Can magic mushrooms boost brain health in seniors?

NCT ID NCT07386730

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study gives healthy adults aged 50-85 with low well-being either psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) or dextromethorphan (a common cough suppressant) to see how these drugs affect brain activity and inflammation. Researchers will also check if Alzheimer's-related brain changes influence the results. The goal is to understand the drugs' effects, not to treat any disease.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Psilocybin and Dextromethorphan

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward new ways to improve well-being and reduce neuroinflammation in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study focused on safety and brain changes, not treatment. Results may not lead to any practical therapy, and psychedelics can cause temporary psychological distress.

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.

Neuroinflammatory Diseases

As listed by the trial registrant

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

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • University of California San Francisco, Sandler Neuroscience Building

    RECRUITING

    San Francisco, California, 94158, United States

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

    Contact

    Contact