Psilocybin for Aging

Overseen By BCSP Research Staff

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Sponsor: University of California, Berkeley

Must not be taking: Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Mood stabilizers, others

Disqualifiers: Psychiatric disorder, Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 1 day

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to examine how psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, affects the brain and emotional well-being in healthy older adults. Participants will take a single dose of psilocybin, ranging from a small to moderate-to-high amount, while researchers use brain scans to study any changes. The trial seeks participants aged 60 to 85 without significant psychiatric or medical conditions that could interfere with the study. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the unique opportunity to be among the first to receive this innovative treatment.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you may need to stop taking certain medications. The trial prohibits the use of specific psychotropic medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers, as well as certain other drugs and supplements. It's important to discuss your current medications with the study team to see if any changes are needed.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Earlier studies have generally found psychedelic treatments like psilocybin to be safe and manageable for older adults. Some research shows that psilocybin can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which might concern those with heart issues. However, many older adults reported feeling better after using psychedelics. While data remains limited, early findings suggest psilocybin might be safe for older adults, but individual health conditions should be considered. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatment?

Researchers are excited about psilocybin for aging because it offers a novel approach compared to traditional treatments. Unlike standard medications that often focus on managing symptoms, psilocybin, a compound found in certain mushrooms, is believed to promote neuroplasticity, potentially enhancing brain health and function. This unique mechanism could lead to improved cognitive abilities and mental well-being in older adults. Additionally, psilocybin is administered in controlled doses, which may reduce the risk of side effects typically associated with other treatments.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for aging?

Research suggests that psilocybin might benefit aging. Studies in mice have shown that psilocybin can help cells live longer and healthier, potentially delaying the effects of aging. It has also reduced signs of aging in cells, indicating possible protection against aging. While these findings are promising, they primarily come from early animal studies, so more research is needed to determine if these effects apply to humans. This trial will compare the effects of different psilocybin doses on aging, with participants receiving varying levels to assess its potential benefits. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Healthy adults aged 60-85 who can swallow capsules, attend all study visits, and have a support person. They must not have MRI contraindications, psychiatric disorders, significant cardiovascular disease, poorly controlled diabetes or other serious health issues. Women of childbearing potential must use birth control.

Inclusion Criteria

Are able and willing to adhere to study requirements, including attending all study visits, preparatory and follow-up sessions, and completing all study evaluations

I can swallow capsules.

I am between 60 and 85 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Have MRI contraindications (e.g., metal implants, pacemakers, claustrophobia etc.) as determined by an MRI contraindications questionnaire

I have had recent thoughts or actions related to suicide.

I have a history of heart valve issues or high blood pressure in the lungs.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a single dose of psilocybin ranging from microdose to moderate-to-high dose

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, with assessments at baseline, week 1, and week 4

4 weeks

3 visits (in-person)

Extended Follow-up

Additional assessments to measure long-term effects at week 8

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Psilocybin

Trial Overview The trial is studying the impact of a single dose of psilocybin on brain structure and function in older adults using MRI and fMRI scans. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive varying doses from microdose to moderate-to-high.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Psilocybin Level 3 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Psilocybin (21 - 30 mg) will be administered.

Group II: Psilocybin Level 2 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Psilocybin (11 - 20 mg) will be administered.

Group III: Psilocybin Level 1 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The effects of different doses of psilocybin (1 - 10 mg) will be compared.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Berkeley

Lead Sponsor

Trials

193

Recruited

716,000+

Citations

1. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41514-025-00244-x

Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and ... Psilocybin treatment promotes increased longevity in aged mice, suggesting that psilocybin may be a potent geroprotective agent.

2. news.emory.edu news.emory.edu/stories/2025/07/hs_psilocybin_aging_study_10-07-2025/story.html

Psilocybin delays aging, extends lifespan, new Emory study ... “This study provides strong preclinical evidence that psilocybin may contribute to healthier aging — not just a longer lifespan, but a better ...

3. bcm.edu bcm.edu/news/can-psychedelic-mushrooms-turn-back-the-clock

Can psychedelic mushrooms turn back the clock? The findings, in the latest edition of Nature Partnering Journal (NPJ) Aging, show that psilocybin reduced multiple hallmarks of aging in cells ...

4. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40628762/

Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves ... Psilocybin treatment extends cellular lifespan and improves survival of aged mice. NPJ Aging. 2025 Jul 8;11(1):55. doi: 10.1038/s41514-025-00244-x.

5. peterattiamd.com peterattiamd.com/psilocybin-and-lifespan/

A critical look at the lifespan-extending promise of psilocybin What the study really shows is not that psilocybin pushed the ceiling of aging outward, but simply that fewer treated mice died over the ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38240068/

Older adults in psychedelic-assisted therapy trials While existing data in older adults is limited, it suggests that psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can be safe and well tolerated in older adults.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1064748122005012

The Safety and Efficacy of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies ... However, both psilocybin and MDMA can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which could be a concern if used in older adults with cardiovascular disease.

8. aagponline.org aagponline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/JohnstonAnderson-et-al-2023_Psychedelic-Assisted-Therapies-for-Older-Adults.pdf

The Safety and Efficacy of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies ... Psychedelics show promise for older adults, but safety and efficacy, especially for those with multi-morbidity, are uncertain due to limited ...

9. ajgponline.org ajgponline.org/article/S1064-7481(24)00336-1/fulltext

Effects of Psychedelics in Older Adults: A Prospective ... Older adults reported well-being improvements similar to a matched sample of younger adults following participation in a psychedelic retreat.