Objective: To evaluate the association between Cannabidiol (CBD) usage and cognitive performance, measured by The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in people living with Parkinson’s Disease (PwP).
Background: CBD has been shown to antagonize CB1/CB2 receptor agonists, increasing anandamide levels, which enhance GABAA receptor activity, contributing to its therapeutic potential in CNS disorders [1]. CBD usage in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is supported by its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation to limit neuronal damage, while modulating dopaminergic neurotransmission in the basal ganglia to potentially improve PD symptoms [2]. Additionally, its neuroprotective effects help preserve cognitive function by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), essential for neuronal function and memory. In motor dysfunction, CBD improves attention and motor learning [3].
Method: A cross-sectional, observational, analytical, case-control study was conducted. From 2021 to 2024, 17 PwP who regularly consumed over-the-counter CBD were identified. A control group of 17 PwP who did not consume CBD was randomly selected. Controls were matched by gender, age, educational level, and PD duration. A simple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between CBD consumption (predictor variable) and MoCA total score (outcome variable).
Results: 34 PwP were included (64.8% male, 57.0±11.9 years), with a mean PD duration of 6.4±3.5 years and mean education of 12.8±4.1 years. The mean MoCA total score was 21.8±4.1. The simple linear regression model showed that CBD consumption was not a determinant factor for cognitive performance by MoCA score (R=0.307, R²=0.0942, β=0.25, p=0.863). [table1]
Conclusion: CBD use does not appear to be associated with cognitive changes measured by MoCA in PwP, even after controlling for gender, age, educational level and PD duration variables. Nevertheless, given the scarcity of research on the therapeutic role of CBD in PD, these findings warrant further investigation into its potential therapeutic effects and the exploration of alternative treatment approaches for PD. Future studies with larger sample sizes and detailed CBD dosage analysis are necessary to validate these results and clarify potential cognitive effects.
Table 1
References: 1. Singh K., Bhushan B., Chanchal K., et al. Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Neurological Disorders: A Comprehensive Review. Behavioural Neurology. 2023
2. Hafida E., Rachid S., Halima G., et al. CBD’s potential impact on Parkinson’s disease: An updated overview. Open Medicine. 2024
3. Schouten, M., Dalle, S., Mantini, D., & Koppo, K. Cannabidiol and brain function: current knowledge and future perspectives. Frontiers In Pharmacology. 2024
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
A. López Lobato, D. Náfate Wences, A. Hernández Medrano, A. Cervantes Arriaga, M. Rodriguez Violante. Impact of Over-the-counter Cannabidiol Products on Cognition During the Course of Parkinson’s Disease [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2025; 40 (suppl 1). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impact-of-over-the-counter-cannabidiol-products-on-cognition-during-the-course-of-parkinsons-disease/. Accessed November 20, 2025.« Back to 2025 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/impact-of-over-the-counter-cannabidiol-products-on-cognition-during-the-course-of-parkinsons-disease/