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Population Studies of Association Between Lithium and Risk of Neurodegenerative Disorders

[ Vol. 13 , Issue. 8 ]

Author(s):

Markus Donix and Michael Bauer   Pages 873 - 878 ( 6 )

Abstract:


Background: Lithium shows neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects in vitro and in vivo. Due to its involvement in hippocampal neurogenesis and the interaction with beta-amyloid and neurofibrillary tangle metabolism it has been hypothesized that lithium could have the potential to influence the development of dementia. Method: Using the PubMed database and cross-reference search strategies our aim was to specifically identify population (cohort or case-control) studies investigating the association between lithium and dementia. Results: Data from large cohort studies suggest an association between lithium treatment and dementia risk reduction or reduced dementia severity. Studies with smaller sample sizes yield more variable findings. Conclusions: Lithium may reduce the risk of dementia among middle-aged and older people. Beneficial lithium effects are possibly limited to specific types of neurodegenerative processes.

Keywords:

Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, lithium, neuroprotection, population studies, risk reduction.

Affiliation:

Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.



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