Major depression increases the risk of later dementia, and late-life depression may be an early sign of dementia. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), the lifelong birth of new neurons in the dentate gyrus, supports learning, memory, and mood. Microglia, the brain's immune cells, regulate AHN, and disruptions in AHN and microgliosis are linked to both depression and neurodegenerative diseases. Psychedelics like psilocybin, a serotonergic agonist with rapid antidepressant effects, may promote neuroplasticity and modulate microglial function. This narrative review examines evidence that psilocybin could affect AHN and microglia, potentially altering the progression from major depression to dementia in at-risk individuals.
An eight-week, online-delivered mindfulness program is being tested for feasibility and acceptability in people over 60 with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia in the UK. The study will recruit 32 participants who will attend weekly live online sessions led by an experienced teacher, plus daily home practice. Primary outcomes are feasibility and acceptability measured through participation records and interviews. Secondary outcomes include changes in cognition, mood, sleep, quality of life, mindfulness, and resilience. Online delivery could reduce travel burdens and costs, and the study aims to provide evidence supporting remote interventions for this population.