Population Studies of Association Between Lithium and Risk of Neurodegenerative Disorders

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.