Journal of neurochemistryNov 24, 2021

Using psychedelic-based methods to treat brain diseases that worsen over time

Psychedelic Science Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Feb 15, 2026

Abstract

Psychedelics may impact neurotrophic factor gene expression and neuronal health.

Psychedelics are associated with rescuing cortical atrophy, which is common in various neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.
The 5-HT receptor, a primary target of psychedelics, is involved in maintaining cortical neuron health and is disrupted in Alzheimer's disease.
Psychedelics may help address behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Robust effects on neuroplasticity and inflammation from psychedelics suggest potential benefits for neurodegenerative disorders.
Further research is needed to explore the effects of psychedelics in models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Simplified

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-HTreceptor, 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. 2A

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Using psychedelic-based methods to treat brain diseases that worsen over time

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