The endocannabinoid system as target for therapy and diagnostics in Alzheimer's dementia (CanAD)

The limited therapeutic effects of current treatments for AD highlight the need for new research approaches. In a current research project, we are investigating the therapeutic potential of a cannabinoid-based therapy for AD in different mouse models. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential therapeutic qualities of different cannabinoids with respect to slowing or halting the characteristic hallmarks of AD including Abeta plaque pathology, cell loss, cerebral hypometabolism, and cognitive deficits. In addition, a cannabinoid-based clinical study is planned.

In addition to the use of cannabinoids as a possible therapy for AD, we also study the effects of different phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids on the healthy organism. For example, in a recently published article, we were able to show that long-term treatment with cannabidiol has no negative effects on memory performance and anxiety behavior in healthy mice (Schleicher et al., 2019).

It has been shown that CB2 receptors are strongly upregulated in the brains of patients with AD (Benito et al. 2003; Solas et al. 2012). Therefore, CB2 represents an ideal target structure for early and non-invasive diagnosis of AD. The aim of this project is the development of new positron emission tomography (PET) tracers for imaging CB2 expression in the brain of AD patients.  

Suitable CB2 ligands with a high affinity and selectivity for the CB2 receptor will be radiolabelled and first evaluated in different mouse models for AD. In addition, CB2-PET/CT will be used to evaluate in vivo the success of different therapeutic strategies in AD mouse model.