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Does Cannabis Calm Vocalizations or Restlessness in Dementia? 

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

Vocalizations and restlessness are common behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, causing significant distress for both patients and caregivers. These symptoms, which can include shouting, pacing, and repetitive behaviours, often occur without clear triggers and can be difficult to manage. With growing interest in medical cannabis, particularly THC and CBD, researchers are exploring whether cannabis can help reduce vocalizations and restlessness.  

Can medical cannabis be accessed legally for women’s health?

What Causes Vocalizations and Restlessness? 

Vocalizations and restlessness in dementia are often linked to changes in brain function, especially in areas responsible for regulating emotion, memory, and behaviour. These symptoms may be caused by anxiety, disorientation, or pain, and are considered part of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). According to NHS guidelines on dementia, these symptoms are best managed with non-pharmacological approaches, including structured routines, environmental changes, and caregiver support. 

Could Cannabis Help? 

Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, stress, and behaviour. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which may help reduce agitation and hyperactivity by calming overactive neural circuits. CBD has more indirect effects, including modulating serotonin (5-HT1A) and reducing neuroinflammation, which may help stabilise mood and reduce anxiety. 

A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (PubMed 36247984) found that THC: CBD oils reduced agitation and restlessness in patients with advanced dementia. Similarly, a 2024 review in Frontiers in Psychiatry (PubMed 38447959) noted that cannabinoids have the potential to calm vocalisations and reduce repetitive behaviours, though the evidence is still in its early stages. 

What The Guidelines Say 

According to the NICE dementia guideline (NG97) and NICE guidance on cannabis-based medicinal products (NG144), cannabis is not recommended for managing vocalizations, restlessness, or other behavioural symptoms in dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society UK also notes that while cannabis may reduce agitation in some cases, its use in dementia remains experimental and unapproved. 

Clinical Bottom Line 

  • THC: CBD oils may help reduce agitation and restlessness but have not been proven to calm vocalisations in dementia. 
  • CBD may contribute to reducing anxiety and improving mood regulation, though the evidence is limited. 
  • NICE and NHS do not recommend cannabis for managing vocalizations or restlessness in dementia. 
  • Non-pharmacological approaches remain the first-line treatment. 

Educational Context: AlleviMed 

AlleviMed provides public education on the regulation and eligibility of medical cannabis in the UK. It explains how cannabis-based products are prescribed under MHRA and Home Office standards but does not promote cannabis for treating dementia-related symptoms. 

Takeaway 

While early studies suggest that cannabis may help calm agitation and restlessness in dementia, there is no reliable evidence to support its use for vocalizations or other behavioural symptoms. According to NHS and NICE guidelines, non-drug approaches such as structured routines, safe environments, and caregiver support should remain the primary strategies for managing these challenging symptoms in dementia care. 

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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