Psilocybin in Older Adults: Therapeutic Opportunities in Inflammation-Driven Disorders of Aging-From Depression to Neurodegeneration - PubMed
2 hours ago
- #inflammation
- #aging
- #psychedelics
- Aging involves 'inflammaging,' a low-grade inflammation that contributes to depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Psilocybin acts as a 5-HT2A partial agonist, modulating glutamatergic, neurotrophic, and neuroimmune pathways, and may reorganize brain networks like the default mode network.
- It shows potential for rapid antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, with benefits in major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression, and emerging use in neurodegeneration.
- Pharmacokinetic advantages for older adults include rapid onset, short half-life, and glucuronidation, reducing polypharmacy risks.
- Current evidence supports its role in inflammation-driven disorders, but targeted studies in older adults are needed due to underrepresentation in research.