Can cognitive training plus psilocybin boost brain health in older adults and early Alzheimer's
Official title: Neuroplasticity Enhancement From Cognitive Training Reinforced by Psilocybin (NECTAR) in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Run by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT07721467 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether taking psilocybin twice, alongside a four-week cognitive training program, can improve brain function in adults 65+ with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s and in healthy older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 65 Years to 120 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Baltimore, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07721467 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 65 and older with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, plus healthy older adults with normal cognition.
✕Probably not a fit
Some participants may not show cognitive or neuroplasticity gains from the combination therapy.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, open-label, parallel-group study enrolling two populations: older adults with normal cognition and those with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Participants are assigned to receive either two 25 mg doses of psilocybin two weeks apart plus cognitive training for four weeks, or cognitive training alone for four weeks. The main outcome is a Neuroplasticity Composite Score measured four weeks after the first psilocybin dose or the start of training. Secondary outcomes include safety, cognitive performance, psychological well-being, quality of life, sleep, neuroimaging biomarkers, electrophysiology, and biological markers related to synaptic function, neurodegeneration, and inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improved brain plasticity and cognitive function from the combined treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in related cognitive and psychedelic approaches suggests potential benefits, but this specific combination is novel and exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* Pending Web Eligibility
Where it's running
-
National Institute of Aging, Clinical Research Unit
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dimitrios I Kapogiannis, M.D. — National Institute on Aging (NIA)
- Study coordinator: Sierra D Kunkosi
- Email: sierra.kunkoski@nih.gov
- Phone: (410) 350-3941
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.