It appears that for all neurological
issues derived from progressive physical damage to the brain (which is likely
just about everything) that lithium therapy is indicated as beneficial.
It certainly has been beneficial
for bi polar disease and in fact has managed the disease entirely. Been able to suddenly manage Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
is a huge breakthrough. The tests have started
with Parkinson’s but they will certainly be tested everywhere else pretty quickly.
In the meantime patients are
presently self medicating at known safe levels.
This means you can use it. And in fairness, these diseases are so horrible
and naturally progressive that waiting to see if it actually works is
pointless, so long as you will not die from the lithium. You are certain to die from the diseases themselves,
thus holding back is contra indicated.
Lithium Profoundly Prevents Brain Damage Associated with Parkinson's
Released: 6/20/2011 8:00 AM EDT
Newswise — Lithium profoundly prevents the aggregation of toxic
proteins and cell loss associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in a mouse
model of the condition. Preclinical research is now underway at the Buck
Institute for Research on Aging to determine correct dosages for a drug that
continues to be the gold standard for the treatment of bipolar disorder. The
Buck is currently working toward initiating a Phase IIa clinical studies of
lithium in humans in conjunction with standard PD drug therapy. The research
appears in the June 24 online edition of the Journal of Neuroscience
Research.
“This is the first time lithium has been tested in an animal model of
PD,” said lead author and Buck Professor Julie Andersen, PhD. “The fact that
lithium’s safety profile in humans is well understood greatly reduces trial
risk and lowers a significant hurdle to getting it into the clinic.”
According to Andersen, lithium has recently been suggested to be
neuroprotective in relation to several neurodegenerative conditions including
Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and
has been touted for its anti-aging properties in simple animals. “We fed our
mice levels of lithium that were at the low end of the therapeutic range,” said
Andersen. “The possibility that lithium could be effective in PD patients at
subclinical levels is exciting, because it would avoid many side effects
associated at the higher dose range.” Overuse of lithium has been linked to
hyperthyroidism and kidney toxicity.
PD is a progressive, incurable neurodegenerative disorder that affects
1 million Americans and results in tremor, slowness of movement and rigidity.
It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s.
Between 50,000 and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Age is the largest
risk factor for the PD. Onset usually begins between the ages of 45 and 70
years.
Andersen’s research focuses on lithium as a potential treatment for PD
as well as its efficacy in combination with drugs currently used to control the
symptoms of the disease. An internet search reveals stories from PD patients
who are using lithium “off label” as part of their treatment regime; others
report benefits from low dose lithium salts which are available as a supplement
in some health food stores. “This finding gives us an opportunity to explore
lithium as a recognized therapeutic for PD, in doses that are safe and
effective” said Andersen.
Contributors to the work:
Other Buck Institute researchers involved in the study include Yong-Hwan Kim, Anand Rane and Stephanie Lussier. The research was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Citation:
Lithium protects against oxidative stress-mediated cell death in alpha-synuclein over-expressing in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson’s disease. JNR: 852471-744204
About the Buck Institute for Research on Aging:
The Buck Institute is the first freestanding institute in the
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