[Treatment with psychedelics : potential benefits in Parkinson's disease].
Revue medicale suisse – April 23, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Emerging research reveals that psychedelics may offer new hope for Parkinson's disease patients beyond traditional treatments. These compounds show potential in addressing both motor and non-motor symptoms while possibly protecting brain cells. They stimulate new neural connections, boost protective brain chemicals, and reduce inflammation. Early evidence suggests they could help manage depression and anxiety common in Parkinson's, while their brain-enhancing properties may slow disease progression.
Abstract
Psychedelics, such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide, modulate neuroplasticity and brain connectivity via 5-HT2A receptors. Their efficacy has been demonstrated in depression and anxiety, where they are particularly interesting because of their rapid and long-lasting effect. They could also be beneficial for addictions, post-traumatic stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This article explores their therapeutic potential in Parkinson's disease (PD), both symptomatically in PD depression, anxiety, and impulse control disorders, and in terms of neuroprotection. Psychedelics actually stimulate synaptogenesis, increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and exert anti-inflammatory effects. Although promising, these treatments require clinical trials to confirm their safety and efficacy in PD.