The study examined brain tissue from around 400 individuals post-mortem, in addition to analyzing blood samples and yearly memory tests conducted before their passing. Researchers discovered that cognitively healthy individuals had higher lithium levels. However, as amyloid plaques—sticky clumps of protein—began appearing in the brains of those with early dementia, they trapped the lithium. This limited its availability to brain cells, reducing its protective effects even in areas free of amyloid.
In separate experiments, healthy mice on a lithium-restricted diet exhibited significant memory issues, struggling with various lab tests designed to assess memory. Surprisingly, the researchers managed to reverse some disease-induced damage and restore memory functions in older mice with severe symptoms simply by reintroducing lithium into their diet.
What kind of lithium was used in the study?
The form of lithium utilized in this research differs from those typically prescribed for conditions like bipolar disorder. The team used lithium orotate, a compound that can navigate around amyloid plaques in the brain. While the standard treatment for psychiatric conditions often involves lithium carbonate, it can pose risks to the kidneys and may be toxic for older individuals. The quantity of lithium orotate used in this study was just one-thousandth of the amount normally found in the brain.
Should you buy lithium online or in stores and start taking it?
Like other vitamins and supplements available for purchase, lithium is not regulated by federal authorities in the same way that prescription medications are. This means there’s a lack of assurance regarding the actual lithium content or its quality and safety. Companies do not need to provide evidence to the FDA about their products’ safety before or after they hit the market.
How else should I get lithium in my diet?
Several foods commonly recognized for their health benefits naturally contain higher levels of lithium, such as seafood, grains, nuts, certain vegetables, and mineral water.
What else can I do to lower my risk of Alzheimer’s disease?
Another recent study, dubbed US POINTER, found that making simple lifestyle adjustments, such as eating better, increasing physical activity, and spending more time with loved ones, significantly improved cognitive function. The research involved over 2,000 adults aged 60 to 79 who were at risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
While the findings regarding lithium are promising, experts advise caution. They recommend waiting until more extensive clinical trials can verify the efficacy of lithium orotate, where participants would be given either the real substance or a placebo for comparison. These trials would help determine the appropriate dosage and duration of use.
