Psychedelics for alzheimer's disease-related dementia: Unveiling therapeutic possibilities and pathways.

Prabhu Chandra Mishra, Abdulmajeed G Almutary, Mosleh Mohammad Abomughaid, Abhishek Kumar Singh, Saurabh Gupta, Danish Iqbal, Shampa Ghosh, Rakesh Bhaskar, Jitendra Kumar Sinha, Sung Soo Han, Niraj Kumar Jha, Saurabh Kumar Jha, Anchal Trisal, Krishna Kumar Singh, Madhumita Mahapatra, Ali M Abomughayedh

Journal: Ageing research reviews 2024;96():102211

PMID: 38307424

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Psychedelics have traditionally been used for spiritual and recreational purposes, but recent developments in psychotherapy have highlighted their potential as therapeutic agents. These compounds, which act as potent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) agonists, have been recognized for their ability to enhance neural plasticity through the activation of the serotoninergic and glutamatergic systems. However, the implications of these findings for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly dementia, have not been fully explored. In recent years, studies have revealed the modulatory and beneficial effects of psychedelics in the context of dementia, specifically Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related dementia, which lacks a definitive cure. Psychedelics such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and Psilocybin have shown potential in mitigating the effects of this debilitating disease. These compounds not only target neurotransmitter imbalances but also act at the molecular level to modulate signalling pathways in AD, including the brain-derived neurotrophic factor signalling pathway and the subsequent activation of mammalian target of rapamycin and other autophagy regulators. Therefore, the controlled and dose-dependent administration of psychedelics represents a novel therapeutic intervention worth exploring and considering for the development of drugs for the treatment of AD-related dementia. In this article, we critically examined the literature that sheds light on the therapeutic possibilities and pathways of psychedelics for AD-related dementia. While this emerging field of research holds great promise, further studies are necessary to elucidate the long-term safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment protocols. Ultimately, the integration of psychedelics into the current treatment paradigm may provide a transformative approach for addressing the unmet needs of individuals living with AD-related dementia and their caregivers.

Address: GloNeuro, Sector 107, Vishwakarma Road, Noida 201301, India.; Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India.; Department of Biotechnology, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.; Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology (SCIT), Rajiv Gandhi InfoTech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411057, India.; School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsang 38541, the Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, the Republic of Korea.; Delhi Technical Campus, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida 201306, India.; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia.; Pharmacy Department, Aseer Central Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates.; Department of Health Information Management, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Buraydah Private Colleges, Buraydah 51418, Saudi Arabia.; School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeonsang 38541, the Republic of Korea; Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, the Republic of Korea. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology, Sharda University, Greater Noida, India.; Department of Zoology, Kalindi College, University of Delhi, 110008, India. Electronic address: [email protected].; Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India; School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India; Department of Biotechnology Engineering and Food Technology, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India. Electronic address: [email protected].; Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India. Electronic address: [email protected].

DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102211

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/alzheimersdisease.html

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

MeSH Terms: Humans, Hallucinogens, Alzheimer Disease, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, Psilocybin, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine