Lithium For Alzheimer's Disease
Lithium has been investigated as a treatment for alzheimer's disease, based on the fact that lithium increases
choline levels in cells. Choline synthesis may be impaired in alzheimer
patients. Lithium does raise choline levels in the blood and red blood cells of
patients, but this does not improve memory [116-117]. Lithium and lecithin does
not improve cognition in alzheimer patients [118]. Lithium was also noted to
increase extrapyramidal symptoms in patients [119].
Some
studies have found that lithium impairs memory and thinking in alzheimer's
disease [120]. In one study,lithium carbonate was given in doses of 400 to 600
milligrams daily for 5 weeks. Cognitive ability worsened in five patients out of
nine studied. Overall, lithium does not seem to be of benefit for alzheimer's
disease.