CBD for Vascular Dementia Symptoms: What a Small Clinical Trial Suggests

When people think about dementia, memory loss usually comes to mind first. Forgetting names, dates, or familiar routines is often seen as the defining feature. But for many individuals living with dementia - and for the families who support them - memory changes are only part of the story.

Mood swings, agitation, restlessness, anxiety, sleep disruption and emotional distress are often the symptoms that affect daily life the most. These behavioural and psychological changes can be exhausting, confusing, and deeply upsetting, not only for the person experiencing them but also for carers trying to offer comfort and stability.

This is why researchers are increasingly interested in approaches that might gently support emotional balance and wellbeing, especially in older adults. One area receiving growing attention is cannabidiol (CBD) - a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant.

A recent small clinical trial explored how CBD might affect behavioural and psychological symptoms in people with vascular dementia. While the study does not provide definitive answers, it offers an interesting and cautious glimpse into how CBD could fit into future conversations around supportive care.

Understanding vascular dementia, in simple terms

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia, after Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike Alzheimer’s, which is linked to changes in brain proteins, vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.

This reduced blood flow can happen after strokes, small blood vessel damage, or other conditions that affect circulation. Over time, parts of the brain may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to cognitive and emotional changes.

People with vascular dementia may experience:

• Difficulties with planning or decision-making

• Slower thinking

• Changes in mood or personality

• Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity

Importantly, symptoms can vary widely depending on which areas of the brain are affected. This makes vascular dementia particularly complex to manage.

Behavioural and psychological symptoms: the hidden burden of dementia

Beyond cognitive changes, many people with dementia experience what clinicians call behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, often shortened to BPSD.

This term may sound technical, but it simply refers to non-memory symptoms such as:

• Agitation or restlessness

• Anxiety or fearfulness

• Mood changes, including low mood or irritability

• Disturbed sleep patterns

These symptoms are very common and can appear at different stages of the condition. For families, they are often the most challenging part of caregiving, as they affect communication, relationships and daily routines.

Current medications used to manage these symptoms can sometimes cause significant side effects, especially in older adults. This has encouraged researchers to explore alternative approaches that might offer support with better tolerability.

Why CBD has caught researchers’ attention

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of many naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce a “high”.

CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network involved in regulating processes such as mood, stress response, sleep and overall balance. Because this system plays a role in emotional regulation, scientists have become interested in whether CBD could offer supportive effects in situations involving distress or behavioural disruption.

Previous research has highlighted CBD’s:

• Non-intoxicating nature

• Generally favourable tolerability profile

• Potential interaction with pathways involved in stress and emotional processing

These characteristics make CBD an area of interest in populations where gentle, well-tolerated approaches are especially important - including older adults.

How the clinical trial was carried out

The study in question was designed as a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which is considered a strong research format.

In practical terms, this means:

• Participants were randomly assigned to receive either CBD or a placebo

• Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving which treatment

• Behavioural symptoms were assessed using established clinical questionnaires

The trial involved elderly individuals diagnosed with vascular dementia. Researchers assessed participants at several points over a few weeks to observe changes in behavioural and psychological symptoms.

Using multiple assessment tools allowed researchers to track changes in areas such as agitation, emotional expression and overall behavioural burden.

What the researchers observed

Although the study was small, the results offered some notable observations.

Participants who received CBD showed changes in behavioural symptom scores over time, particularly in measures related to agitation and psychological distress. These shifts suggested that CBD may influence how behavioural symptoms present in certain individuals.

Importantly, CBD was reported as well tolerated within the study group. Side effects were monitored, and no major safety concerns were highlighted during the trial period.

It’s worth emphasising that these findings do not suggest dramatic or immediate effects. Instead, they point toward subtle changes that may be meaningful in the context of daily comfort and emotional regulation.

What this study does not tell us

Responsible research interpretation is just as important as the findings themselves.

This study does not show that CBD treats or cures vascular dementia. It does not suggest that CBD replaces medical care, nor does it provide evidence that CBD will work for everyone.

There are also important limitations:

• The number of participants was small

• The study duration was relatively short

• Results cannot be generalised to all forms of dementia

Rather than offering conclusions, the study contributes to an ongoing research conversation. It highlights areas where further, larger studies are needed.

What this could mean for families and carers

For families navigating dementia care, research like this may feel cautiously encouraging. It reflects a growing scientific interest in supportive options that focus on comfort, emotional balance and quality of life - not just symptom suppression.

CBD oil is often discussed as a background support rather than a solution. Its potential role, based on current research, appears to align more with supporting calm and balance rather than altering disease progression.

For carers, this reinforces the importance of:

• Managing expectations

• Prioritising safety and professional guidance

• Viewing CBD as one possible part of a broader support approach

Education and transparency are key. Understanding what CBD can and cannot do helps families make informed, grounded decisions.

Safety considerations for older adults

Ageing bodies process substances differently, which makes safety especially important.

While CBD is generally considered well tolerated, older adults often take multiple medications, and interactions are always a consideration. This is why any interest in CBD should be approached thoughtfully and cautiously.

Key principles include:

• Starting low and observing individual response

• Choosing products that are clearly labelled and quality-controlled

• Seeking professional advice when appropriate

It’s also important to remember that not all CBD products are the same. Transparency around sourcing, testing and formulation matters.

A careful step forward, guided by science

This small clinical trial adds another piece to the evolving picture of CBD research. While it does not provide definitive answers, it suggests that CBD may have a role worth exploring in the context of behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with vascular dementia.

As science continues to explore CBD’s potential, staying informed, realistic and curious remains the most responsible path forward.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Pessoa RMDPP, Chagas MHN. Effects of cannabidiol on behavioral and psychological symptoms of vascular dementia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eur Psychiatry. 2023 Jul 19;66(Suppl 1):S78.