Magic mushroom compound may rebuild brain synapses in early memory loss

This small pilot study is testing whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can increase the density of synapses (connections between brain cells) in people with mild memory problems. Ten participants—six with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and four healthy volunteers—will receive either two doses of psilocybin or a placebo. Researchers will use brain scans to measure changes in synapse density and check if any changes are linked to better thinking and memory.