Can Alzheimer’s patients regain lost memory? 80-year-old woman did in a new study on psychedelic mushrooms

A new case study published in the journal Frontiers has sparked interest in the potential role of psychedelic mushrooms in treating advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers reported that an 80-year-old woman with severe Alzheimer’s experienced notable improvements in memory, communication, mobility and daily functioning after taking psilocybin-containing mushrooms.

The study, authored by researchers Marcos Lago, Mariana Cerveira and Joe Xavier Simonet, does not claim that Alzheimer’s disease was reversed. However, it suggests that some lost functions may remain dormant and could potentially be reactivated under certain neurological conditions.

The woman, a Japanese-American patient, had lived with Alzheimer’s disease for about a decade. For the previous five years, her condition had progressed to the point where she spoke mostly in single words, required constant supervision, suffered from urinary incontinence, had difficulty walking and swallowing, and showed very limited emotional expression or social interaction.

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A surprising change after treatment

According to the study, the patient was given a single oral dose of 5 grams of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, a psychedelic substance known for altering brain activity. During the initial phase, she experienced heavy sweating, suspected fever and a prolonged sleep-like state.

About 19 hours after taking the mushrooms, researchers observed a dramatic change. The woman began speaking spontaneously about personal memories and engaged in conversations that lasted for several hours. Family members and caregivers reported that she appeared more alert, emotionally responsive and socially engaged.

Over the following days and weeks, further improvements were noted. The patient reportedly regained urinary continence, walked more independently, dressed herself, and participated more actively in conversations. Researchers also observed better contextual memory, emotional responsiveness and an increased ability to interact with people around her.

Second session reinforced improvements

One month later, the woman underwent a second supervised session with a lower dose of 3 grams. During this experience, she remained verbally expressive and described positive mental imagery, including surfing with her son on a peaceful island.

The researchers noted continued improvements in facial expressions, humour, social engagement and mobility. Importantly, no severe long-term side effects, psychotic symptoms or significant medical complications were reported during the follow-up period.

What the findings mean

Researchers caution that the report involves only a single patient and should not be viewed as proof that psilocybin can treat or cure Alzheimer’s disease. The patient’s diagnosis was based on clinical assessment, and advanced biomarker testing was not available. As a result, researchers cannot completely rule out other contributing neurological conditions.

The authors argue that the findings raise an important possibility: even in late-stage Alzheimer’s, some functional abilities may remain preserved within the brain and could potentially be accessed through therapies that alter neural networks and promote plasticity.

The researchers say larger clinical studies will be needed to determine whether the improvements seen in this case can be replicated safely and consistently in other patients.