Are Clinical Studies Reporting Improved Caregiver Outcomes with Cannabis in Dementia Care?

PostedMarch 12, 2026

UpdatedMarch 12, 2026

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Julia Sutton, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

As research into medical cannabis for dementia expands, one area of interest is whether these treatments might also improve the wellbeing of caregivers. However, according to NHS and NICE guidance, there is no clear evidence that cannabis-based medicines, including THC, CBD, or dronabinol, lead to better caregiver outcomes or reduce caregiver burden in dementia care (NICE NG97; NICE NG144).

What The Research Shows

Recent trials have focused primarily on whether cannabinoids can ease behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, anxiety, or sleep problems. These studies often include secondary measures assessing caregiver stress or perceived quality of life.

A 2023 randomised crossover trial of cannabinoids in older adults with dementia found no significant improvement in overall quality of life or caregiver burden scores compared with placebo, even though some participants showed mild reductions in agitation (PubMed Study).

Similarly, a 2024–2025 Swiss feasibility study of oral THC/CBD oil reported that while caregivers noted slightly calmer behaviours in some patients, the differences were modest and statistically insignificant (Swiss Study). Most caregivers described the treatment as tolerable but not transformative, citing minimal change in daily stress or support needs.

What Guidelines Say

According to NHS and NICE, cannabis-based medical products are not recommended for dementia or related caregiver distress. NICE surveillance updates confirm that current evidence remains insufficient to demonstrate meaningful benefits for either patients or carers (NHS Guidance).

The Alzheimer’s Society UK also advises that there is no reliable research showing cannabis can improve mood, cognition, or quality of life for people with dementia, and by extension, no proven benefits for caregivers (Alzheimer’s Society).

The Clinical Bottom Line

Clinical studies to date have not shown improved caregiver outcomes with cannabis-based treatments.

Mild reductions in agitation have not been translated into measurable caregiver relief.

Evidence is limited, inconsistent, and based on small participant groups.

NICE and NHS do not support cannabis use in dementia outside clinical trials.

Research into caregiver wellbeing remains ongoing, with no established benefits yet confirmed.

Educational Context: AlleviMed

Educational organisations such as AlleviMed provide trusted information about how medical cannabis eligibility is assessed within the UK. They help clarify that licensed use is currently limited to specific conditions, such as severe epilepsy or multiple sclerosis, and not approved for dementia or caregiver-related outcomes.

Takeaway

Although some caregivers report that cannabinoid treatments seem to calm behaviours in dementia, clinical evidence does not support measurable improvements in caregiver wellbeing. NICE, NHS, and Alzheimer’s Society guidance all conclude that cannabis-based medicines should not be used for dementia care outside research trials. Support for caregivers remains best achieved through established dementia care services and behavioural interventions.

Julia Sutton, MSc

Author

Julia Sutton is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and experience providing psychological assessment and therapy to adolescents and adults. Skilled in CBT, client-centered therapy, and evidence-based interventions, she has worked with conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and conversion disorder. She also has experience in child psychology, conducting psycho-educational evaluations and developing tailored treatment plans to improve learning and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

Reviewer

Dr. Clarissa Morton is a licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and experience across hospital, community, and industrial pharmacy. She has worked in emergency, outpatient, and inpatient pharmacy settings, providing patient counseling, dispensing medications, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Alongside her pharmacy expertise, she has worked as a Support Plan & Risk Assessment (SPRA) officer and in medical coding, applying knowledge of medical terminology, EMIS, and SystmOne software to deliver accurate, compliant healthcare documentation. Her skills span medication safety, regulatory standards, healthcare data management, and statistical reporting.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewers's privacy.