Mushrooms And Memory Loss: What's The Link?

Mushrooms are a type of vegetable that contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances that may help protect the brain. Eating mushrooms has been linked to a reduced risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that often precedes Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. On the other hand, magic mushrooms, or psilocybin, are known to cause memory impairment, particularly working memory, which is a part of short-term memory. They exert their effects through 5-HT2A receptor activities, which are generated by hallucinogenic episodes. This raises the question: do mushrooms help or hinder memory retention?

Lion's mane mushrooms may improve memory

While some mushrooms, such as magic mushrooms, have been found to impair an individual's working memory, there is research to suggest that lion's mane mushrooms may improve memory.

Lion's mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are believed to have medicinal benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting immune function, and improving cognitive health.

Recent studies have found that nerve cells exposed to compounds isolated from lion's mane mushrooms, such as N-de phenylethyl isohericerin (NDPIH), demonstrated improved growth and formed new connections. In particular, hippocampal neurons grew after exposure to NDPIH and displayed larger growth cones. This is significant because the hippocampus is believed to be responsible for learning and forming memories.

In addition to laboratory tests, researchers have performed memory tests on mice fed lion's mane extracts. These tests have shown improved spatial memory in the treated mice compared to their control-group counterparts.

While the initial results are promising, more research is needed to determine the applicability of these findings to humans and the appropriate dosage and treatment length to achieve beneficial clinical effects.

Magic mushrooms impair short-term memory

Magic mushrooms, or "shrooms", is a common name for the psychedelic drug psilocybin, which is naturally occurring in over 150 mushroom species. Psilocybin is rapidly metabolized into its active form, psilocin, which is the main psychoactive compound responsible for its effects.

Psilocybin has been found to impair short-term memory in individuals. Specifically, it affects working memory, which is an aspect of short-term memory that deals with instant memories, such as keeping an address in mind while also listening to someone speak.

The mechanism of action for psilocybin's memory-impairing effects is linked to 5-HT2A receptor activities, which are generated by hallucinogenic episodes. These receptors are widely distributed in the neocortex, basal ganglia, limbic system, and hippocampus—all areas involved in cognitive processes and memory.

Research in rodents has shown that psilocybin's active metabolite, psilocin, can disrupt memory acquisition, retrieval, and consolidation in a dose-dependent manner. A dose of 4 mg/kg of psilocin disrupted reinforced retrieval in the Morris water maze test, while lower doses had no significant effect.

While the effects of psilocybin on memory are clear, it is important to note that this substance has also been revisited for its therapeutic potential in various psychiatric disorders. Some studies suggest that psilocybin may promote synaptogenesis in brain regions associated with learning and memory, possibly making it a novel therapeutic for mild cognitive impairment and countering neurogenerative disease progression.

Psilocybin may improve memory in patients with cognitive impairment

Psilocybin, also known as shrooms or magic mushrooms, is a naturally occurring psychedelic drug. It produces a modified perception of time and is linked to 5-HT2A receptor activities, which are generated by hallucinogenic episodes. While magic mushrooms have been found to impair an individual's working memory, the findings of several studies on the effects of psilocybin on cognitive function have been mixed.

A systematic review of 20 articles involving 2,959 participants revealed that while global cognitive function in healthy individuals was mostly unchanged, some studies reported improvements in specific areas such as sustained attention, working memory, and executive function, especially in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Psilocybin has also been found to enhance positive emotional bias and recognition of emotional expressions, making it a promising therapeutic tool.

Additionally, evidence suggests that psilocybin may promote synaptogenesis in brain regions associated with learning and memory, possibly through 5HT2A-R agonism. This is significant because reduced 5HT2A-R density in the neocortex is associated with cognitive impairment. As a result, psilocybin is being explored as a potential therapeutic intervention for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), which is considered a precursor to Alzheimer's disease dementia (ADD).

While the acute effects of psilocybin include changes in perception, cognition, emotions, and the induction of psychotic-like symptoms, it has also been safely used in psychiatric treatment. Further research is needed to fully understand the short- and long-term effects of psilocybin on cognition and memory, as well as the precise mechanisms underlying its dose-dependent effects.

Mushrooms may reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease

While some mushrooms can cause memory loss, others may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Lion's mane mushrooms, for example, contain two special compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that can stimulate the growth of brain cells. Animal studies have shown that lion's mane may help protect against Alzheimer's disease by reducing symptoms of memory loss and preventing neuronal damage caused by amyloid-beta plaques, which accumulate in the brain during the progression of the disease. A 2020 study of people with mild Alzheimer's disease found that supplementation with 1 gram of lion's mane mushroom daily for 49 weeks significantly improved cognitive test scores compared to a placebo group. Lion's mane mushroom's ability to promote nerve growth and protect the brain from Alzheimer's-related damage may explain its beneficial effects on brain health.

Additionally, a study by Feng et al. (2019) found that older men and women who regularly consumed mushrooms were at a lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a brain condition that often precedes Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Mushrooms contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances that may help protect the brain. While the study does not prove cause and effect, it adds to the growing body of evidence that diet can positively impact brain health and potentially delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring prodrug found in over 150 mushroom species, has also been studied for its potential therapeutic effects on cognitive impairment. While psilocybin is known for its psychedelic effects, preclinical studies suggest that it may promote synaptogenesis in brain regions associated with learning and memory. The results indicate that psilocybin is worth exploring as a potential treatment for mild cognitive impairment due to its ability to possibly counter neurodegenerative disease progression.

Other drugs that cause memory loss

While there is no definitive evidence that mushrooms cause memory loss, some studies suggest that they may help improve cognitive functions and reduce memory loss. Lion's mane mushrooms, in particular, have been found to contain compounds that stimulate brain cell growth and improve the functioning of the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for processing memories.

However, when it comes to substances that can cause memory loss, certain drugs stand out. Here are some of the most commonly mentioned ones:

Anticholinergics: These drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that mediates various functions in the body, including memory and learning. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of anticholinergics, which can include memory loss, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, anxiety, depression, and hallucinations.

Tricyclic Antidepressants: This class of antidepressants is also known to block acetylcholine, leading to potential memory issues. They are included in the Beer's List published by the American Geriatrics Society as potentially inappropriate for older adults due to their side effects, which can include confusion, clouded thinking, and memory lapses.

Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are typically used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. They boost the effectiveness of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which slows down neuron activity in the brain. While effective for calming anxiety and aiding sleep, they have been linked to an increased risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, especially with long-term use and higher cumulative doses.

Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers are prescribed for various conditions such as depression, anxiety, smoking cessation, and congestive heart failure. They can interfere with neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to memory loss in about one-third of people who take them, according to the Women's Brain Health Initiative.

Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. While effective for reducing inflammation, they can cause confusion and memory loss in patients on high doses.

It is important to note that the effects of these drugs on memory can vary from person to person, and consulting a healthcare professional is essential before starting, stopping, or altering any medication regimen.

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