Can a synthetic cannabinoid calm agitation in frontotemporal dementia?

NCT ID NCT05742698

Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: Simon Ducharme, MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 28, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid, can reduce agitation in people with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Participants receive both nabilone and a placebo in random order to compare effects. The study includes adults with behavioral variant FTD or primary progressive aphasia who meet criteria for agitation.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: a synthetic cannabinoid called nabilone
What this could lead to: If it works, nabilone could offer a new way to ease agitation in frontotemporal dementia, a condition with few treatment options.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early-phase trial with only 3 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Side effects of cannabinoids can include dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia dementia frontotemporal dementia Pick disease primary progressive aphasia Psychomotor Agitation semantic dementia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BVFTD FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA, BEHAVIORAL VARIANT FTD PPA PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE APHASIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Baycrest Hospital, University of Toronto

Toronto, Ontario, M6A2E1, Canada
Brain and Mind Institute, University of Western Ontario

London, Ontario, 2P6H+GJ, Canada
CHU de Québec, Université Laval

Laval, Quebec, G1V0A6, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Toronto, Ontario, M4N3M5, Canada
The Douglas Research Centre

Montreal, Quebec, H4H1R3, Canada
University of British Columbia, St Paul's Hospital

Vancouver, British Columbia, V6Z1Y6, Canada
Western Hospital - University of Toronto

Toronto, Ontario, MH3V+9R, Canada

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