Long-term ayahuasca use is associated with preserved global cognitive function and improved memory: a cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychopharmacology
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Limited research exists on the long-term cognitive effects of psychedelic use, particularly within ritualistic contexts.
• Ayahuasca, a psychoactive brew used in indigenous and religious ceremonies, has garnered interest regarding its impact on cognitive functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of ritualistic ayahuasca consumption on cognitive performance in experienced (over 20 years) and beginner (under 3 years) users.
• To compare cognitive abilities between experienced ayahuasca users, beginner users, and a control group.

Main Methods:

• An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 48 participants (16 experienced users, 16 beginners, 16 controls), matched for sex, age, and education.
• Cognitive assessments included intelligence quotient (WASI), verbal working memory (Digit Span), visuospatial working memory (Corsi Block-Tapping Task), visual perception/memory (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure), and executive functions (Wisconsin Card Sorting, Five Digit Test).
• Botanical and alkaloid analysis confirmed the composition of the ayahuasca brew.

Main Results:

• No evidence of cognitive decline was observed in any ayahuasca user group compared to controls.
• Experienced ayahuasca users demonstrated significantly higher scores in verbal working memory (Digit Span) and visuospatial working memory (Corsi Block-Tapping Task) compared to beginner users.
• Sociodemographic characteristics and intellectual performance were homogenous across all groups.

Conclusions:

• Short-term and long-term ritualistic ayahuasca consumption does not appear to negatively impact human cognition.
• Long-term ayahuasca use, especially within a religious context, may be associated with enhanced working memory capabilities compared to short-term use.