Interest in interventions to reverse aging drives interest in these measures, but are these measures genuinely effective? This contribution is from Antlerzz, a healthcare marketing firm specializing in the longevity industry.
“The energy of the mind is the essence of life,” wrote Aristotle. Two millennia later, our pursuit of protecting this essence has evolved dramatically. Online data trends indicate a growing awareness of the importance of managing and enhancing brain health.
The human brain once thought to be a static organ, is now recognized for its remarkable capacity for change throughout life. This phenomenon, known as neuroplasticity, allows the brain to form new connections, adapt to experiences, and even generate new neurons. However, with age, neuroplasticity diminishes, contributing to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. This is prompting people to search for alternative interventions and explore avenues that would once have been the preserve of academic journals.
116% surge in interest in brain health interventions
Over the last five years, online interest in brain health has increased 116% in the US. A similar trend can be seen in the UK. Yet, it’s the more cutting-edge interventions that are igniting our imaginations. For example, in the US, there are approximately 8k searches per month for brain health supplements – a 200% increase over five years. In contrast, meditation, a scientifically recommended tool to help manage Alzheimer’s, has seen an 18% decline.
Yet, these figures only provide a part of the story. On one hand, the search volumes do not account for the rapidly increasing interest in specific brain health supplements. Therefore, the actual interest is significantly higher. Yet, this interest can not only be attributed to the prevention of brain aging. Many consumers are turning to supplements for mental health, clarity and focus. While brain health supplements are seeing a surge in popularity, the search for brain health solutions is taking a fascinating turn.
From hippies to brain hacking – psychedelics emerging in war against brain aging
Recent research suggests a surprising potential remedy for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s – psychedelics. Psychedelics have evolved significantly from their historical association with hallucinogenic experiences during the 1960s hippie era. Current research indicates their potential in alleviating conditions such as PTSD and depression. Less publicised is the potential role they could have in brain aging and longevity.
While the recreational use of psychedelics has been a topic of public interest for decades, recent scientific exploration suggests they may hold therapeutic potential for various mental health conditions. In the context of aging and Alzheimer’s disease, the focus is on their ability to influence neuroplasticity.
Studies have shown that psychedelics can stimulate learning, memory, and overall brain health. Furthermore, research suggests that psychedelics may have the potential to promote neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons, in specific brain regions crucial for memory and cognition. Moreover, classic psychedelics have been shown to target serotonin receptors. When these receptors are activated, they can boost brain connections, which is crucial for fighting Alzheimer’s.
Exciting stuff, which hasn’t gone unnoticed. Over the last five years, online interest in psychedelics has boomed 160% in the US and UK. But, how much of this is attributable to people wanting to improve their brain health and more specifically combat brain aging?
Netflix drives psychedelic brain health awareness
Since the research into Alzheimer’s and psychedelics is still in its infancy it is unlikely to be the only driver behind the growth. Instead, it appears to be the positive media attention research into psychedelics has received regarding their benefits for mental health.
Data from search engines indicates that two Netflix documentaries, launched in 2020 and 2022, were pivotal in driving growth. These documentaries led to a notable increase in searches related to psychedelics. Additionally, social media, where the hashtag #psychedelic has garnered 10 million mentions on Instagram, has further fuelled interest.
The result is an increase in people searching for psychedelic therapy. This isn’t just about chasing hallucinations – it’s about taking control of our brain health. Over the last five years, there has been a 1233% increase in interest in the US in psychedelics as a form of therapy – far exceeding interest elsewhere. Whilst, psychedelic therapy is focused on the treatment of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and PTSD rather than cognitive decline, the potential for the industry is clear.
Visibility to drive funding for psychedelics and Alzheimer’s
Whilst this is all very exciting, it’s important for the industry to remember how far it has travelled. Mainstream interest is fantastic as it brings visibility and funding. But it also brings risks as people increasingly become more comfortable with hacking their brains to improve their cognitive health. Psychedelic therapy is a relatively new field of research, and long-term effects are still being studied. Consequently, positivity can quickly turn to negativity without careful management.
For many years, psychedelics have been associated with counter-culture and recreational uses. This led to promising early research being abandoned. Moreover, stricter regulations on pharmaceutical research led to disinterest in financing further trials. Yet, as the data shows, this second wave of research is not only capturing the imagination of researchers but it’s spilling over to the general public. This may pave the way for further funding and research into psychedelics and cognitive decline.
This will only be further accelerated by wider trends. With the surge in at-home tests and the rise of longevity clinics, it’s clear: people are on a quest for proactive measures to safeguard their brain’s vitality. This drive is echoed in the skyrocketing searches for cognitive decline, marking a whopping 191% increase in interest over the past five years in the US alone. It’s a testament to the growing awareness of the importance of brain health as individuals strive to fortify their cognitive resilience against aging.
The future of brain health
The exploration of psychedelics for treating age-related cognitive decline represents a paradigm shift. By potentially promoting neuroplasticity, these drugs may offer a novel approach to addressing the root causes of cognitive decline, not just managing symptoms. Yet one thing is certain regardless of where the research is. People will continue to explore how they can protect the essence of life.
