I know your expertise here is counseling, but can you answer this question or direct me to another source.

Lithium is used in bipolar patients and has been shown to protect against neuronal atrophy and/or promote neuronal growth. Can increase gray matter in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and caudate nucleus.

Are any clinical studies being researched for the use of lithium to treat/prevent dementia patients? Or have any been done? If yes, what were the results.

Thank you in advance for any help you might provide.
Ann

Fortune Cookie,

Thank you for contacting the Alzheimer’s On Line Community Message Board! You have raised a good question on the use of Lithium in Alzheimer’s patients. Lithium is used to treat mood disorders and sometimes prescribed to a person with Alzheimer’s to stabilize his/her mood and keep the person calm. Please visit our website for clinical studies and clinical trials.gov for studies on Lithium in Alzheimer’s disease. I hope this information is helpful or at least gives you a direction to learn more on the use of Lithium. If you have any questions please contact us again or call the 24hr helpline at 1-800-272-3900.

Sincerely,