An 83-year-old woman with severe Alzheimer’s disease began speaking in full sentences and regained bladder control after taking a large dose of psilocybin. The changes occurred following a single session with the psychedelic compound derived from magic mushrooms. Researchers describe the case as dramatic but stress it is only one anecdotal report.
The woman, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s ten years ago, had communicated mainly in monosyllables for years. She received 5 grams of the Enigma strain of Psilocybe cubensis orally. About 19 hours later she initiated a four-hour conversation that included personal memories and reflections.
In the following weeks she showed further improvements. She dressed herself independently, remained continent for longer periods, and moved with greater agility. Her facial expressions became more animated and she made prolonged eye contact. A second dose of 3 grams a month later prompted her to recall surfing with her son.
Marcus Lago of the Ankh Cross Association in São Paulo, Brazil, led the observations. Experts including David Nutt and Rudolph Tanzi said the findings warrant further trials, while Albert Garcia-Romeu noted the lack of long-term follow-up and the limits of a single case report. The Alzheimer’s diagnosis was based on symptoms rather than biomarker tests.
