Differences in Inhibitory Control and Resting Brain Metabolism between Older Chronic Users of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or Cannabidiol (CBD)—A Pilot Study

Thorsten Rudroff; Craig D. Workman; Phillip E. Gander; Justin R. Deters; Laura L. Boles Ponto

doi:10.3390/brainsci12070819

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Differences in Inhibitory Control and Resting Brain Metabolism between Older Chronic Users of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or Cannabidiol (CBD)—A Pilot Study

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Differences in Inhibitory Control and Resting Brain Metabolism between Older Chronic Users of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or Cannabidiol (CBD)—A Pilot Study

Thorsten Rudroff, Craig D. Workman, Phillip E. Gander, Justin R. Deters and Laura L. Boles Ponto

Brain sciences, Vol.12(7), p.819

06/23/2022

DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070819

PMCID: PMC9312972

PMID: 35884627

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Abstract

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive component of cannabis and cannabidiol is purportedly responsible for many of the medicinal benefits. The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in younger populations have been well studied; however, motor function, cognitive function, and cerebral glucose metabolism in older adults have not been extensively researched. The purpose of this study was to assess differences in cognitive function, motor function, and cerebral glucose metabolism (assessed via [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography) in older adults chronically using Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, and non-using controls. Eight Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol users (59.3 ± 5.7 years), five cannabidiol users (54.6 ± 2.1 years), and 16 non-users (58.2 ± 16.9 years) participated. Subjects underwent resting scans and performed cognitive testing (reaction time, Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test), motor testing (hand/arm function, gait), and balance testing. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol users performed worse than both cannabidiol users and non-users on the Flanker Test but were similar on all other cognitive and motor tasks. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol users also had lower global metabolism and relative hypermetabolism in the bilateral amygdala, cerebellum, and brainstem. Chronic use of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in older adults might negatively influence inhibitory control and alter brain activity. Future longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes investigating multiple Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol:cannabidiol ratios on functional outcomes and cerebral glucose metabolism in older adults are necessary.

Details

Title: Subtitle: Differences in Inhibitory Control and Resting Brain Metabolism between Older Chronic Users of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or Cannabidiol (CBD)—A Pilot Study
Creators: Thorsten Rudroff - University of Iowa
Craig D. Workman
Phillip E. Gander
Justin R. Deters
Laura L. Boles Ponto
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Brain sciences, Vol.12(7), p.819
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070819
PMID: 35884627
PMCID: PMC9312972
NLM abbreviation: Brain Sci
ISSN: 2076-3425
eISSN: 2076-3425
Grant note: DOI: 10.13039/100000002, name: National Institutes of Health, award: AG0643308-01
Language: English
Date published: 06/23/2022
Academic Unit: Neurology; Radiology; Health, Sport, and Human Physiology
Record Identifier: 9984274359202771

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