Investigating the Persisting Effects of a Single Dose of Psilocybin on Structural Plasticity in Healthy Older Adults

This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial (n=40) will investigate the persisting effects of a single dose of psilocybin (1-30mg) on structural plasticity in healthy older adults.

Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley aim to understand how psilocybin affects cognition, predictive coding, and affect in healthy older adults. They will compare baseline measurements to those taken one week and one month post-treatment.

Participants, aged 60-85, will be randomly assigned to receive a dose of psilocybin ranging from microdose to moderate-to-high dose, allowing for dose-response assessment. Brain imaging techniques such as MRI will be employed to evaluate changes in brain structure and activity, while cognitive exams and surveys will measure changes in cognition, predictive coding, and affect.

The study will provide insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin for older adults, potentially informing treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. The trial is scheduled to begin in April 2025 and conclude in December 2027.

Topic Healthy Subjects Neurocognitive Disorders Neuroscience
Compound Psilocybin Placebo
Country United States of America
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University of California Berkley
The UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics (BCSP) is exploring psychedelics as tools for understanding the brain and mind, enhancing well-being, and deepening spirituality.

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