Psilocybin for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

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 the therapeutic potential of

psilocybin in the nuanced management of Alzheimer’s disease.