Scientific research –
Lithium, new hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease?
Mouse tests have revealed promising results, but the path is still long before treatment for humans.
Lithium would play a protective role against the aging of our brain and the fight against diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
KEYSTONE
Lithium, a former medical remedy today used in psychiatric medicine, is again in the eye of science. A study published in «Nature» This August 6 reveals that he could have a role in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. This chemical element, which is naturally present in our diet, would play a protective role against the aging of the brain, Explain CNN.
To achieve such conclusions, a research team based in Harvard led to mice experiments. In genetically modified rodents – and predisposed to Alzheimer’s – the lack of lithium accelerated neural degeneration and worsen their memory loss. On the other hand, treatment with a specific form of lithium (Lithium orotate), has reduced lesions in the brain and partly restore the memory.
Vigilance about doses
Encouraging results, but which must be qualified. On the one hand, the doses of lithium administered to the mice were very low and without apparent toxicity – unlike high dose lithium used in psychiatry. In addition, researchers warn: these tests were only done on mice. Clinical trials in humans are still necessary to confirm the effectiveness, but also the safety of this treatment.
The fact remains that scientists recall that certain foods naturally rich in lithium, such as green vegetables, nuts or certain spices, are already known for their protective effects against cognitive decline.
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