Psychoactive substances: novel molecular insights and therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease.
Chonglei Fu, Xuehui Li, Xiaoxing Liu, Yongbo Zheng, Xiangxian Ma, Bo Zhang, Si Chen, Lingming Hu, Sizhen Su, Xiaokun Wang, Jie Sun, Qingqing Yin, Yumei Wang, Xiaolong Fu, Yanping Bao, Yanxue Xue, Tao Xin, Lin Lu, Guichang Zou
Translational neurodegeneration July 25, 2025 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-025-00498-1 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractAlzheimer's disease causes severe cognitive decline and lacks effective treatments to halt neurodegeneration or promote neuronal repair. Psychoactive substances, including central nervous system depressants and stimulants, cannabinoids, psychedelics, opioids, and ketamine, are being explored for their abilities to enhance learning and cognitive performance and potential neurorestorative functions. This review examines the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential of these compounds in Alzheimer's disease, aiming to guide future research directions.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Alzheimer's disease Challenges Molecular insights Psychoactive substances Therapeutic potential |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key finding | Psychoactive substances show potential for enhancing learning and cognitive performance and may have neurorestorative functions in Alzheimer's disease. |
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major neurodegenerative disorder that causes severe cognitive decline and poses a significant burden on global health systems. Despite extensive research, effective treatments to stop neurodegeneration or promote neuronal regeneration in AD remain elusive. Psychoactive substances as modulators of neurophysiological functions, have received increased attention in research. The main psychoactive agents, such as central nervous system depressants and stimulants, cannabinoids, psychedelics, opioids and ketamine, are being explored for their abilities to enhance learning and cognitive performance and potential neurorestorative functions. In this paper, we review the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential of psychoactive substances in AD, in the aim to guide future research directions.