Psychedelic-inspired approaches for treating neurodegenerative disorders.

Psychedelics show promise for treating depression, PTSD, and substance use disorder, potentially by reversing cortical atrophy through effects on neurotrophic factors, neuronal growth, and immune modulation. This review argues that similar approaches could benefit neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, where the primary psychedelic target, the 5-HT2A receptor, is dysregulated. Evidence also suggests psychedelics might help manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). The authors call for more research in neurodegenerative models, emphasizing that the compounds' robust effects on neuroplasticity and inflammation warrant further investigation.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Psychedelics are increasingly being recognized for their potential to treat a wide range of brain disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder. Their broad therapeutic potential might result from an ability to rescue cortical atrophy common to many neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases by impacting neurotrophic factor gene expression, activating neuronal growth and survival mechanisms, and modulating the immune system. While the therapeutic potential of psychedelics has not yet been extended to neurodegenerative disorders, we provide evidence suggesting that approaches based on psychedelic science might prove useful for treating these diseases. The primary target of psychedelics, the 5-HT2A receptor, plays key roles in cortical neuron health and is dysregulated in Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, evidence suggests that psychedelics and related compounds could prove useful for treating the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). While more research is needed to probe the effects of psychedelics in models of neurodegenerative diseases, the robust effects of these compounds on structural and functional neuroplasticity and inflammation clearly warrant further investigation.