Neuroplasticity and Neuro-Generation: The Promise of Psychedelics in Dementia Care
Kerem Kemal Soylemez, Emma Marie de Boo, Aysil Susuzlu, Joanne Lusher
Psychoactives September 2, 2025 DOI: 10.3390/psychoactives4030031 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Narrative review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Neuroplasticity |
| Keywords | Dementia |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Psychedelics may be a promising treatment for dementia by promoting neuroplasticity, reducing neuroinflammation, and enhancing cognitive flexibility, but significant safety and ethical concerns remain. |
Abstract
Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which is characterised by cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioural changes. Patients suffering from dementia often experience emotional distress, sadness and depression which also impacts the wellbeing of their caregivers. Recent research has explored the potential of psychedelics, such as psilocybin and LSD, when treating various mental health conditions. Psychedelics are known to alter perception, mood and cognition by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain. Studies suggest that psychedelics may be a promising treatment for dementia patients and promote neuroplasticity, reduce neuroinflammation and enhance cognitive flexibility. These effects could potentially lead to a reduction in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and improve the patients’ quality of life. Additionally, psychedelics might contribute to the prevention of dementia by fostering brain health and resilience against age-related decline. The application of psychedelics in dementia care might pose significant safety and ethical concerns. The present paper provides a narrative review of the existing literature on the use of psychedelics in treatment of dementia and its different types (Alzheimer’s) with the aim to raise awareness on the topic from a critical perspective.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on neuroplasticity, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A neurotrophic hypothesis of depression: role of synaptogenesis in the actions of NMDA receptor antagonists | 2012 | Review | |
| Towards an understanding of psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Review of preclinical and clinical studies | 2023 | Review | |
| Buddha's Brain: Neuroplasticity and Meditation [In the Spotlight] | 2008 | Review | |
| Neuroplasticity as a convergent mechanism of ketamine and classical psychedelics | 2021 | Review | |
| Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Neuroplastic, Immunomodulatory, and Neurotransmitter Mechanisms | 2020 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Policy Considerations for Psychedelics in Research and Medicine – What’s Next on the Schedule? Journal of Science Policy & Governance July 2, 2026
- Psychoactives in 2025: Consolidating an Interdisciplinary Platform for Psychoactive Substance Science and Looking to the Future Psychoactives April 1, 2026
Cites 35
- 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
- Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity Cell Reports June 1, 2018
- Psychedelics promote neuroplasticity through the activation of intracellular 5-HT2A receptors Science February 16, 2023
- Psychedelics promote plasticity by directly binding to BDNF receptor TrkB Nature Neuroscience June 1, 2023
- Long-term follow-up of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for psychiatric and existential distress in patients with life-threatening cancer Journal of Psychopharmacology January 9, 2020
and 30 more in the library