A woman suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s disease has shown notable improvements in her brain function after using mushrooms that contain psilocybin, according to a recent case report published in Frontiers in Neuroscience.
The report highlighted the experience of an elderly Japanese American woman, whose identity was not disclosed. For about a decade, she had been battling Alzheimer’s and had faced significant decline in her abilities over the past five years. The study described her as having advanced dementia, with very limited ability to communicate or move, and she required help with daily tasks.
During the study, the woman participated in two sessions involving psilocybin mushrooms. She took a 5-gram dose during the first session and a 3-gram dose a month later. Following her first dose, she experienced excessive sweating and a long sleep-like state. Remarkably, 19 hours later, she began to recall personal memories and engage in conversations that lasted several hours.
In the weeks that followed, there were positive changes in her condition. She regained urinary control, could walk on her own, dress herself, and hold conversations. Additionally, she started expressing emotions and maintaining eye contact, even smiling with others.
After the second session, her speech and ability to express humor improved even more, along with her walking agility and continence. Although she experienced some sweating and a temporary rise in body temperature, no serious side effects were recorded.
While the improvements lasted for at least a month, the study acknowledged the need for caution in interpreting these findings since they were based on a single patient without a control group or standardized testing. The researchers noted that the Alzheimer’s diagnosis wasn’t confirmed with modern methods, and other conditions could not be ruled out entirely. Therefore, it’s unclear whether the psilocybin directly led to her improvements.
Experts stress the importance of conducting more comprehensive studies to validate these findings. Dr. Courtney Kloske from the Alzheimer’s Association emphasized that patients and caregivers should consult their healthcare providers about any treatments they consider.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a medical analyst, expressed skepticism about the study’s significance, citing the temporary nature of the effects and the potential risks of administering hallucinogens to individuals with severe cognitive impairments. Despite his concerns, he acknowledged that psilocybin might have some value in controlled environments.
As various states in the U.S. begin to allow legal access to psilocybin, it remains a Schedule I substance federally, with no FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer’s or dementia available yet. Some states, like Oregon and Colorado, have initiated regulated programs for psilocybin services.
In conclusion, further research is essential before widespread claims can be made regarding the use of psilocybin for treating Alzheimer’s disease.
