The Psychedelic Renaissance: Healing Ageing Minds with Magic Mushrooms

Introduction

The psychedelic renaissance is reshaping our understanding of mental health and consciousness. You’re witnessing a ground-breaking shift in how substances like psilocybin, LSD, and other psychedelics are being viewed in the medical field. These once-stigmatized compounds are now at the forefront of research to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Scientists are exploring how psychedelics can have an impact on the ageing brain, offering new hope for conditions that have long evaded effective treatment.

In this article, you’ll discover the history of psychedelics in medicine and learn how these substances work in the brain. We’ll explore their potential benefits for aging minds and look at current research on psychedelics and Alzheimer’s disease. You’ll also gain insights into microdosing, the importance of set and setting, and the legal and ethical considerations surrounding psychedelic use. This exploration aims to shed light on how the psychedelic renaissance might change the landscape of mental health treatment for older adults.

There is a burgeoning literature on the topic of the psychedelic renaissance, including:

The Psychedelic Renaissance: Reassessing the Role of Psychedelic Drugs in 21st Century Psychiatry and Society by Ben Sessa.

Essential guide to the Psychedelic Renaissance: All you need to know about how psilocybin, MDMA and LSD are revolutionizing mental health and changing lives by Gomez Escolar.

The History of Psychedelics in Medicine

Early research and promising results

The journey of psychedelics in medicine began in the late 19th century with the discovery of mescaline. This paved the way for further exploration, leading to the development of LSD in the 1940s. By the 1950s, psychedelics had started to play a significant role in the field of biological psychiatry.

In the early 1950s, a small group of pioneering psychiatrists, including Humphry Osmond and Abram Hoffer, began experimenting with LSD to treat alcoholism and various mental disorders. Their work at the Weyburn Mental Hospital in Saskatchewan, Canada, showed promising results. By the end of the 1960s, they had treated approximately 2,000 patients with LSD therapy.

The Saskatchewan trials consistently produced encouraging outcomes. Osmond and Hoffer reported that between 40% and 45% of their patients who received a single, large dose of LSD had not experienced a relapse after a year. This form of LSD therapy gained endorsement from influential figures, including the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous and the director of Saskatchewan’s Bureau on Alcoholism.

The 1960s backlash and research ban

LSD therapy reached its peak in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was widely considered to be “the next big thing” in psychiatry, with the potential to supersede electroconvulsive therapy and psychosurgery. Two main forms of LSD therapy emerged:

1. Psychedelic therapy: Based on Osmond and Hoffer’s work, involving a single large dose of LSD alongside psychotherapy.
2. Psycholytic therapy: Using lower doses over multiple sessions.

Osmond and Hoffer believed that hallucinogens had therapeutic benefits due to their ability to make patients view their condition from a fresh perspective. However, this promising research came to an abrupt halt, primarily for political reasons.

In 1962, the U.S. Congress passed new drug safety regulations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated LSD as an experimental drug and began to clamp down on research into its effects. By the end of the 1960s, psychedelic substances were labeled as dangerous drugs of abuse in the wake of widespread recreational use by the general public. The resulting “war on drugs” had a minimal effect on recreational use but severely damaged genuine medical research.

Recent revival of scientific interest

After decades of stagnation, the field of psychedelic research has experienced a resurgence in the last two decades. This revival has seen hundreds of new publications coming from mainstream institutions worldwide, studying various psychedelic drugs.

In 2000, researchers at Johns Hopkins University began exploring the medical potential of hallucinogens. This led to the establishment of the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research in 2019. Other institutions, such as UC Berkeley’s Center for the Science of Psychedelics (BCSP), have also joined the research efforts.

Recent studies have shown promising results:

• Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, has been found to induce mystical experiences that may help treat anxiety, depression, addiction, and the fear of death.
• MDMA has shown potential in helping patients with PTSD confront traumatic memories.
• Ketamine has demonstrated the ability to reduce suicidal thoughts and other symptoms in patients with clinical depression.

In 2020, the National Institutes of Health funded the first federal research on classic psychedelics in over 50 years, providing nearly $4 million to study the use of psilocybin in aiding smoking cessation.

While most psychedelic drugs remain classified as Schedule 1 substances under federal law, individual states and cities are seeking to decriminalize their use. Oregon, for example, approved the country’s first state-licensed, psilocybin-assisted therapy system in 2020.

As research progresses, scientists are working to understand the mechanisms behind these drugs’ properties, aiming to design better and safer treatments that offer the benefits of psychedelics with minimal downsides. The FDA is also navigating new territory, as it has never had to evaluate a treatment that involves both a drug treatment and a psychotherapeutic intervention.

How Psychedelics Work in the Brain

You might be surprised to learn that psychedelics have a profound impact on your brain’s structure and function. These substances, including LSD, psilocybin, and DMT, interact with your brain in complex ways, leading to significant changes in neural connectivity, brain network activity, and even the growth of new neurons.

Effects on neural connectivity

When you ingest a psychedelic substance, it has a significant effect on your brain’s connectivity. Studies have shown that psychedelics increase functional connectivity between brain regions that don’t typically communicate. This process has been compared to defragmenting a computer, allowing for “less ordered neurodynamics” and a greater degree of entropy within the brain.

Neuroimaging studies have revealed that psychedelics cause widespread brain network changes. For instance, psilocybin has been found to decrease functional connectivity within certain brain networks while increasing global brain connectivity. This disruption in normal brain function is thought to be key to understanding both the acute effects of psychedelics and their potential therapeutic benefits.

Impact on default mode network

One of the most significant effects of psychedelics is their impact on the default mode network (DMN). The DMN is an interconnected group of brain regions associated with introspective functions, self-reflection, and self-criticism. It’s particularly active when you’re not focused on the external world, such as during mind-wandering or when thinking about the past or future.

When you take a psychedelic, activity in the DMN is significantly decreased. This reduction in DMN activity is strongly correlated with the subjective experience of “ego dissolution” or “ego death,” suggesting that the DMN plays a vital role in maintaining your sense of self.

Interestingly, the DMN has been found to be overactive in certain mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. By temporarily disrupting the DMN, psychedelics may help to break negative thought patterns associated with these conditions.

Neuroplasticity and neurogenesis

Perhaps one of the most exciting discoveries about psychedelics is their potential to promote neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Neuroplasticity refers to your brain’s ability to reorganize its structure and function, while neurogenesis is the process of forming new neurons.

Studies have shown that psychedelics can:

1. Stimulate synaptogenesis (the formation of new synapses)
2. Promote the growth of new dendrites
3. Increase the expression of genes related to synaptic plasticity

These effects have been observed both in vitro and in vivo, with changes occurring rapidly – often within hours of exposure to the psychedelic substance. Importantly, these structural changes can persist long after the acute effects of the drug have worn off, potentially explaining the long-lasting therapeutic benefits observed in some clinical studies.

It’s worth noting that the neuroplastic effects of psychedelics appear to be mediated primarily through the 5-HT2A receptor, which is also responsible for many of their subjective effects. The activation of this receptor leads to increased levels of extracellular glutamate and greater stimulation of AMPA receptors, ultimately resulting in enhanced dendritic growth.

While these findings are promising, it’s important to remember that psychedelics are powerful substances that can have both positive and negative effects. Their use should always be approached with caution and preferably under professional guidance.

Potential Benefits for Aging Minds

As the psychedelic renaissance continues to unfold, researchers are exploring the potential benefits of these substances for aging minds. While most studies have focused on younger populations, there’s growing interest in how psychedelics might help older adults maintain cognitive function and improve overall brain health.

Cognitive Enhancement

You might be surprised to learn that psychedelics could potentially enhance cognitive function in older adults. While research is still in its early stages, some studies suggest that these substances may have a positive impact on various aspects of cognition:

1. Cognitive flexibility: Some users report improved cognitive fluency and flexibility after microdosing psychedelics.
2. Attention: Observational studies have found self-reported improvements in attention among recreational users of psychedelics.
3. Memory: Animal studies have shown that psilocybin can enhance both prospective and retrospective learning, particularly at mid-range doses.

It’s important to note that controlled studies on microdosing LSD in younger adults have not found significant cognitive effects. However, the potential for cognitive enhancement in older populations remains an area of active research.

Mood Improvement

Psychedelics may have a significant impact on mood and mental health in older adults:

1. Depression treatment: Conventional antidepressants are often less effective in older adults and can cause adverse side effects. Psychedelics, particularly psilocybin, have shown promise in treating depression with potentially fewer side effects.
2. Anxiety reduction: Studies have indicated that psychedelics may help reduce anxiety, including in patients facing end-of-life issues.
3. Emotional well-being: Some research suggests that psychedelics can lead to lasting improvements in psychological domains, including creativity and overall well-being.

Neuroplasticity and Brain Health

Perhaps the most exciting potential benefit of psychedelics for aging minds lies in their ability to promote neuroplasticity and overall brain health:

1. Neurogenesis: Psychedelics have been shown to stimulate the formation of new neurons, particularly in areas like the hippocampus, which is crucial for learning and memory.
2. Synaptogenesis: Substances like LSD have been found to promote the formation of new synapses, potentially enhancing brain connectivity.
3. Anti-inflammatory effects: Psychedelics may have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which could be particularly beneficial for brain health in older adults.
4. Neuroprotection: Some animal studies have shown that psychedelics can have neuroprotective effects, potentially helping to preserve brain function as we age.

While these findings are promising, it’s crucial to understand that research on psychedelics in older populations is still limited. Most studies have focused on younger adults or animal models, and the safety and efficacy of these substances in older individuals remain largely unknown. As research progresses, scientists are working to better understand how psychedelics might be used to address age-related cognitive decline and improve quality of life for older adults.

Current Research on Psychedelics and Alzheimer’s

As you explore the potential of psychedelics in treating Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll find that research in this area is still in its early stages but shows promising results. Scientists are investigating how substances like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT might help address the cognitive decline and neurological changes associated with Alzheimer’s.

Ongoing clinical trials

Researchers are currently conducting and planning several studies to determine the effectiveness of psychedelics in treating Alzheimer’s disease. At the forefront of this research is psilocybin, the active compound found in magic mushrooms. Upcoming studies will examine psilocybin’s potential as a new therapy for Alzheimer’s, along with other conditions such as opioid addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anorexia nervosa.

These trials focus on how psychedelics affect various aspects of brain function and health, including:

1. Behavior
2. Mood
3. Cognition
4. Brain function
5. Biological markers of health

One notable trial that has been approved aims to investigate the use of high-dose psilocybin specifically for treating depression in early Alzheimer’s disease.

Preliminary findings

While human studies on psychedelics and Alzheimer’s are limited, preliminary research has yielded some intriguing results:

1. Inflammation reduction: Scientists have found that psychedelics can activate the serotonin 2A receptor, which may help reduce brain inflammation associated with Alzheimer’s.
2. Improved cognitive function: Studies on rats have shown that psychedelics like DMT can enhance memory, learning, and focus. In one experiment, rats treated with DMT performed better in tasks involving object recognition and spatial navigation.
3. Neuroplasticity and neurogenesis: Psychedelics have demonstrated the ability to promote the formation of new nerve cells and strengthen neural connections, potentially reversing some of the cell loss and dysfunction seen in Alzheimer’s.
4. Mood enhancement: Research at Johns Hopkins University has shown that psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin can have long-term benefits on mood, which could be particularly helpful for Alzheimer’s patients experiencing depression.

Challenges and limitations

Despite the promising preliminary findings, several challenges and limitations exist in the current research on psychedelics and Alzheimer’s:

1. Lack of human studies: Most research has been conducted on animal models or in vitro, with limited studies on human subjects, especially those with Alzheimer’s.
2. Absence of Alzheimer’s-specific animal models: There have been no psychedelic studies on animals that accurately model the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Dosage and frequency: The ideal dose and frequency for cognitive enhancement have yet to be determined. The rapid desensitization of serotonin 2A receptors suggests that daily dosing may not be the optimal strategy.
4. Limited long-term data: Studies looking at both micro-dosing and psychedelic doses over extended periods in cognitively impaired individuals are lacking.
5. Placebo effect considerations: While placebo “unmasking” is not an issue in animal studies, it remains a challenge in human trials.

To address these challenges, scientists need to continue refining their research methods, develop more accurate animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, and conduct well-designed human trials. As research progresses, it’s crucial to maintain transparency in reporting experimental conditions and results to build a solid foundation for potential future treatments.

Microdosing: A Promising Approach

What is microdosing?

Microdosing involves taking a fraction of a regular dose of a psychedelic substance, such as LSD or psilocybin. This subperceptual dose is much lower than what you would take to experience a “trip” or hallucinate. While there isn’t a single, clearly recognized definition of microdosing, it’s generally considered to be approximately 1/5 to 1/20 of a recreational dose.

To give you a better understanding, typical microdoses range from 5 to 20 μg of LSD and from 0.1 to 0.3 g of dried psilocybin mushrooms. These small amounts are usually taken several times a week, following various patterns of alternating days.

The goal of microdosing isn’t to get high or experience intense psychedelic effects. Instead, you aim to receive some of the potential benefits without feeling intoxicated or noticing significant alterations in perception.

Potential benefits for older adults

Microdosing has shown promise in addressing various conditions that are prevalent among older adults. Some potential benefits include:

1. Mood enhancement: Studies have indicated that microdosing may have a positive impact on mood and mental health, with small to medium-sized improvements observed across gender and age groups.
2. Cognitive function: Some proponents suggest that microdosing can boost professional performance, clarity, and cognitive function. However, it’s important to note that research in this area is still limited.
3. Mental health support: Qualitative interviews have shown that microdosing may enhance daily functioning and mental state, potentially offering relief from conditions like depression, social anxiety, and bipolar depression.
4. Personal growth: Some research suggests that psychedelics, even in small doses, may promote personal growth among healthy older adults.
5. Neuroplasticity: Psychedelics have properties that could potentially provide therapeutic benefits for patients with dementing disorders by promoting neuroplasticity.

Safety considerations

While microdosing shows promise, it’s crucial to consider safety aspects, especially for older adults:

1. Limited research: Most studies on microdosing have focused on younger populations, with very few participants over the age of 60. This lack of data makes it challenging to determine the safety profile for older adults.
2. Potential side effects: Common physical side effects of psilocybin include hypertension, tachycardia, nausea, and headache. For MDMA, reported reactions include anxiety, bruxism, lack of appetite, headache, and fatigue.
3. Cardiovascular effects: In some studies, MDMA has been shown to increase systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. This could be a concern for older adults with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
4. Interaction with medications: Older adults often take multiple medications, and the potential interactions between these drugs and psychedelics are not well understood.
5. Controlled environment: Most positive outcomes have been observed in controlled, therapeutic settings. The safety and efficacy of self-administered microdosing in non-clinical environments are less clear.

It’s important to note that while some studies indicate significant benefits from microdosing, others have found little to no objective evidence of improvements in creativity, well-being, and cognitive function. As research in this field is still in its early stages, more rigorous studies, including randomized controlled trials, are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of microdosing for older adults, particularly those with multiple health conditions.

The Role of Set and Setting

Importance of mindset and environment

When you embark on a psychedelic journey, your ‘set’ and ‘setting’ play crucial roles in shaping your experience. ‘Set’ refers to your inner world – your current emotional state, personal beliefs, and history. ‘Setting’ encompasses your external environment – the physical location, people present, and sensory stimuli around you.

Your mindset can significantly influence the nature of your psychedelic experience. To cultivate a calm state of mind before your journey, you might consider practices such as:

1. Spending time in nature
2. Meditation
3. Yoga
4. Journaling
5. Creating art
6. Talking to trusted loved ones

The environment in which you have your experience is equally important. Nature-based settings can be particularly beneficial, as they tend to be more esthetically pleasing than built environments. Natural surroundings can induce a psychologically restorative ‘soft fascination,’ reducing stress and allowing mental space for reflection.

However, if you choose an outdoor setting, it’s crucial to consider additional safety factors. Ensure you have:

• A trip sitter to keep you safe
• Plenty of water
• Comfortable, layered clothing
• Nutritious snacks
• A charged phone for emergencies

Guided psychedelic experiences

In a guided psychedelic experience, you’ll typically be accompanied by a therapist or guide throughout your journey. These sessions usually last several hours, during which you’ll be led through an introspective experience facilitated by the psychedelic substance.

Your guide’s role includes:

1. Creating a safe and supportive environment
2. Ensuring your physical and emotional well-being
3. Helping you navigate challenging emotions or experiences
4. Providing reassurance and support
5. Assisting with the integration of insights gained during the session

The guide may take various approaches, such as:

• Quietly sitting with you and “holding space”
• Checking in to ensure you’re comfortable and safe
• Answering questions you may have during your journey
• Providing tips on how to make the most of your experience

Integration and follow-up care

Integration is a crucial part of the psychedelic experience, extending beyond the actual journey. It involves revisiting, processing, and making sense of your psychedelic experience to incorporate the insights and lessons into your daily life.

Integration practices can include:

1. Journaling: This helps store memories concretely and allows you to explore different perspectives and meanings.
2. Somatic techniques: Practices like yoga or breathwork can help you become more aware of your body’s subtle energy shifts.
3. Nature-based activities: These can deepen your connection to the more-than-human world and provide a healing container.
4. Group integration: Sharing experiences with others can be validating and reassuring.

These practices are particularly effective during the “neuroplastic window” created by psychedelic medicines, offering an opportunity for significant emotional and spiritual healing. By actively engaging with the insights revealed during your journey, you can extend and deepen the transformational energy of the experience.

Remember, while you can practice many integration techniques on your own, it’s recommended to have support from a therapist. They can provide guidance, suggest appropriate activities, and help you maximize the healing potential of your psychedelic experience.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Current legal status

You’ll find that the legal landscape surrounding psychedelics is complex and rapidly evolving. In most countries, psychedelics remain controlled substances under federal law. The United States, for instance, classified psychedelics as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, deeming them to have “no currently accepted medical use” and a “high potential for abuse.” This classification has significantly hindered research and therapeutic applications for decades.

Despite federal restrictions, some countries and jurisdictions have begun to reassess their stance on psychedelics. For example:

1. Jamaica and the Netherlands have legal provisions for psilocybin use.
2. Switzerland allows restricted compassionate use of LSD and some other psychedelics in medical contexts.
3. Canada permits the use of 5-MeO-DMT and has amended its Special Access Program to allow physicians to request access to various psychedelics for medical purposes.

Efforts towards decriminalization

You’re witnessing a growing movement towards decriminalization and legalization of psychedelics across various regions:

1. In the United States:
   • Denver, Colorado became the first city to decriminalize psilocybin in 2019.
   • Oregon legalized psilocybin for therapeutic use in 2020.
   • Colorado decriminalized possession and use of small amounts of natural psychedelic substances for adults 21 and over.
   • Approximately two dozen cities have implemented some form of decriminalization.
2. In Europe:
   • The Czech Republic has decriminalized personal possession of small amounts of various psychedelics.
   • Switzerland has decriminalized substance use in general.
3. In Australia:
   • The Therapeutic Goods Administration now allows authorized psychiatrists to prescribe MDMA for PTSD and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression.

These efforts aim to reduce the harm caused by criminalization and to facilitate research into the therapeutic potential of psychedelics.

Ethical debates in psychedelic therapy

As psychedelic therapy gains traction, several ethical considerations have emerged:

1. Informed consent: Given the powerful and potentially transformative nature of psychedelic experiences, ensuring patients fully understand the risks and potential outcomes is crucial.
2. Therapist training and qualifications: There’s ongoing debate about the necessary qualifications for practitioners administering psychedelic therapy.
3. Access and equity: Questions arise about who will have access to these therapies and how to ensure equitable distribution.
4. Integration of traditional knowledge: There’s a need to respect and incorporate indigenous wisdom and practices while avoiding cultural appropriation.
5. Potential for abuse: Concerns exist about the potential misuse of psychedelics outside of controlled therapeutic settings.
6. Long-term effects: More research is needed to understand the long-term impacts of psychedelic use, particularly in therapeutic contexts.

As the psychedelic renaissance continues, you’ll likely see ongoing discussions and policy changes addressing these legal and ethical considerations. It’s crucial to stay informed about the evolving landscape to make responsible decisions regarding psychedelic use and advocacy.

Conclusion

The psychedelic renaissance is causing a revolution in our understanding of mental health and brain function, particularly for aging minds. From cognitive enhancement to mood improvement and neuroplasticity promotion, these substances show promise in addressing age-related mental health concerns. Ongoing research into psychedelics and Alzheimer’s disease, along with the potential benefits of microdosing, offer hope for new therapeutic approaches. However, it’s crucial to remember that this field is still in its early stages, and more rigorous studies are needed to establish safety and efficacy.

As the legal and ethical landscape surrounding psychedelics continues to evolve, it’s essential to approach their use with caution and respect. The importance of set and setting, guided experiences, and proper integration cannot be overstated in maximizing the potential benefits while minimizing risks. As we move forward, balancing scientific exploration with ethical considerations will be key to unlocking the full potential of psychedelics in mental health care. If you have experience with what has been discussed in this article, leave a comment below.