Visit michaeljfox. org / ask-the-md to learn more about living well with Parkinson’ s and recent Parkinson’ s research topics.
Spring / Summer 2025 | Living with Parkinson’ s 17
Alter Your Mind to Boost Your Mood?
You’ ve probably seen psychedelics, such as psilocybin( or magic mushrooms) in the news. Researchers are exploring ways that these compounds might help treat conditions like depression. Depression is common in people with PD and can significantly impact symptoms and quality of life. Treatments can be somewhat limited and take many weeks to work. So, researchers want to know whether psilocybin might help ease depression in Parkinson’ s.
Psychedelics impact sensory perception, mood and cognition, and individual response can vary widely. Psilocybin works on serotonin, which is important for mood, sleep and many other brain functions. Serotonin also likely has many other effects, such as decreasing inflammation or boosting brain connections, which haven’ t yet been worked out.
“ This is uncharted territory, so we want to move forward thoughtfully,” said Dr. Bradley.“ There’ s a lot of excitement and potential but also a deep respect for a complex drug that impacts the brain and nervous system.”
No matter where you are on your journey with Parkinson’ s, MJFF has resources for you.
DBS and Parkinson’ s: From decision-making to daily life with DBS, this guide sheds light on all aspects of DBS and answers important questions about potential complications, risks and benefits. michaeljfox. org / DBS
Research in people without Parkinson’ s suggests that psilocybin may ease depression and other symptoms quickly and for some time. After only one dose of psilocybin, for example, people have reported rapid improvement in depression lasting a month or more. This is compelling since available antidepressants typically take at least six to eight weeks to work.
Now, researchers led by Ellen Bradley, MD, a psychiatrist at the University of California at San Francisco, are studying psilocybin coupled with psychotherapy( talk therapy) for depression in Parkinson’ s.
Parkinson’ s 360: Everyone’ s path with Parkinson’ s is different. This guide takes a 360-degree look at the symptoms, as well as the social and emotional changes, that you or your loved one may experience. michaeljfox. org / PD360
Make Your Move: Exercise is important for overall health and is critical when living with PD. Our exercise guide offers practical tips and tools, answering questions like: Why should I exercise? How often, and for how long? michaeljfox. org / exerciseguide
Visit michaeljfox. org / ask-the-md to learn more about living well with Parkinson’ s and recent Parkinson’ s research topics.