Alzheimer's symptoms and memory loss reverses by lithium supplement, offering new hope for cure
What the study found: Lithium depletion in Alzheimer's
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How lithium deficiency affects the brain
Healthy mice deprived of lithium showed early signs of brain aging, increased inflammation, and the formation of amyloid plaques and tau pathology.
Alzheimer's-model mice on a lithium-deficient diet experienced a more rapid buildup of plaques, worsened memory decline, and impaired function of microglia, reducing the brain's ability to clear toxic proteins.
The revolutionary solution: Lithium orotate supplement
Alzheimer's mice treated with lithium orotate showed up to a 70% reduction in amyloid plaque burden.
Memory tests revealed treated mice regained significant cognitive abilities, performing tasks they previously failed.
Crucially, the lithium orotate supplement did not show toxic effects at the doses used, suggesting it could be safe for long-term use.
Why this matters
From mice to humans
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A groundbreaking study from Harvard Medical School , published in Nature , has unveiled that lithium orotate supplementation can reverse Alzheimer's-like memory loss and brain pathology in mice, suggesting a promising new therapeutic cure for this devastating neurodegenerative disease affecting around 55 million people worldwide.Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, has long eluded curative treatment.Alzheimer's disease is marked by the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain — primarily amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles — that disrupt neuron function and trigger inflammation. This causes neurons to die over time, leading to memory loss and cognitive impairment.Lithium is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for decades in psychiatric medicine, especially to treat bipolar disorder. Importantly, lithium also supports essential cellular processes in the brain, helping to regulate signaling pathways, reduce oxidative stress, and protect neurons from damage.The new research uncovers a previously unknown problem: in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's, lithium levels drop significantly. This happens because amyloid beta plaques physically bind lithium ions, sequestering them away from neurons and other brain cells that need lithium to function properly.When lithium is trapped inside plaques, nearby neurons and microglia — the brain's immune cells responsible for clearing out waste proteins — become lithium-deficient. This deficiency worsens plaque buildup and disrupts brain cleanup mechanisms, accelerating disease progression.To understand the impact, researchers studied mice with genetic modifications that cause Alzheimer's-like symptoms. They experimented with diets lacking lithium and observed that:This strongly suggested lithium deficiency is not just a side effect but an active driver of disease progression.The scientists then tested whether supplementing lithium could reverse these problems. They used a compound called lithium orotate, which is chemically structured to bypass the plaque sequestration that traps regular lithium salts, allowing lithium to effectively reach and nourish brain cells.Their results were striking:Previous Alzheimer's treatments have largely focused on removing amyloid plaques or targeting other symptoms without restoring brain cell health. This new approach suggests that restoring lithium levels directly supports the brain's natural defense and repair systems, allowing neurons and immune cells to function normally and remove toxic accumulations.Moreover, since lithium is a naturally occurring nutrient found in food, water, and already used medically, translating these findings into human trials could be faster and more cost-effective compared to developing entirely new drugs.While these findings are highly promising, scientists emphasize that more research is needed to determine if lithium orotate will have the same benefits and safety in people with Alzheimer's. Clinical trials are required to find optimal dosing, evaluate long-term effects, and understand potential risks.If these results translate to humans, we could see more accessible, affordable, and safe treatments emerging, potentially transforming the outlook for millions suffering from this devastating disease.
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Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
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Hindustan Times
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