Long-term ayahuasca use is associated with preserved global cognitive function and improved memory: a cross-sectional study with ritual users.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience March 1, 2025 Arilton Martins Fonseca, Rafael Guimarães Dos Santos, Lívia Soman de Medeiros et al. 10 citations
Long-term ritualistic ayahuasca use, spanning over 20 years, does not impair cognition and may be linked to better working memory compared to short-term use. In a study of 48 participants from a Santo Daime church in Brazil, experienced users (over 20 years) scored higher on tests of verbal and visuospatial working memory than beginners (under 3 years). No evidence of cognitive decline was found among ayahuasca users. The control group, matched by sex, age, and education, showed similar cognitive performance. The brew's botanical identities and alkaloid content were confirmed.