Cannabis for Dementia: An Introduction with Dr. Sherry Yafai

Dementia Discussions

Dr. Sherry Yafai joins me to discuss cannabis as a treatment for many symptoms that arise with dementia. As an emergency room physician turned cannabis clinician, Dr. Yafai shares her expertise on using cannabis for issues like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and pain. We discuss appropriate dosing, cannabis formulations, and most importantly - seeing a specialist versus experimenting on your own.

Dr. Yafai stumbled into the world of medical cannabis while working in the ER, with patients mentioning using cannabis for issues like arthritis pain and chemotherapy side effects. She was skeptical at first but dove into the research to learn more. Now she consults with patients to create personalized cannabis treatment plans to replace or enhance traditional pharmaceutical options.

Episode Highlights:

[09:42] - Coming "out of the closet" to colleagues about being a cannabis doctor.

[15:39] - Why doctor recommendation makes cannabis legitimate medicine vs. recreational.

[22:22] - Using THC for improved sleep-in dementia patients.

[28:55] - Risk of addiction/dependence with medical cannabis.

[32:26] - Various formulations like chocolate, honey, tea.

[35:47] - Start low, go slow philosophy with dosing.

[43:31] - Reach out for professional guidance from a cannabis clinician.

Connect with Dr. Sherry Yafai:

· Website: https://sherryyafaimd.com/

· The Releaf Institute: https://thereleafinstitute.com/

· Cannabis Clinicians: https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/

Do you have a caregiving story to share? Barbara would love to hear from you! Please leave her a message at 310-362-8232 or send her an email through DementiaDiscussions.net. If you found value in today's episode, please don't forget to rate, follow, share, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue producing this content.