An advanced Alzheimer's patient saw a significant improvement in her brain function and mental and physical abilities after taking two doses of 'magic mushrooms,' which contain the compound 'psilocybin,' belonging to hallucinogenic substances that previous studies have proven improve mood and perception.
According to Fox News, the patient had been living with the disease for about ten years, during which she suffered from severe deterioration over the last five years, including loss of the ability to communicate normally, severe cognitive decline, incontinence, and reduced mobility, in addition to being entirely reliant on caregivers for daily activities.
The patient received two doses of 'magic mushrooms' orally, spaced a month apart. After the first dose, she experienced severe sweating and a rise in body temperature, then entered a state resembling deep sleep that lasted for hours.
The study noted that after about 19 hours, the patient spontaneously began recalling memories from her life and talking about them for hours on end. In the following days and weeks, she regained control over urination, walked independently, dressed herself, and returned to participating in spontaneous conversations and showing emotions, visual interaction, and smiling at others.
Researchers noted that the second dose contributed to enhancing improvement, as her ability to speak increased, her facial expressions became clearer, and she showed a sense of humor and additional improvement in movement.
Despite the remarkable results, the study's authors emphasized the need for caution, as it is based on a single case without a comparison group, standardized cognitive tests, or brain imaging scans that could conclusively prove that the improvement was a direct result of the treatment.
For her part, Courtney Kluck, Director of Science Communication at the Alzheimer's Association, said, 'More research is needed on a larger scale and in more representative groups before any conclusions can be drawn about the safety and efficacy of this treatment in individuals with Alzheimer's or other dementias.'
She added that patients and caregivers should discuss with doctors all medications, supplements, and substances they are taking to avoid any unwanted interactions or side effects.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Siegel, chief medical analyst at Fox News, expressed skepticism about the significance of the findings, confirming that the effect was temporary and limited to a single case. He said, 'There is a lurking danger in giving a hallucinogenic substance to someone with this level of cognitive impairment since its behavioral effects are unpredictable and could be harmful.'
However, he added, 'I wouldn't rule out that this substance could potentially bypass or modify some disruptions in brain circuits affected by Alzheimer's disease, which may give it potential value in a strictly controlled medical environment.'
A previous scientific study published last year indicated that the compound psilocybin found in psychedelic mushrooms improves mood, perception, and motor symptoms in Parkinson's patients.
It has also been previously established that this compound alleviates depression and anxiety.