Jake Aday - Can psychedelic drugs attenuate age-related changes in cognition and affect?

Psychedelic substances may offer a way to address cognitive and emotional challenges associated with aging. Research indicates that these substances can improve executive function, enhance openness, and increase empathy while reducing depressive and pessimistic states. Such outcomes are linked to changes in self-perception and the default mode network. Existing studies, including those on psilocybin, suggest that profound experiences characterized by meaning and transcendence can help recalibrate a sense of self at the end of life. While these findings are promising, further empirical research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and ensure safety, particularly as aging populations face increased risks of depression and substance abuse.