Volume 20, Issue S6 e084413
DRUG DEVELOPMENT
Open Access

Exploring Therapeutic Potentials and Pathways of Psychedelics in Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementia

Jitendra Kumar Sinha

Corresponding Author

Jitendra Kumar Sinha

GloNeuro Academy, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Correspondence

Jitendra Kumar Sinha, GloNeuro Academy, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Email: [email protected]

Search for more papers by this author
Shampa Ghosh

Shampa Ghosh

GloNeuro Academy, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Search for more papers by this author
Krishna Kumar Singh

Krishna Kumar Singh

Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology, Pune, Maharastra, India

Search for more papers by this author
M P Singh

M P Singh

Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

Search for more papers by this author
Manchala Raghunath

Manchala Raghunath

ICMR - National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Search for more papers by this author
First published: 09 January 2025

Abstract

Background

Traditionally associated with recreational and spiritual uses, psychedelics have gained attention in psychotherapy for their therapeutic potential. Functioning as potent 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) agonists, these compounds have demonstrated the ability to enhance neural plasticity by activating serotoninergic and glutamatergic systems. Despite these recognized effects, their role in treating neurodegenerative disorders, particularly dementia, remains relatively unexplored.

Method

Recent studies have unveiled modulatory and beneficial impacts of psychedelics, including N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and Psilocybin, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related dementia. These compounds target neurotransmitter imbalances and molecularly modulate AD-related signaling pathways, such as the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathway, mTOR activation, and other autophagy regulators.

Result

The controlled administration of psychedelics, contingent on dosage, presents a novel therapeutic intervention for AD-related dementia, warranting exploration for drug development. This review critically examines existing literature on the therapeutic potential and pathways of psychedelics for AD-related dementia.

Conclusion

While promising, further studies are imperative to establish long-term safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment protocols. Integrating psychedelics into the treatment paradigm may offer a transformative approach to address the unmet needs of individuals with AD-related dementia and their caregivers.