- A decade-long study by Harvard Medical School scientists suggests that a deficiency of naturally occurring lithium in the brain could be a key factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
- Published in Nature, the research found that lithium loss is one of the earliest changes leading to Alzheimer's, with reduced levels observed in patients and accelerating memory decline in mice.
- Scientists discovered that a new compound, lithium orotate, can bypass amyloid plaques and effectively restore memory in mice at a significantly lower dose than traditional lithium treatments.
- The study utilised advanced mass spectroscopy to analyse metal levels in human brain and blood samples, revealing lithium as the only metal with markedly different levels across healthy individuals and those with varying stages of dementia.
- These findings offer a revised understanding of Alzheimer's, proposing a new strategy for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, though human clinical trials are still required to confirm the results.
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