Neurodegenerative diseases and BDNF
Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease are neurodegenerative conditions, or in other words, the associated symptoms of these diseases are the symptoms of the decline of neurons in the brain. A reduced amount of BDNF is often measured in these patients. BDNF is a neurotrophin that ensures that new brain cells can be created and also ensures their recovery. BDNF stands for Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. Neurotrophins are therefore important for the survival, repair, and growth of neurons. Neurons are nerve cells that process, transmit, or process information in the brain or nervous system. Neurons can be seen as the data cables between parts of the brain and the body. An average body has about 100,000,000,000 neurons (100 billion).
Too little BDNF
A lack of neurotrophins such as BDNF contributes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The lack of BDNF prevents neurons from recovering from damage. This can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and/or Huntington’s disease. Furthermore, depression can develop when there is too little BDNF for an extended period of time. The degeneration of neurons in the frontal lobe of the brain appears to be the culprit. Furthermore, a too low serotonin level also causes depression. The depression is exacerbated by a low serotonin level, which, via the 5HT2A receptor, prevents enough BDNF from being released (see also the image below and bear in mind that the 5HT receptor is not or only minimally activated).
More BDNF
Producing more BDNF can therefore be achieved by stimulating the 5HT2a receptor. When the body releases more BDNF, it switches on a series of genes that allow new brain cells and nerve cell connections to grow. Higher levels of BDNF also cause you to learn faster, remember better, age more slowly, and reorganize connections in the brain between different parts of the brain and the body more quickly.
BDNF also increases the plasticity of your brain. When your brain cells are damaged or in a stressful situation, BDNF protects them and helps them recover stronger. The neural pathways become more flexible instead of being broken down, which could explain why higher levels of BDNF are associated with warding off depression. Furthermore, increasing BDNF may possibly prevent diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's.
Psilocybin and LSD against Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease
The highest possible stimulation of the 5HT2a receptor can be achieved with high doses of the psychedelics psilocybin and LSD. Psychedelics increase BDNF production and neurogenesis via the 5HT2a receptor. This explains why there have recently been so many studies on psychedelic-assisted therapy that helps with depression and PTSD. We also expect more research in the future on neurodegenerative diseases, including MS.
Already trying a psychedelic session against neurodegenerative diseases?
We have been offering psychedelic sessions for many years, especially for the treatment of depression. Occasionally, due to encouraging news, clients with neurodegenerative disorders also come to us for a guided session. In addition to increasing BDNF, we use the session to resolve any blockages in the subconscious mind. This allows us to reduce stress, which in the long term also has a positive effect on health. However, people with neurodegenerative disorders sometimes use medication that does not go well together or is even dangerous when combined with psychedelics. We check whether the medication used can be taken together using an intake form. Are you interested? Fill out the intake form or contact us.