Biomedical
Psychedelics as a Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
Currently, there are no disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or any other dementia subtype. The renaissance in psychedelic research in recent years, in particular studies involving psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), coupled with anecdotal reports of cognitive benefits from micro-dosing, suggests that they may have a therapeutic role in a range of psychiatric and neurological conditions due to their potential to stimulate neurogenesis, provoke neuroplastic changes and reduce neuroinflammation. This inevitably makes them interesting candidates for therapeutics in dementia. This mini-review will look at the basic science and current clinical evidence for the role of psychedelics in treating dementia, especially early AD, with a particular focus on micro dosing of the classical psychedelics LSD and psilocybin.
1. What is the current state of research on psychedelics for Alzheimer's disease?
Research into the use of psychedelics for Alzheimer's disease is still in its early stages. While preclinical studies and some human trials have shown promising results, comprehensive clinical evidence is lacking. The therapeutic effects of psychedelics for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs) remain unproven, and more rigorous studies are needed to establish their efficacy and safety.
2. What are the potential benefits of psychedelics in treating Alzheimer's disease?
Psychedelics, such as psilocybin, have been associated with neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections. This property suggests that psychedelics could potentially enhance cognitive function and slow the progression of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. Additionally, studies have indicated that psychedelics may help alleviate symptoms like depression and anxiety, which are common in individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
3. Are there any clinical studies supporting the use of psychedelics for Alzheimer's disease?
Yes, there have been some clinical studies exploring the use of psychedelics in Alzheimer's disease. For instance, a study involving 16 healthy subjects showed subjective benefits of a single dose of 200 μg LSD 12 months later, with 10 participants rating the experience as one of the top 10 most meaningful of their lives. In patients with life-threatening diseases, LSD-assisted psychotherapy significantly reduced anxiety, with effects persisting 12 months after therapy in 77.7% of participants. However, these studies are limited in scope and more research is needed to confirm these findings in Alzheimer's patients.
4. What are the risks associated with using psychedelics in Alzheimer's patients?
The safety profile of psychedelics in Alzheimer's patients is not well-established. While some studies have reported that psychedelics are well-tolerated with no serious adverse events, the small sample sizes and lack of long-term data make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Potential risks include exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms, interactions with other medications, and the possibility of adverse effects in individuals with cognitive impairments.
5. What is the current stance of the medical community on using psychedelics for Alzheimer's disease?
The medical community remains cautious regarding the use of psychedelics for Alzheimer's disease. While there is interest in their potential therapeutic effects, the lack of large-scale, controlled clinical trials means that psychedelics are not yet approved for medical use in treating Alzheimer's disease. Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to assess the safety, efficacy, and long-term effects of psychedelics in this context.
Summary
In summary, while early research into the use of psychedelics for Alzheimer's disease is promising, more extensive clinical trials are necessary to determine their effectiveness and safety for patients with Alzheimer's and related dementias.
