Psychedelics have specific drug actions, such as inducing structural and functional neural plasticity, that could potentially treat mental health conditions and impact diseases affecting the brain, like Alzheimer’s Disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a brain disorder, typically occurring in seniors, that disrupts the communication between neurons and causes cell death. It is usually found in brain regions responsible for memory, learning and attention.
This interruption of signals is caused by a buildup of harmful proteins called neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid-beta, which cause inflammation in the brain.
Reducing brain inflammation with psychedelics
To ease inflammation in the brain, researchers have suggested activation of the serotonin receptor (5-HT2A). Classic psychedelics have been shown to target and activate the 5-HT2A receptor.
Regions of the brain susceptible to Alzheimer’s, such as the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, have high concentrations of the 5-HT2A receptor.
Activating the 5-HT2A receptor could result in a decrease in the inflammation and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. Furthermore, activating the 5-HT2A receptors can release chemical signals that help form new nerve cells and strengthen their connections. This may help reverse the loss of cell function and cell death that occurs in Alzheimer’s.
Studies in rats and humans have shown that activating the 5-HT2A receptor via psychedelics reduces brain inflammation while improving memory, learning and focus.
Psychedelics to slow down or reverse brain atrophy
The atrophy of dendritic spines (the arms of brain cells) and reduction of synapse density are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s Disease, and neuronal atrophy underlies many of the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases related to mood, memory and cognition.
Recent evidence has shown that stimulation of the 5-HT2A receptors promote growth of neurons, making psychedelics attractive experimental treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
In addition to activating the 5-HT2A receptor, psychedelics activate the receptor mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) which is involved in neuron growth and survival.
Suggesting that activation of these receptors with psychedelics may slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and alleviate the psychological symptoms associated with the disease.
Potential treatments for behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Not only do psychedelics possess the potential to advance cognitive performance in Alzheimer’s patients. They can also help treat the depression and decreasing quality of life associated with Alzheimer’s.
Approximately 40% of patients with Alzheimer’s have anxiety. Recent studies have suggested that anti-anxiety and depression medications such as SSRIs or talk therapy are less effective in individuals with dementia. Alternative therapies, such as psychedelics, could be useful for individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRDs).
Drs. Albert Garcia-Romeu and Paul B. Rosenberg conduct psychedelic clinical research at the Center for Psychedelic & Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins University. They are investigating if psychedelics can help people living with ADRDs cope with their condition.
While the therapeutic effects of psychedelics for ADRDs remain unproven, researchers believe psychedelics could positively impact the neurological causes of ADRDs or its associated psychiatric symptoms.
The Hopkins team is conducting the first study of its kind in people with ADRDs. They have a clinical trial recruiting for the use of psilocybin for depression in people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s Disease and another related trial is investigating psilocybin therapy for depression and anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease.
According to ClinicalTrials.gov, no clinical trials are listed to study the effect of psychedelics directly for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, only studies for the management and treatment of depression and anxiety related to ADRDs.
The potential of psychedelics in treating Alzheimer’s Disease offers a promising avenue for future research. While preliminary findings are encouraging, especially in addressing both neurological and psychological symptoms, further studies are essential. The journey towards understanding and possibly harnessing these substances for neurodegenerative diseases is just beginning.
This article was first published on Nina’s Notes and is republished on Psychedelic Health with permission.
