Research Insight: Cannabis Use and Cognitive Decline – What Does the Science Say?

Cannabis use is often associated with short-term memory challenges, but what about its long-term impact on brain health? A new decades-long study from Denmark provides some intriguing insights into this question, particularly for male users. Let’s break it down:

Key Findings of the Study:

• No Significant Harmful Effects: Over 5,000 men studied showed no significant link between cannabis use and age-related cognitive decline compared to non-users.
• IQ Decline Was Modestly Less: Cannabis users experienced 1.3 points less cognitive decline in IQ scores than non-users, even after adjusting for factors like education, smoking, and alcohol use.
• Frequent Users vs. Occasional Users: No major differences in cognitive decline were observed between frequent cannabis users and those who tried it occasionally.
• Temporary Effects: Negative impacts on cognition appear to reverse with sustained abstinence, even among former heavy users.

How Was the Study Conducted?

• Participants initially took Denmark’s conscription intelligence test between the ages of 18–26.
• Decades later (at age 64), they retook the test, with cannabis usage history recorded.
• Approximately 40% of participants reported trying cannabis at least once, and 10% had been frequent users.

Broader Implications:

1. Potential Neuroprotective Effects: Emerging evidence suggests that low doses of THC may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
2. Contrasting Tobacco and Alcohol: Unlike cannabis, tobacco and excessive alcohol use are clearly linked to faster cognitive decline.
3. Gender and Global Contexts: While this study focused on men, global research from countries like Australia supports similar findings for both genders.

What Does This Mean for Researchers?

This study invites further exploration of cannabis’s long-term effects on cognition, particularly for heavy, continuous users. It also underscores the need to consider cultural and lifestyle differences in broader studies.

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