The myth about a popular remedy for slowing down Alzheimer's disease has been debunked

Scientists from Fujita University have studied whether lithium - a known mood stabilizer - can actually slow memory deterioration in Alzheimer's disease. Although animal experiments yielded promising results, the largest meta-analysis to date of six randomized clinical trials (435 participants) showed that standard forms of lithium do not improve cognitive function compared to placebo.

As reported by BAKU.WS, the work was published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (N&BR).

According to researchers, in theory lithium has neuroprotective effects: it reduces inflammation, prevents accumulation of amyloid and tau protein, and its deficiency in the brain accelerates cognitive decline in animals. However, clinical data demonstrate a complete lack of benefit in patients with mild cognitive impairment and early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

The authors suggest that the reason may lie in the salts used: traditional lithium carbonate penetrates brain tissues less effectively and binds more actively with amyloid, which reduces its bioavailability. At the same time, lithium orotate has shown more promise in experiments - it penetrates cells more easily and is effective in smaller doses.

Scientists emphasize that even despite the weak results of old forms, it's too early to write off lithium: now new clinical trials of modern compounds, primarily lithium orotate, are needed in patients at the earliest stages of the disease.