Linked Study Suggests Low Lithium Levels May Increase Risk of Alzheimer's Disease
In a groundbreaking study published in Nature, scientists at Harvard Medical School have discovered a potential link between lithium depletion in the brain and Alzheimer's disease. This research, led by Bruce Yankner, suggests that lithium could play a crucial role in maintaining healthy brain function and providing resistance against neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
The team's research reveals that lithium, which is naturally occurring in the brain, is easily trapped within positively-charged amyloid plaques. This sequestration could potentially accelerate Alzheimer’s progression by depleting lithium availability. On the other hand, lithium orotate, a form with fewer toxic effects, has a lower affinity for amyloid, offering a potential solution.
The study also demonstrates that treating mice with lithium orotate restores the ability of microglia to degrade amyloid-beta peptide, a function that had been impaired in lithium-deficient mice. This suggests that supplementing lithium salts could potentially stall or reverse Alzheimer's disease, though this has not been demonstrated in patients yet.
Previous human studies have found correlations between higher lithium levels in drinking water and lower dementia incidence, supporting the biological findings. A 2017 nationwide study in Denmark, for instance, reported a link between higher levels of lithium in drinking water and a lower incidence of dementia.
The current state of research indicates that lithium depletion in the brain is implicated as an early trigger of Alzheimer's disease. Replenishing lithium levels shows promise in reversing the disease’s pathological and cognitive effects, at least in animal models.
However, questions remain. The study raises questions such as whether lithium levels decline with normal ageing, whether lithium is an essential element, and what would be an optimal dietary intake. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that gene expression was changed in multiple brain cell types when lithium was deficient, partially due to lithium's role in blocking the enzyme GSK3b.
Ashley Bush, a neuroscientist at the University of Melbourne, notes that the study suggests that lithium is a physiological signaling ion and that there are likely further biochemical targets whose activities or interactions might be modulated by lithium. Serge Gauthier, a neurologist at McGill University, describes the findings as 'spectacular' and notes that the potential of low supplemental doses of lithium has been suggested in the past.
The team hopes to move towards a clinical trial with a lithium salt that can steer clear of amyloid plaques and be easily administered. Lithium orotate, for instance, deserves to be tested in clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and mild-cognitive impairment, according to Ashley Bush.
In summary, lithium represents a highly promising yet still experimental approach in Alzheimer’s treatment, supported by robust preclinical data and emerging human evidence. Upcoming clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety in patients. This represents a major advance in Alzheimer’s research, with potential to shift the paradigm towards lithium-based therapies pending further human trials.
References: [1] Yankner, B. et al. (2025). Lithium deficiency in the brain triggers Alzheimer's disease. Nature. [2] Bush, A. (2025). Lithium orotate: A potential game-changer in Alzheimer's disease treatment. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. [3] Gauthier, S. (2025). The potential of lithium in Alzheimer's disease treatment: A review. Annals of Neurology. [4] Yankner, B. et al. (2024). Lithium supplementation restores memory function in Alzheimer's disease mouse models. Science Translational Medicine. [5] Yankner, B. et al. (2023). Lithium orotate improves cognitive function in aged mice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
- Scientists at Harvard Medical School's groundbreaking study suggests that lithium, due to its potential link with Alzheimer's disease, could play a key role in maintaining health and wellness.
- The study reveals that lithium, a naturally occurring element in the brain, could potentially slow down or even reverse the progression of Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
- Therapies and treatments for mental health conditions, such as CBD, may receive additional attention due to the components shared with lithium, as its role in maintaining brain function becomes further understood.
- The team's findings could pave the way for new medical-condition treatments, specifically for Alzheimer's disease and related mild cognitive impairment, with lithium-based compounds like lithium orotate being potential candidates.
