Cannabis and Mushrooms: A Natural Remedy for Canine Dementia

Angela Ardolino, a passionate advocate for plant-based medicine, has been pioneering the use of cannabis and mushrooms to treat canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), a condition akin to Alzheimer's in dogs. Her journey began with her own dog, Miss Daisie, who showed signs of dementia by forgetting how to drink water. Ardolino turned to natural remedies like Lion’s mane and full-spectrum hemp extract (FSHE), witnessing remarkable improvements in Daisie's condition within a week. This experience fueled her mission to explore holistic treatments for pets suffering from similar ailments

Ardolino's foray into alternative medicine was initially driven by her personal battle with rheumatoid arthritis. Dissatisfied with conventional pharmaceuticals, she discovered the benefits of cannabis, which provided her significant relief. This revelation prompted her to sell her media company and immerse herself in plant medicine studies, eventually leading her to the University of Vermont’s School of Medicine Cannabis Program. There, she learned about the endocannabinoid system present in all mammals, inspiring her to apply these insights to animal care

Establishing a rescue farm for senior animals, Ardolino began experimenting with cannabis and adaptogens on dogs that traditional veterinary medicine had given up on. Her holistic approach included dietary changes and the use of full-spectrum hemp extract, sometimes combined with THC, CBD, and other adaptogens like turmeric and medicinal mushrooms. The outcomes were transformative, with many animals recovering from severe conditions, including cancer, without the harmful side effects of pharmaceuticals

In 2024, Ardolino's efforts culminated in the Clarity Trial, a clinical study conducted with the Veterinary Health Research Centers. The trial evaluated the effects of her formulation, Clarity, on 30 senior dogs diagnosed with CCD over 84 days. The results were promising, showing significant cognitive improvements in the dogs, with even the most severe cases stabilizing. Ardolino emphasizes that CCD in dogs parallels human dementia, highlighting the trial's potential implications for Alzheimer's research in humans

Despite her successes, Ardolino is critical of the current state of veterinary medicine, particularly the prevalence of "greenwashed" products and pharmaceuticals with adverse effects. She advocates for transparency in pet product ingredients and urges pet owners to seek out Certificates of Analysis (COAs) to ensure product safety. Ardolino warns against chemical flea and tick preventatives, labeling them as pesticides rather than medicines, and stresses the importance of using natural remedies first

Ardolino's work extends beyond animal treatment, advocating for a holistic approach to health that bridges human and animal wellness. She believes that the same natural compounds that benefit humans can also aid animals, promoting a "One Health" vision. Her research underscores the potential of cannabinoids and mushrooms to enhance the body's natural healing processes, challenging traditional pharmaceutical approaches and suggesting a future where nature's pharmacy plays a central role in healthcare

Living among the redwoods in Northern California, Ardolino continues her work, driven by the belief that plants and mushrooms are the original medicine. She argues that these natural remedies can teach the body to heal itself, converting regular cells into natural killer cells that target rogue cells. Her approach, which integrates holistic pet care with broader wellness practices, offers a new perspective on aging with dignity, whether for humans or their four-legged companions