While medical and recreational cannabis use is becoming more frequent among older adults, the neurocognitive consequences of cannabis use in this age group are unclear. The aim of this literature review was to synthesize and evaluate the current knowledge on the association of cannabis use during older-adulthood with cognitive function and brain aging. We reviewed the literature from old animal models and human studies, focusing on the link between use of cannabis in middle- and old-age and cognition. The report highlights the gap in knowledge on cannabis use in late-life and cognitive health, and discusses the limited findings in the context of substantial changes in attitudes and policies. Furthermore, we outline possible theoretical mechanisms and propose recommendations for future research.

The limited evidence on this important topic suggests that use in older ages may not be linked with poorer cognitive performance, thus detrimental effects of early-life cannabis use may not translate to use in older ages. Rather, use in old ages may be associated with improved brain health, in accordance with the known neuroprotective properties of several cannabinoids. Yet, firm conclusions cannot be drawn from the current evidence-base due to lack of research with strong methodological designs.

尽管老年人使用医疗和娱乐性大麻的频率越来越高，但是在这个年龄段使用大麻的神经认知后果尚不清楚。这篇文献综述的目的是综合和评估关于成年人中使用大麻与认知功能和脑衰老之间关系的当前知识。我们回顾了来自旧动物模型和人体研究的文献，重点研究了中老年人使用大麻与认知之间的联系。该报告强调了在晚年和认知健康中使用大麻的知识方面的差距，并讨论了在态度和政策发生重大变化的情况下的有限研究结果。此外，我们概述了可能的理论机制，并提出了未来研究的建议。

关于这个重要主题的有限证据表明，老年人使用大麻可能与较差的认知能力没有联系，因此，早期使用大麻的有害影响可能不会转化为老年人使用。相反，根据几种大麻素的已知神经保护特性，老年使用可能与改善大脑健康有关。然而，由于缺乏强有力的方法设计研究，因此无法从当前的证据基础上得出明确的结论。