Synthetic marijuana and brighter lights could improve the lives of people with dementia, new research shows

Synthetic marijuana and brighter lights could help improve the lives of people with dementia, according to new research presented Tuesday at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Chicago.

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are best known for causing a breakdown in cognitive abilities. But a host of other symptoms — including agitation, anxiety, depression and insomnia — reduce patients’ quality of life, create more challenges for caregivers, and are the leading causes for placement in assisted-living facilities or nursing homes.