Can Lithium Prevent Dementia?

In this podcast episode, we delve into the neuroprotective role of lithium in preventing dementia. We review a 2019 placebo-controlled trial that administers low-dose lithium to patients with mild cognitive impairment. 00:00 Welcome 00:58 Lithium in Drinking Water 02:58 How Much Lithium Do You Have In Your Water? 05:27 How Lithium Works 08:30 GSK-3 beta 10:32 Defining Mild Cognitive Impairment 12:20 Duration of Study 14:44 When To Use Lithium To Prevent Dementia? 17:51 The Downsides of Lithium: Side Effects 22:42 Key Points 23:29 Closing, Credits & References Key Points: - Relatively higher concentrations of lithium in groundwater have been correlated with lower rates of violent crime and suicide rates in some areas of the world. - It has been hypothesized that lithium works through inhibiting the glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta enzyme (GSK-3 beta) and through neurotrophic factors to exert neuroprotective functions. - There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that low-dose lithium can not only modify but also prevent Alzheimer’s disease. - Thyroid and renal functions must be monitored with lithium administration. Also, watch out for Diabetes insipidus and drug interactions with lithium. Are you a mental health clinician and want to brush up on psychopharm prescribing? We have what you need! Find the rest of Psychopharmacology Institute podcasts here: Itunes: Spotify: Stitcher: Google Podcasts: RSS: Website: Email us at: podcast@