Magic mushroom compound tested for Alzheimer's depression

NCT ID NCT04123314

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study is testing whether psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can safely help depression in people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's disease. Twenty participants will receive one or two doses under supportive conditions. Researchers will measure changes in depression symptoms and quality of life over the study period.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

psilocybin

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new way to ease depression and improve quality of life for people with early Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-phase pilot study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Psilocybin can cause intense psychological effects and is not yet proven safe or effective for this group.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease Cognitive Dysfunction Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research

    RECRUITING

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact