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What's Your Source?: A List of my Sources

Barber, Gregory, Nemeroff, Charles, Siegel, Steven. 2022. “A Case of Prolonged Mania, Psychosis, and Severe Depression After Psilocybin Use: Implications of Increased Psychedelic Drug Availability” American Journal on Psychiatry

https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.22010073

Lee, W. et al. (2019). Role of Mushrooms in Neurodegenerative Diseases. In: Agrawal, D., Dhanasekaran, M. (eds) Medicinal Mushrooms. Springer, Singapore. (Referenced in two areas of my research) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6382-5_8

Van Amsterdam, Jan & Van Den Brink, Wim. 2021. “The Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin: A Systematic Review.” Expert Opinion on Drug Safety Pg. 833-840. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35225143/

Handbook of Imaging the Alzheimer Brain, edited by J. W. Ashford, et al., IOS Press, Incorporated, 2011. ProQuest Ebook Central, (pgs 710-725) https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/unlv/detail.action?docID=784576. 

How Alzheimer’s Disease Affects Your Brain Cells, published by Nucleus Medical Media, 2023. YouTube, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgrTchmo-uk)

Alfakhri, Abdullelah S, et al. “Depression among Caregivers of Patients with Dementia.” Inquiry : A Journal of Medical Care Organization, Provision and Financing, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5798670/#:~:text=The%20occurrence%20of%20behavioral%20and,may%20lead%20to%20depressive%20symptoms.

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Wrapping Up

I am intrigued by the combination of scientific curiosity and personal drive as I think back on the elements of my research into the possible benefits of psilocybin for Alzheimer's illness. I am reminded of the need for effective treatments for this debilitating illness as I picture the deteriorating Alzheimer's brain in contrast to the life-changing potential of psilocybin therapy, especially since my own grandmother is suffering from the disease. I remain unchanging in my commitment to advancing our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and advocating for innovative treatments that have the potential to change lives, including my grandmother's.

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This is my version of the many screens that I have seen while being exposed to this research. This is my personal interpretation of the all of the studies I have seen, which contrast the possible therapeutic effects of psilocybin with the tremendous consequences that Alzheimer's disease (AD) has on the human brain. The middle, open part of the representation portrays the hippocampus, an area that is essential for memory consolidation and thought processes. "The Role of Mushrooms in Neurogenerative Diseases" by an array of different scientists, it states "In rats, psilocybin concentrates in specific areas of the brain: the neocortex, the hippocampus (involved in learning and memory), and the thalamus (sensory processing) (Sticht and Käferstein 2000)." (Medicinal Mushrooms pp 223–249)(Wooseok, 2019). The hippocampus is positively one of the most important areas of the brain, and psilocybin has a very strong beneficial affect on this area. The pink is seen as swollen and warped, signifying the characteristic neurodegeneration found in Alzheimer's disease. The presence of amyloid plaque deposition in the surrounding areas highlights the pathological features of the illness. The second image reveals the transformative impact of psilocybin on the brain against this backdrop of neuronal loss and cognitive decline.

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Psychadelic Cognition: The stimulation of an Alzheimer's Patient's Brain via Psilocybin

Enough talk about Alzheimer's and Psilocybin as individuals. Now, we integrate the two. I named this blog "A Trip down Memory Lane" because with the 'trip' effects of Psilocybin, the memory cores of the brain are stimulated in Alzheimer's patients. Because of its neurogenic qualities, psilocybin encourages the development of new neurons in the memory centers of the brain. In addition to helping to maintain cognitive function, this neurogenesis may be able to mitigate the neuronal loss that is linked to AD. The development of Alzheimer's disease is linked to chronic neuroinflammation, which worsens neuronal damage. Psilocybin has the potential to reduce neurodegeneration and delay the course of disease by inducing this inflammatory response. Also psilocybin targets the brain's 5-HT2A receptors and is a strong serotonergic agonist. According to the study, 'Psychedelics as a Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia' by Allison O'Kelly, "Specific 5HT2A-R polymorphisms impair verbal memory recall and object recognition and reduced 5HT2A-R density in areas of the brain responsible for key memory processes are associated with worse cognitive performance (Schott et al., 2011). Pre-task 5HT2A-R activation in mice enhances post-task hippocampal long-term potentiation and enables the re-consolidation of fear conditioning in the amygdala supporting a critical role in neuroplasticity (Catlow et al., 2013; Zhang et al., 2013). This effect can be reproduced in rats and rabbits by very low dose psychedelics but is abolished by higher doses" This basically is saying that in very low doses, these rats were able to have higher cognitive function due to Psilocybin. A person with AD may exhibit changes in serotonin exchange, which can result in symptoms like anxiety and depression. Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter and mood regulator. Because psilocybin modulates serotonin pathways, it is actively able to lessen these mood disorders and improve the general quality of life and well-being of those with AD.

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A Bad Trip: Exploring the Possible Downsides of Psilocybin Usage

Although the use of Psilocybin may seem ideal in treating neurological disorders, conflicting studies tell a different story. A study called “A Case of Prolonged Mania, Psychosis, and Severe Depression After Psilocybin Use: Implications of Increased Psychedelic Drug Availability” by the American Journal on Psychiatry, highlights the potential dangers Psilocybin may pose when consumed. The case study offers an effective example of the possible risks connected to psilocybin usage, especially in people who already have mental health issues. After taking psilocybin mushrooms, this 32-year-old lady, who had previously been in good health and had a history of minor anxiety and depression, went through a serious mental breakdown. Her choice to experiment with psilocybin resulted in a series of manic and psychotic symptoms, followed by a crippling sadness, even though she had a happy personal and work life. The research emphasizes the grave dangers of psychosis brought on by psilocybin, which lasted for months and required extensive mental care. "She declared that life would not be worth living if she remained unable to feel emotions or function at work. By this time, she had developed pervasive but passive suicidality related to the meaninglessness that her state of unfeeling induced." (Barber, 2022). How scary is that? This drug in which has so many healing qualities, has detrimented an individual so tremendously.

We cannot address this problem without addressing a solution as well. For those who may have bad reactions to psychadelic inducing mushrooms, there are most definitely alternatives that promote brain activity without hallucinogenic effect. For example, Lion's Mane mushrooms are one of the greatest methods to promote brain function and stimulation. "H. erinaceus, also known as ... “Lion’s mane” in Western countries, is a mushroom that typically grows on old or dead broadleaf trees (Mori et al. 2008; Wang et al. 2004). ...it is also consumed as a supplementary medicine. ...H. erinaceus is being investigated for its therapeutic potential as an inducer of neuronal differentiation and for its neuroprotective properties (Mori et al. 2009)." (Medicinal Mushrooms pp 223–249) (Wooseok, 2019) This is an excerpt from the study, "Role of Mushrooms in Neurodegenerative Diseases" by Lee Wooseok, which dives into the different types of mushrooms used to stimulate the brain in neurodegenerative disorders. So if Psilocybin is not an effective treatment, or a patient is allergic to such mushrooms, there are many alternative supplemental mushrooms capable of stimulating brain function within Alzheimer's patients.

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How One Fades: A Dive Into Catching and Detecting Alzheimer's through Medical Imaging

In a time of unparalleled progress in medical imaging technologies, the field of neurodegenerative research has emphasized finding early signs of Alzheimer's disease. The necessity of finding efficient Alzheimer's disease diagnostic methods grows as the world's population ages. Exploring the critical role that accurate medical imaging plays in Alzheimer's disease early identification is so important. Based on an in depth study found in the book "Handbook of Imaging the Alzheimer's Brain" (Ashford J.W., Rosen, A.,and Adamson, M. 2011.),  the complex interactions between neuroimaging methods and the pathological development of Alzheimer's are exhibited. The study dissects the intricacies of early detection, highlights the types of device influence of medical imaging on the field of Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment, while also providing early stage intervention for the disease.

The study critically investigates the relationship between the development of AD and cognitive decline and modifications to the structure, function, and metabolism of the brain. This research aims to contribute to the development of prevention and therapeutic strategies for AD in its early stages. Utilizing information from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, the study provides an up-to-date and comprehensive view of the pathogenesis of AD. It highlights how early signals of AD can be detected before symptoms appear thanks to methods like diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and positron emission tomography (PET). The investigation examines imaging variations between mild instances and pre-clinical stages of AD.

The study also addresses the use of amyloid imaging, demonstrating that individuals with mild cognitive impairment who eventually get AD had elevated amounts of amyloid. This leads to Beta-amyloid plaques, in which cloud brain neuronic function. One of the many articles found within that 900 page journal mentioned above, called 'Imaging in Alzheimer’s Disease and Its Pre-States' by Charles D. Smith, states "Several studies with amyloid binding tracers have demonstrated three basic results in AD. Firstly, elevations in measures of amyloid burden, such as the mean cortical binding potential (MCBP), is strongly associated with clinical AD (>95%), and AD is only rarely seen in the absence of elevation" (Smith, Charles. 2011) It needs to be truly emphasized, how crucial early intervention is to halt brain deterioration. Specialists can begin early prevention efforts, such as the potential use of psilocybin, by utilizing imaging to identify patients who are at risk for AD. This study is great in understanding how imaging can identify individuals who may benefit from early therapies like psilocybin therapy, providing a mechanism to slow down the disease's progression. Although my grandmother is late stage, there are millions of other people who are early term to AD who must be prepared with these preventative measures.

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This is an animated demonstration of how Alzheimer's works, and how Beta-Amyloid Plaques deteriorate each neuron receptor of the brain, one by one. The video vividly portrays how the brain is affected by Alzheimer's by stating, "In Alzheimer’s, abnormal and somatic processing produces fragments that include a sticky peptide called beta amyloid. Beta amyloid accumulates in the extra cellular space forming clumps called amyloid plaques. These clumps block the electrical and chemical connections between neurons." (Nucleus Medical Media: Medical Animation)

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For You, Grandma.

Unfortunately, the epidemic of detrimental neurological disorders, more specifically Alzheimer's disease, affects millions of individuals globally. I am one of many who have had to endure the experience of watching a loved one deteriorate due to this detrimental disease. My grandmother has gone from knowing me all the way down to my phone number, to not even knowing my name. It has been heartbreaking to see her slowly deteriorate, and has given me the motivation to want to research any therapies that would lessen her fade. Alzheimer's affects not just the person with the disease but also their family and caregivers, taking away their memories and cognitive functioning. The minimal, and low budgeted clinical alleviations offered by the current Alzheimer's treatments do not address the disease's underlying disease pathophysiology. Consequently, there is a pressing need for innovative and effective treatments that can halt or significantly decrease the progression of Alzheimer's.

I took a very long time attempting to figure out ways to benefit my grandmother's brain health holistically, without using medication. A conflicting notion then crossed my head; I recalled what had transpired the day I had taken mushrooms and how my mind had been manipulated. Yes, I have consumed mushrooms, and I can state with confidence that doing so has permanently improved my perspective on my day to day life. Using this information, I evaluated the medicinal potential of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic ingredient present in these "magic" mushrooms. Although psilocybin has historically been linked to recreational usage, it has gained interest recently for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating a number of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With some more in depth research, I was able to conclude that Psilocybin may also be promising for treating Alzheimer's disease, according to preliminary experimentation, since it modulates brain circuits related to memory and cognition, lowers neuroinflammation, and increases neuroadaptability.