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A cheap and commonly used medication could offer hope to Alzheimer’s disease patients, claim researchers.
Lithium has long been prescribed on the NHS to treat bipolar disorder and some forms of depression.
Now research indicates it could also combat dementia, which affects 982,000 people in the UK and there is no cure nor preventative treatment.
Previous research has linked lithium deficiency to cognitive impairment. A study in the journal Nature found lower levels of lithium in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
In animal models, lithium deficiency has been shown to accelerate cognitive decline and build-up of plaque in the brain, both associated with Alzheimer’s.
In mice genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer’s, low-dose lithium treatment improved memory performance and reduced signs of brain damage.
Researchers believe lithium may help protect brain cells involved in memory and thinking and preserve connections between regions of the brain.
The latest findings were outlined in a perspective article published in Translational Psychiatry, in which researchers argued that low-dose lithium warrants further investigation as a potential treatment for people with early Alzheimer’s disease.
New research shows lithium could combat dementia, which affects 982,000 people in the UK and for which there is no cure or preventative treatment (file pic)
Research shows people with Alzheimer’s have lower levels of lithium in their brains – and low dosage of the medication could improve symptoms (file pic)
Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘This study adds to a growing discussion about the potential role of lithium in Alzheimer’s but it’s important to note it doesn’t show that lithium can prevent or treat dementia.
‘Some research has suggested that people with Alzheimer’s have lower levels of lithium in their brains.
‘Clinical trials in people with early Alzheimer’s disease have so far been small and there’s currently no clear evidence that it has an impact.
‘There’s no single approach that will tackle dementia and we should continue to explore all promising avenues.
‘The only way to know which potential treatments can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives is through more research.’
