Neurodegenerative disorders and BDNF
Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease are neurodegenerative diseases or, in other words, the associated complaints of these diseases are the symptoms of the deterioration of the neurons in the brain. A reduced level of BDNF is often measured in these patients. BDNF is a neurotrophin that ensures that new brain cells can be created and it 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 thought of 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 ensures that neurons cannot recover from damage. This can cause Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and/or Huntington's disease to develop. Furthermore, depression can arise when too little BDNF is present for a longer period of time. The degeneration of neurons in the frontal lobe of the brain appears to be the culprit. Too low serotonin levels also contribute to depression. The depression is worsened because a low serotonin level ensures that not enough BDNF is released via the 5HT2A receptor (see also the image below and bear in mind that the 5-HT receptor is not or only little stimulated).
More BDNF
You can produce more BDNF by stimulating the 5HT2a receptor. When the body releases more BDNF, it flips the switch on a series of genes that grow brand new brain cells and nerve cell connections. Even slightly higher BDNF ensures that you learn faster, remember better, age more slowly and your brain quickly rearranges the connections with the different parts of the brain and body.
BDNF also increases the plasticity of your brain. When your brain cells become damaged or encounter a stressful situation, BDNF protects them and helps them come back stronger. The neural pathways become more flexible rather than broken down, which could explain why higher levels of BDNF are associated with warding off depression. Furthermore, increasing BDNF may prevent diseases such as: Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington be reduced.
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 so many studies are coming out lately about psychedelic-assisted therapy helping with depression and PTSD. We also expect more research into neurodegenerative disorders in the near future, including: MS.
Read more about the ongoing one here studies on psilocybin
Would you like to try a psychedelic session against neurodegenerative disorders now?
We have been offering psychedelic sessions for years, especially to combat depression. Occasionally, customers with neurodegenerative disorders also come to us for a guided session because of the hopeful messages. In addition to increasing BDNF, we also use the session to resolve any blockages in the subconscious. This allows us to reduce stress, which also has a positive impact on health in the long term. However, individuals with neurodegenerative disorders sometimes use medications that do not mix well or are even dangerous when combined with psychedelics. We check whether the medication used can be taken together using an intake form. Are you interested? Complete the intake or contact us.
