The journal N&BR reported that despite the promising results shown by lithium in animal experiments, a study by researchers from Japan’s Fujita University, which analyzed data from 435 people who participated in 6 medical studies, showed that traditional forms of lithium do not improve cognitive functions in humans.
The researchers noted that lithium theoretically possesses neuroprotective properties, reducing inflammation and preventing the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins, and that its deficiency in the brain accelerates cognitive decline in animals. However, clinical data show a complete absence of such an effect in humans with mild cognitive impairment or the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers believe the problem may lie in the lithium salts used, as traditional lithium carbonate penetrates the brain less effectively and binds more actively to amyloid, thus reducing its bioavailability. In contrast, experiments have shown that lithium orotate penetrates cells more effectively and exhibits efficacy at lower doses compared to lithium carbonate.
Scientists stressed that despite these results, lithium should not be completely ruled out from the lists of potential treatments to slow memory decline and treat Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the need for new clinical trials of new formulations, especially lithium orotate, on patients in the very early stages of the disease.
