Confirmation of Candidature - A Combined Cannabidiol and Vitamin E Therapy to Improve Cerebrovascular Function in Older Adults.

The global population is ageing, with a majority of countries sustaining rapid growth in older age groups (both ≥ 65 years and ≥ 80 years age groups). In 1990, the proportion of people 65 years or older was 6% and this has increased to approximately 10% currently, with an anticipated increase to 16% by 2050. While healthcare improvements have improved longevity, certain aspects of ageing, such as cognitive decline, can negatively impact the ability of older persons to live independently, which results in increased care and support from external sources, such as aged care facilities or in-home carers. Consequently, therapies that aim to slow cognitive decline and/or reduce the risk of the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia, have the potential to reduce the burden that ageing may have on public healthcare systems. There is preliminary evidence that cannabidiol may have multiple haemodynamic effects in several areas of the brain, particularly in diseases affecting the cerebrovasculature. Additionally, preclinical evidence shows that the antioxidant action of vitamin E can lead to improved cerebrovascular function. However, to date, there have not been any clinical trials which have assessed the effect of chronic dosing of cannabidiol or vitamin E on cerebrovascular function in humans. Given the outcomes of combining vitamin E with another active ingredient and enhancing each ingredient's cerebrovascular effects, the idea of combining cannabidiol and vitamin E brings potential for augmenting the action of each. Consequently, further research is required to establish whether regular administration of cannabidiol and vitamin E, both individually and concomitantly, can prevent, or lessen the impact of, neurodegenerative diseases through improvement of cerebrovascular function. This PhD project seeks to address this line of research, by conducting a systematic review of the literature pertaining to both cannabidiol and vitamin E's effect on cerebrovascular function and through an initial trial of both medications' effect on cerebrovascular function in older adults. The outcomes of this research will provide valuable insight into what should be investigated next, including whether these medications could be used for specific neurodegenerative diseases.

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