THC may help protect against Alzheimer's when paired with an anti-inflammatory.

A mouse study found low-dose THC combined with the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib improved learning and memory and reduced hallmark Alzheimer’s brain changes; researchers say both drugs are already approved, which could help move the approach toward human testing.

Researchers report that a low-dose THC extract given with the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib improved learning and memory and reduced Alzheimer's-related brain changes in mouse models. The work builds on prior findings linking THC to increased COX‑2, an enzyme tied to inflammation and memory impairment, and on evidence that the endocannabinoid system can reduce neuroinflammation. Both drugs used in the experiments are already approved for other uses, which the team says could shorten the path to clinical testing. The study tested daily dosing for 30 days before symptoms appeared in two different Alzheimer's mouse models. Key findings: - The combination of low-dose THC and celecoxib produced stronger improvements in learning and memory than THC alone in two mouse models of Alzheimer's pathology. - Treated mice showed reductions in beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, along with lower markers of brain inflammation. - Researchers used very low doses (reported as 3 mg/kg THC and 1 mg/kg celecoxib in mice), noted as equivalent to roughly 18 mg THC and 6 mg celecoxib daily for a 165-pound person. - Earlier work by the team linked THC to increased COX‑2 activity, and celecoxib is a COX‑2 inhibitor intended to block that inflammatory effect. - The researchers are planning further studies to test whether the combination can slow progression or reverse damage after symptoms appear. Summary: The study reports that combining low-dose THC with a COX‑2 inhibitor produced measurable cognitive and molecular improvements in mice and that both drugs' existing approvals could help accelerate testing in humans. Researchers plan additional studies to assess effects after symptom onset and to determine whether the approach can move into clinical trials; timelines and human outcomes remain undetermined at this time.