A woman with severe Alzheimer’s disease who spent years communicating in monosyllables started initiating conversations after receiving a large dose of psilocybin. The woman, who also had urinary incontinence and was unable to get around without assistance, also regained control of her bladder and experienced improved mobility in the weeks after taking the drug. While further research is required, the case adds to evidence that psychedelics can acutely alter cognition and brain function.
“Her facial expressions became much more animated; she made prolonged eye contact, smiled responsively and moved with greater agility,” says Marcus Lago at the Ankh Cross Association in São Paulo, Brazil, an organisation that focuses on holistic medical practices. “During a later session she spontaneously said: ‘It feels good to come here.’”
The woman, who has not been named, is 83 and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 10 years ago. She been living with a marked decline in function for around half that time.
With the consent of her son, the woman was given 5 grams of the Enigma strain of the highly potent magic mushroom species Psilocybe cubensis, administered orally. She initially began sweating profusely and entered a prolonged deep sleep-like state. But around 19 hours later, her son reported her initiating a conversation that included her memories and reflections, which lasted around 4 hours.
