Alzheimer’s disease was discovered more than 100 years ago, but researchers are still working to fully understand it. Finding a treatment that consistently works can be challenging, and many people are eager to learn about promising new options. One myALZteam member asked, “Is anyone taking low-dose lithium, and if so, was it difficult to find a doctor who would prescribe it?”

In this article, we’ll explain why researchers are looking into lithium for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. You’ll learn what researchers have discovered so far, what questions remain, and why lithium isn’t approved for treating Alzheimer’s just yet.

What Is Lithium?

Lithium is a mineral found in rocks and soil. It’s also a medication that doctors have used for many years to treat certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, which causes extreme mood swings. Lithium works by helping to steady a person’s mood, which is why it’s called a mood stabilizer.

When taken as medicine, lithium affects the brain in several ways. Scientists believe the mineral helps balance chemicals that regulate mood and protect brain cells from damage. Because of these effects, researchers are now exploring whether lithium could be useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Lithium is available in different forms. Prescription versions come in pill form and must be taken under a doctor’s care. Other forms, like lithium orotate, are sold over the counter (OTC) as supplements. However, OTC versions aren’t approved to treat any disease or regulated in the same way as drugs are. Even though lithium is natural, it can be harmful if taken in high doses. That’s why it’s important not to take any form of lithium without first talking to your doctor.

Why Researchers Are Studying Lithium for Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease — the symptoms and harmful effects to the brain get worse as time goes on. Right now, there’s no cure, but neuroscience researchers (scientists who study the brain and nervous system) are working to find new ways to slow the disease or even prevent it. One area of research focuses on lithium therapy, which scientists think may help treat Alzheimer’s by protecting the brain in other ways that are different from how it works in mood disorders.

For example, lithium may help brain cells stay healthier and live longer. Studies show that lithium may reduce oxidative stress (a type of damage to brain cells) and lower inflammation, which is common in Alzheimer’s disease.

Lithium may also target two harmful proteins involved in Alzheimer’s disease — amyloid and tau. Over time, these proteins build up in the brain and damage the brain cells. Lithium may help by blocking an enzyme that plays a role in how amyloid and tau proteins are produced, which might slow or prevent their buildup. Lithium may also block another harmful protein that causes brain cell death, which could help brain cells survive longer and function better.

In addition to possibly reducing harmful proteins, lithium may offer other benefits for brain health. Researchers are exploring whether lithium could:

• Protect nerve fibers by helping the brain grow and repair itself
• Improve communication between brain cells by repairing damaged connections
• Support the creation of special proteins that may help keep brain cells healthy and play a role in learning and memory
• Clear out waste from the brain by helping remove substances that can interfere with brain function
• Boost brain plasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt, grow, and learn from new experiences

Together, these possible actions are called neuroprotective effects — they help protect the brain over time.

What We Know About Lithium and Alzheimer’s

Early lab research on lithium was done in animals, but more recent studies have tested lithium in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which includes early memory loss that can lead to Alzheimer’s.

Research Findings So Far

Some of what we know about lithium and Alzheimer’s disease comes from small, carefully controlled studies called clinical trials. In these studies, people are randomly given either lithium or a placebo (a pill without any active ingredients) so researchers can compare the results.

One early trial from 2009 tested lithium in people diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s. After 10 weeks, there wasn’t much difference between those who took lithium and those who didn’t. However, that study used a standard dose of lithium and didn’t last long, which may explain why no significant result was found.

A more recent study looked at low-dose lithium — much less than what’s used for bipolar disorder. After two years, participants with MCI who took lithium showed slower mental decline than those who didn’t take it. With two more years of follow-up, 9 out of 30 people in the placebo group had progressed to dementia, compared to just 5 out of the 31 in the lithium group.

Other research has looked at large groups of people and found an interesting trend: People whose drinking water contained low levels of lithium, even tiny amounts, seemed to have lower rates of dementia. This doesn’t prove that lithium prevents Alzheimer’s, but it’s another clue that lithium may help protect the brain.

Scientists sometimes combine data from multiple studies to get a clearer picture — a method called meta-analysis or systematic review. A 2024 review compared lithium with newer Alzheimer’s drugs. The data suggested that lithium might be just as effective — and possibly safer — at preventing cognitive decline.

Limitations of the Research

Even with promising early results, a lot remains unknown about lithium treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Most studies so far have been small and short term. Researchers don’t yet know:

• What the safest, most effective dose is
• What side effects may occur
• How long lithium needs to be taken to show benefits
• Who is most likely to be helped by treatment

For example, it’s still unclear whether lithium works best in the early stages of memory loss or after someone is already diagnosed. Longer-term studies are underway and may lead to some answers.

Is Lithium a Treatment Option for Alzheimer’s?

Right now, lithium is not an approved treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. While early research is promising, larger clinical trials are needed to show that lithium is safe and effective, especially in older adults.

Meanwhile, researchers are also studying other potential treatments. These include cannabidiol (CBD) — a compound from cannabis that may help with brain inflammation — and a possible Alzheimer’s vaccine designed to lower the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s. Like lithium, these treatments are still in early stages of research.

For now, talk to your healthcare team before trying any new treatment or supplement. They can help you understand which options are safe, supported by science, and may be right for you or your loved one.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myALZteam, the social network for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with Alzheimer’s.

What treatments for Alzheimer’s disease have you tried? What future new therapies are you excited about? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.