Psilocybin for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Siyi Zheng, Rong Ma, Yang Yang, Gang� Li
Frontiers in Neuroscience July 10, 2024 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1420601 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Disease Hallucinogen |
| Citations | 23 |
| Key findings | Psilocybin's modulation of the 5-HT2A receptor may enhance neural plasticity, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive functions, while also alleviating anxiety and depression in Alzheimer's disease patients. |
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) stands as a formidable neurodegenerative ailment and a prominent contributor to dementia. The scarcity of available therapies for AD accentuates the exigency for innovative treatment modalities. Psilocybin, a psychoactive alkaloid intrinsic to hallucinogenic mushrooms, has garnered attention within the neuropsychiatric realm due to its established safety and efficacy in treating depression. Nonetheless, its potential as a therapeutic avenue for AD remains largely uncharted. This comprehensive review endeavors to encapsulate the pharmacological effects of psilocybin while elucidating the existing evidence concerning its potential mechanisms contributing to a positive impact on AD. Specifically, the active metabolite of psilocybin, psilocin, elicits its effects through the modulation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2A receptor). This modulation causes heightened neural plasticity, diminished inflammation, and improvements in cognitive functions such as creativity, cognitive flexibility, and emotional facial recognition. Noteworthy is psilocybin’s promising role in mitigating anxiety and depression symptoms in AD patients. Acknowledging the attendant adverse reactions, we proffer strategies aimed at tempering or mitigating its hallucinogenic effects. Moreover, we broach the ethical and legal dimensions inherent in psilocybin’s exploration for AD treatment. By traversing these avenues, We propose therapeutic potential of psilocybin in the nuanced management of Alzheimer’s disease.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on psilocybin, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic psychedelics: An integrative review of epidemiology, therapeutics, mystical experience, and brain network function. General population | 2019 | Integrative review | |
| The pharmacology of psilocybin | 2002 | Review | |
| Serotonin research: contributions to understanding psychoses | 2008 | Review | |
| Psychedelics, Meditation, and Self-Consciousness | 2018 | Review | |
| The abuse potential of medical psilocybin according to the 8 factors of the Controlled Substances Act | 2018 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 16
- Psilocybin and psilocin regulate microglial immunomodulation and support neuroplasticity via serotonergic and AhR signaling. International Immunopharmacology June 26, 2025
- Mushrooms, Microdosing, and Mental Illness: The Effect of Psilocybin on Neurotransmitters, Neuroinflammation, and Neuroplasticity. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 2025
- Ethical issues with psychedelic-assisted treatments in psychiatry: A systematic scoping review Psychological Medicine 2025
- Psychedelics meet human brain organoids: insights into proteomics and potential for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Front Dement August 4, 2025
- Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for Parkinson's disease without depression: A case-report. Journal of Parkinson's disease March 1, 2025
and 11 more in the library
Cites 134
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Default Mode Network Activity and Connectivity in Psychopathology Annual Review of Clinical Psychology March 29, 2012
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
and 129 more in the library