Ayahuasca Preserves Cognitive Function and Improves Memory

Hello,

I just wanted to share this link with you about a study:


https://www.iceers.org/ayahuasca-cognitive-function-memory/


Journal:
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience

Year:
2024

About the study

This study investigates the cognitive effects of long-term ayahuasca use among members of the Santo Daime church in Brazil, focusing on experienced users (over 20 years of use) and comparing them to beginner users (less than 3 years of use) and a control group of non-users. Participants underwent various cognitive assessments, including tests for intelligence, working memory, visual perception, and executive functions. The goal was to determine whether prolonged ritualistic use of ayahuasca has any negative or positive impact on cognitive function.

 

[Mechanism]

How often do they usually drink? Is it every week?

 

[jungleheart]

Why do you think they compared it to beginner users instead of people who weren't in Santo Daime?

 

[Loveall]

Why do you think they compared it to beginner users instead of people who weren't in Santo Daime?

I can't access the article, but based on the abstract, they did have that control group (3 groups of 16 people each).

 

[jungleheart]

I can't access the article, but based on the abstract, they did have that control group (3 groups of 16 people each).

Ok, thanks! I didn't have my research hat on when I skimmed it.

 

[Jagube]

Why do you think they compared it to beginner users instead of people who weren't in Santo Daime?

There were 3 groups: 20-year SD members, 3-year members and controls.

It may be that, for example, people with a history of alcoholism, trauma or some other adversity, are more attracted to SD, creating a selection bias. Those who joined SD may have had statistically significant cognitive impairment to begin with, before their first ayahuasca cup.
By comparing the 20 year group to the 3 year group, that confounding factor can be largely eliminated.

The 20 year group performed better than the 3 year one, which may indicate ayahuasca use benefits cognitive function.
The 20 year group performed the same as the control group, which may indicate ayahuasca repaired a pre-existing cognitive impairment.