Nature Study Links 10 Years of Lithium Data to Lower Dementia Risk
Updated
Updated · BBC Science Focus · Aug 16
Nature Study Links 10 Years of Lithium Data to Lower Dementia Risk
2 articles · Updated · BBC Science Focus · Aug 16
Summary
Harvard-led researchers found significantly lower lithium levels in the prefrontal cortex of people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s after analyzing 27 metals in post-mortem brains over 10 years.
Mouse experiments then suggested a mechanism: lithium bound Amyloid beta, and animals kept on lower lithium levels developed faster Alzheimer’s-like brain changes than mice with normal levels.
Lithium orotate performed better than lithium carbonate in mice because amyloid did not bind to it, reducing Alzheimer’s-like symptoms and pointing to a possible treatment avenue.
Human evidence remains weak: a small 2-year JAMA Neurology trial of lithium carbonate in people with mild cognitive impairment found no improvement in memory, thinking or MRI measures.
Researchers and outside experts said lithium is not yet proven to prevent dementia in humans, recommending established approaches such as Mediterranean-style diets and correcting vitamin D or B12 deficiencies.