Could Low dose Lithium supplementation treat or stabilize Alzheimer’s Disease?

A groundbreaking research article published in Nature (August 6, 2025) suggests that a subtle deficiency of naturally occurring lithium in the brain may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here’s what the study reveals—and what it might mean for those concerned about brain health and ageing.

What the Study Found

1.  Lithium Levels Drop Early in Alzheimer’s

• Researchers measured levels of 27 metals in the brains of older adults, comparing those with no cognitive impairment, those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and those with Alzheimer’s.

• Among all metals tested, only lithium (Li) was significantly reduced in the prefrontal cortex of individuals with MCI and AD—indicating lower lithium may be an early event in cognitive decline  .

2. Amyloid Plaques Sequester Lithium

• Using high-resolution imaging, the team showed lithium accumulates within amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques.

• As these plaques formed, they appeared to trap lithium, decreasing its availability in surrounding brain tissue  .

3. Low Lithium Accelerates Alzheimer’s Pathology in Mice

• Animal studies revealed that reducing brain lithium by roughly 50% in both normal and AD-model mice led to:

  • Increased deposition of amyloid-β and hyperphosphorylated tau.

  • Increased neuroinflammation, synapse and myelin loss.

  • Faster cognitive decline.

• These effects were linked to increased activity of the enzyme GSK3β, which plays a key role in tau accumulation and inflammation  .

4. Lithium Orotate Holds Therapeutic Promise

• The study identified lithium orotate (LiO)—a lithium salt less prone to binding amyloid—as a promising strategy for preserving brain lithium levels.

• In mouse models, LiO supplementation:

  • Boosted lithium levels in non-plaque brain tissue.

  • Prevented memory loss and pathological changes—even when administered at low, physiologic doses  .

5. Associations Seen in Humans, Too

• In older adults without dementia, higher brain-to-serum lithium ratios correlated with:

  • Higher expression of synaptic proteins like complexin.

  • Better cognitive testing scores, including working memory and Mini‑Mental State Examination (MMSE) performance  .

• This aligns with epidemiological data showing that regions with higher lithium in drinking water have lower dementia rates  .

Why It Matters—And What It Doesn’t

What It Suggests:

• Endogenous lithium may be neuroprotective, helping preserve memory and brain structure during aging.

• Disruption of lithium homeostasis—due to sequestration by amyloid or dietary insufficiency—might contribute to early Alzheimer’s pathology.

What It Doesn’t Mean Yet:

• It’s not a green light for self‑treating with lithium supplements, especially at high doses used in psychiatric settings (which can cause kidney or thyroid issues)  .

• Current findings are preliminary and mainly preclinical; human trials assessing safety and efficacy of low-dose LiO are still needed.

Clinical Takeaways for Patients & Families

• Stay curious and informed. This study opens a new line of inquiry into Alzheimer’s prevention—one that focuses not just on genetics and lifestyle, but on metal ions like lithium.

• Discuss brain health proactively. Continue supporting practices like cardiovascular wellness, cognitive stimulation, balanced nutrition, exercise, and managing metabolic risk—all proven to support brain health.

• Be cautious with lithium supplements. Any lithium use—especially outside prescriptions—should only be considered under medical supervision.

• Watch the horizon. The idea of lithium orotate as a low-dose therapeutic deserves attention; clinical trials may emerge in the near future.

Final Summary

In essence, this innovative study proposes that even a mild deficit of naturally occurring lithium in the brain—compounded by amyloid sequestration—may accelerate Alzheimer’s-related changes. Encouragingly, the use of lithium orotate to restore lithium balance in mouse brains showed protective effects against memory loss and neurodegeneration. While these findings are early, they point toward an intriguing, novel target in Alzheimer’s prevention.

If you or a loved one are concerned about memory changes, cognitive decline, or overall brain health, we encourage you to call our practice. Our physicians specialize in personalized, evidence-based care, and we are here to help you navigate both preventive strategies and early interventions.

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