Organic lithium salts may affect many cellular level changes in Alzheimer's disease

Lithium chloride may affect many cellular level changes in Alzheimer's disease, a new study from the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) shows.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. A central pathological feature of AD is the hyperphosphorylation and intracellular aggregation of Tau in addition to the accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ)-containing plaques in the brain.

Lithium salts, in particular lithium chloride and lithium carbonate, have been used in cell and animal models of AD to reduce the hyperphosphorylation and subsequent aggregation of Tau. On the other hand, clinical studies have shown mixed results with sometimes little or no cognitive improvement.

A recent US study offered an explanation for this discrepancy: Inorganic lithium salts, such as lithium chloride and lithium carbonate, can be sequestered in Aβ plaques, reducing their bioavailability. Using organic lithium salts, which can evade sequestration, could improve clinical outcomes in future trials, making lithium salts an attractive therapeutic approach.