A new study led by the University of Texas Health San Antonio suggests that combining a cannabis ingredient with an anti-inflammatory medication may improve cognitive indicators linked to Alzheimer's in animal models. 

According to PR Newswire, the research was published in December 2025 in the Aging and Disease journal and points to promising effects of the combination of THC and celecoxib on brain function and disease signs.

Combination of THC and anti-inflammatory alters disease markers

According to the site, the experiment was conducted on mice using low doses of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis, along with celecoxib, a selective inhibitor of the COX-2 enzyme already approved for clinical use in humans. 

Researchers observed that this combination not only improved the cognitive performance of the animals but also reduced the presence of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, two central markers of Alzheimer's disease, and decreased signs of inflammation in the brain.

In the same study, isolated THC improved some cognitive parameters, but also raised markers of brain inflammation, limiting its isolated use in neurological conditions. 

The addition of celecoxib, in doses considered low compared to previous studies, was able to block the inflammation associated with THC while preserving its beneficial effects on the brain function of the tested models.

Path to clinical trials and next steps

According to the site, one of the reasons the results are noteworthy is that both THC and celecoxib are medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which may facilitate future clinical studies in humans. 

Researchers emphasize that, although the study focused on the prevention or delay phase of Alzheimer's symptoms, future studies will investigate whether this combination can also slow the progression of the disease or even reverse cognitive deficits after the onset of symptoms.