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Can Cannabis Be Included in Person-Centred Dementia Care? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Julia Sutton, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

Person-centred dementia care focuses on supporting each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and wellbeing. As medical cannabis becomes more visible in the UK, some families wonder if it could form part of a compassionate, personalised approach to care. According to NICE and NHS guidance, cannabis may be explored cautiously in specific contexts, but it is not yet an established or licensed treatment for dementia symptoms. 

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The Role of Person-Centred Care 

Person-centred care aims to preserve dignity, autonomy, and quality of life by tailoring support to each person’s physical and emotional needs. Treatments are chosen not only for clinical benefit but also for how they align with the person’s values and daily comfort. 

Within this framework, some clinicians and caregivers have considered whether medical cannabis could help manage anxiety, agitation, or poor sleep, symptoms that can significantly impact wellbeing in dementia. 

What The Evidence Says 

Current research remains limited but cautiously encouraging. A 2025 PubMed Central study of adults aged 65 and over found that low-frequency cannabis use did not worsen cognition or daily functioning (PubMed Central, 2025). Similarly, a 2024 Age and Ageing review reported that medically supervised, low-THC or CBD-dominant oils were well tolerated and sometimes improved mood and sleep in older adults (Age and Ageing, 2024). 

However, both NICE and NHS England emphasise that cannabis-based products are not approved for dementia and must only be prescribed under specialist supervision (NHS England, 2023). Unsupervised use, particularly with high-THC products, can cause confusion, sedation, or falls. 

Integrating Cannabis Safely 

If cannabis is considered as part of person-centred care, it should be framed within the principles of safety, consent, and individual review: 

  • Start with a clear medical rationale and documented goals (for example, improving sleep or reducing anxiety). 
  • Use CBD-dominant or low-THC oils, not inhaled products. 
  • Monitor for side effects such as confusion, drowsiness, or changes in mobility. 
  • Involve carers and family members in decision-making and daily observation. 

Educational Context: AlleviMed 

AlleviMed provides educational information about regulated medical cannabis use in the UK. The platform explains how clinicians determine eligibility, dose safety, and monitoring standards under national frameworks. Dementia is not an approved indication, but its principles of supervision and informed consent align closely with person-centred care. 

Takeaway 

Cannabis can only be included in person-centred dementia care when used medically, cautiously, and under specialist supervision. Evidence suggests possible benefits for mood and rest, but safety must remain the priority. The person’s comfort, dignity, and autonomy should always guide any decision about introducing or continuing cannabis-based treatment. 

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. 

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