Long-Term Cannabis Use and Cognitive Decline: A Danish Study Yields Surprising Results
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A recent study published in Brain Behaviour offers new insights into the relationship between cannabis use and cognitive function. Researchers in Denmark tracked the cognitive abilities of over 5,000 men over several decades, examining the impact of both the age of cannabis initiation and the frequency of use.
The study operationalized frequent cannabis use as consumption at least twice a week.Researchers calculated the total years of frequent use for each participant, categorizing them into three groups: no frequent use, 10 years or less of frequent use, and over 10 years of frequent use. Cognitive decline was assessed using the Børge Priens Prøve, a reliable and valid timed intelligence test.
Interestingly, the study found no meaningful association between the age of cannabis initiation and cognitive decline.”Those who initiated use after the age of 25 years had an unadjusted mean cognitive decline of about 5.8 IQ points,with both the unadjusted and adjusted models showing a nonsignificant association between the age of initiating cannabis use and cognitive decline,” the researchers reported.
Similarly, the frequency of cannabis use didn’t show a clear link to cognitive decline. “Among cannabis users, approximately 78.3% had never had a frequent—at least twice a week—use of cannabis, whereas 10.1% had been frequent cannabis users for less than 10 years and 11.7% had been frequent cannabis users for 10 years or more. Those without frequent cannabis use experienced an unadjusted mean cognitive decline of 4.5, and both the unadjusted and adjusted models showed no significant differences in cognitive decline between men with and without frequent cannabis use,” the study revealed.
While the study doesn’t definitively rule out potential long-term effects of cannabis use on cognitive function, the findings challenge some commonly held beliefs. The results highlight the complexity of the relationship between cannabis and brain health, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand the nuances of this association.
This research underscores the importance of continued investigation into the long-term effects of cannabis use, particularly given the evolving legal landscape in the United States and increasing accessibility. Further studies are needed to explore potential confounding factors and replicate these findings in diverse populations.
REFERENCE
Høeg KM, Frodegaard RL, Grønkjær M, et al. Cannabis use and age-related changes in cognitive function from early adulthood to late midlife in 5162 Danish men. Brain Behav, 2024;14:e70136. doi:10.1002/brb3.70136
Cannabis Use and Cognition: Surprising Findings from a Landmark Danish Study
A new study published in Brain Behavior has sparked debate about the long-term effects of cannabis use on cognitive function. Researchers in Denmark tracked the cognitive abilities of over 5,000 men over several decades, examining the impact of both the age at which cannabis use began and the frequency of use. The results challenged common assumptions and highlighted the need for further investigation into this complex issue.
We sat down with dr.Emily Carter, a leading neuroscientist specializing in the effects of substance use on the brain, to discuss the study’s findings and their implications.
Age of Initiation: Dose When You Start Matter?
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, this study seems to suggest that the age at which someone starts using cannabis might not be a major factor in cognitive decline later in life.Can you elaborate on that?
dr. Emily Carter: Yes, that’s one of the most interesting aspects of this research. The study found no meaningful connection between the age at which individuals began using cannabis and their cognitive performance decades later.This challenges the idea that early exposure to cannabis might have more detrimental effects on the developing brain.
senior Editor: That’s fascinating. What about the frequency of use? Did the study find any links there?
Frequency of use: A Question of Dosage?
Dr. emily Carter: Interestingly, the study also didn’t find a clear association between the frequency of cannabis use and cognitive decline. Even those who used cannabis frequently for 10 years or more didn’t show significantly greater cognitive decline compared to those who used it less frequently enough or not at all.
Senior Editor: this seems to contradict some previous studies that have suggested a link between heavy cannabis use and cognitive impairment. How do you reconcile these findings?
Dr. Emily carter: It’s crucial to remember that research on cannabis and cognition is complex and ongoing. Different studies have used different methodologies,tracked different populations,and looked at various cognitive function measures.This particular study was quite thorough in its longitudinal design and large sample size, but more research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential contributing factors.
Further Research: Unraveling the complexities
Senior Editor: What are some of the next steps in this area of research? What questions remain unanswered?
Dr. Emily Carter: There’s still much to understand about the long-term impact of cannabis use on the brain.Future studies should explore the potential influence of other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and concurrent substance use, which could interact with cannabis use and affect cognitive function. We also need to better understand the potential effects of different cannabis strains and potency levels.
Senior Editor: It sounds like this is a field ripe for further exploration. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Emily Carter: you’re welcome. It’s a crucial area of research with important implications for public health and policy.
