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. CLICK TO REVIEW
KEY WORDS: Psychedelic, psychoplastogen, psilocybin, neuroplasticity, ayahuasca, neurodegeneration,
Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, BPSD