Case Report Describes Brief Functional Gains in Alzheimer's Patient After Two Psilocybin Doses

An 83-year-old woman with Alzheimer's disease began initiating conversations, regained urinary continence and dressed herself independently after receiving two doses of psilocybin, according to a case report published in Frontiers in Neuroscience. @NewScientist reported that the woman, diagnosed 10 years earlier on the basis of symptoms, received a 5-gram oral dose of the Enigma strain of Psilocybe cubensis.

She sweated profusely and entered a prolonged sleep-like state.

Approximately 19 hours later she spoke for about four hours, sharing memories and reflections. One month after the first dose she received a second 3-gram dose. In the following weeks she selected coordinated clothing without assistance, walked to the television room expecting breakfast, recognized a rented car and noticed when someone was absent.

She also remained continent during periods when incontinence had previously been routine. Marcus Lago of the Ankh Cross Association in São Paulo, Brazil, said her facial expressions became more animated and she made prolonged eye contact. The report covered only the month after the first session.

Albert Garcia-Romeu of Johns Hopkins University noted that the diagnosis lacked biomarker or neuroimaging confirmation and that the high initial dose followed no gradual introduction. David Nutt of Imperial College London said the observations align with known anti-inflammatory effects of psychedelics.

Rudolph Tanzi of Harvard University said the findings suggest a trial may be warranted but must include appropriate safeguards.