a better quality of life. This is because these 3 things (improved sleep, reduced tremors, and reduced pain) can reflect in many different areas of a person’s life. For instance, a better night’s sleep means a more focused mind, less grogginess, and more energy throughout the day, while reduced pain may make it easier for an individual to walk or partake in activities that they enjoy.

Final Thoughts on Using CBD Oil for Parkinson’s

Researchers are newly diving into the world of CBD and Parkinson’s disease. Though research is still limited, the few studies that have been conducted and our understanding of hemp-derived products lead us to believe that it has great potential in helping Parkinson’s disease patients manage their symptoms. However, PD patients who are interested in trying CBD should do so with the guidance of their healthcare provider. This will ensure that the CBD does not cause an unfavorable effect when mixed with other medications.

At Vitality, we believe that CBD is a great addition to a wellness routine. For those that get the thumbs up from their doctor for using CBD as part of their treatment plan, we encourage you to explore our products. We have a range of high-quality CBD oils and salves to best suit your needs.