Psilocybin Helps Woman With Alzheimer's Rediscover Speech and Memories

WHO:

Fox News - A Japanese-American woman in her 80s with advanced Alzheimer's disease.

Fox News - Researchers from a Brazilian study published findings in Frontiers in Neuroscience.

Yahoo News Canada - Courtney Kloske, Ph.D., director of scientific engagement at the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, commented on the study.

Fox News - Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, expressed skepticism about the study's significance.

WHAT:

Fox News - The woman experienced significant improvements in brain function after taking psilocybin-containing mushrooms.

Fox News - The woman received two doses of psilocybin: a 5-gram dose followed by a 3-gram dose a month later.

Fox News - After the first dose, the woman initiated autobiographical conversation lasting several hours approximately 19 hours later.

Yahoo News Canada - The woman regained the ability to control her bladder, walk independently, dress herself, and engage in conversation.

Yahoo News Canada - After the second dose, she exhibited greater verbal expressivity, improved facial mimicry, and increased agility while walking.

Yahoo News Canada - The woman reported, “It is pleasant to come here” and described a vision of surfing on a beach with her son.

WHERE:

Fox News - The study was published in Frontiers in Neuroscience.

WHEN:

Fox News - The first psilocybin dose was a 5-gram oral dose, followed by a 3-gram oral dose a month later.

Fox News - Oregon began licensing psilocybin service centers in 2023, Colorado's regulated natural medicine program became operational in 2025, and New Mexico enacted a Medical Psilocybin Act in 2025.

WHY:

Fox News - The study aimed to explore the potential therapeutic effects of psilocybin on patients with late-stage dementia.

HOW:

Fox News - The woman was treated with psilocybin-containing mushrooms in two supervised sessions.

(UPDATED June 9, 2026 11:56 UTC)

A Japanese-American woman in her 80s with advanced Alzheimer's disease showed significant improvements in brain function after receiving two doses of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, according to a Brazilian study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience. After her first dose of five grams, she was able to engage in autobiographical conversations and regain control over her bladder, while a second dose of three grams led to greater verbal expressivity and improved mobility. Courtney Kloske, Ph.D., from the Alzheimer’s Association, discussed the findings, while Dr. Marc Siegel expressed skepticism about their significance.