Safety, feasibility, and tolerability of psilocybin in older adults with amnestic MCI: Preliminary data from a SV2a PET imaging study

In a small pilot sample of two older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and three healthy controls, two doses of 25 mg psilocybin given one week apart were safe and well tolerated, with no unexpected or serious adverse events. Expected side effects included dizziness and altered perception, all of which resolved without lasting effects. This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study uses PET imaging to measure psilocybin's effect on synaptic density in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and whether changes relate to improved cognition. Preliminary findings support the feasibility of investigating psilocybin in supervised medical settings as a potential treatment for amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is characterized by synaptic loss and cognitive decline and is considered a precursor to Alzheimer’s Disease. Currently, there are no effective treatments for aMCI, and available treatments (i.e., cholinesterase inhibitors) do not appear to improve cognitive or functional outcomes. Psychedelics, including psilocybin, have regained interest for treatment of treatment‐resistant neuropsychiatric disorders. Research suggests psilocybin’s psychedelic and clinical effects may be due to interaction with the 5HT2A serotonin receptor (5HTA‐R) in the brain. Cognitive impairments, such as memory decline, have been associated with lower 5HT2A‐R density in the brain. Encouragingly, preclinical animal studies suggest that psilocybin may promote synaptogenesis in the brain, particularly in areas associated with learning and memory, likely through its interaction with the 5HT2A‐R. Psilocybin may represent a novel treatment to counter neurodegenerative progression and consequently improve cognitive outcomes in patients with aMCI. Method The present double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized PET study will use the radioligand [ 18 F]SynVesT to assess psilocybin’s effect on synaptic density in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of patients with aMCI, and whether these changes are associated with improved cognitive outcomes. aMCI participants and sex‐matched healthy controls will be randomized to receive either two doses of 25mg psilocybin or placebo one week apart. Participants will be monitored by a study physician and qualified therapist. PET scans are conducted pre‐ and one‐week post‐treatment. Clinical, safety, and neuropsychological assessments are done at baseline and 1‐, 4‐, and 12‐weeks post‐treatment. Safety measures include monitoring vital signs, suicidal ideation, and adverse events (AEs). Result Pilot data from two aMCI participants (Male% = 50%, mean age = 71.0(±3.0), mean baseline MOCA = 22(±3.0)) and three healthy controls (Male% = 67%, mean age = 66.3(±5.1); mean baseline MOCA = 27.7(±1.5)) is available. All participants completed study procedures without issue. Psilocybin was well tolerated, with no unexpected or serious AEs. All expected AEs resolved without sequelae. Expected AEs included dizziness (n=4) and altered perception (n=3). Blinding remains in effect. Conclusion The preliminary data suggest psilocybin is safe, well‐tolerated, and can be feasibly investigated in a supervised medical setting in older adults as a prospective treatment for aMCI.