Actively Recruiting
Investigating the Persisting Effects of a Single Dose of Psilocybin on Structural Plasticity in Healthy Older Adults
Led by University of California, Berkeley · Updated on 2025-10-21
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
112 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Participants in this study will undergo a series of non-invasive tests and activities designed to understand how a single dose of psilocybin might influence cognition and emotional well-being in healthy older adults. After providing written informed consent, eligible participants, aged between 60 and 85, will be randomly assigned to receive a dose of psilocybin ranging from a microdose to a moderate-to-high dose. Anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) will be used to assess changes in brain structure, while functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be used to quantify changes in functional brain activity.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Investigating the Persisting Effects of a Single Dose of Psilocybin on Structural Plasticity in Healthy Older Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Be between 60 and 85 years old at the time of consent
- Be able and willing to follow study requirements, including attending all visits and completing evaluations
- Be able to swallow capsules
- Women of childbearing potential must agree to use effective birth control during the study
- Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision
- Provide written informed consent and be able to comply with study requirements
- Have an identified support person to accompany you home after dosing
- Agree to report any new or changed medical conditions within 48 hours during participation
- Have access to a quiet space and a computer for online assessments
You will not qualify if you...
- Breastfeeding, pregnant, or unwilling to practice birth control during the study
- Current psychiatric disorder, serious medical condition, or other issues making participation unsafe or unsuitable
- MRI contraindications such as metal implants, pacemakers, or claustrophobia
- Recent significant suicidal thoughts or behavior
- History of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or dissociative disorder
- History of Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD)
- History of seizure disorder in adulthood, CNS metastases, or symptomatic CNS infection
- History of intracerebral hemorrhage, embolic stroke, TIA, aneurysmal vascular disease, or arteriovenous malformation
- History of valvulopathy or pulmonary hypertension
- Uncontrolled hypertension or tachycardia
- Significant cardiovascular disease or abnormal QT intervals
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Inadequate liver or kidney function (with some exceptions)
- Regular use of certain psychotropic medications including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers
- Use of certain medications around the time of study drug administration, including serotonin syndrome-associated drugs and vasoactive drugs
- Inability to follow lifestyle restrictions on alcohol, drugs, and medications before and after dosing
- Recent or lifetime use of psychedelics, entactogens, or dissociative anesthetics above set thresholds
- Diagnosed diseases impairing motor function or high risk of falls
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, United States, 94720
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
BCSP Research Staff
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
3
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