The neuroprotective power of lithium might be helpful in several diseases.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable degenerative disease. Riluzole can delay disease progression, but its efficacy is limited. Because of lithium’s neuroprotective effects in many animal models, these investigators explored lithium treatment for ALS in a two-part study.
In a mouse model of ALS, lithium delayed disease progression and increased life span, compared with saline. Among other effects, lithium increased motor neuron survival, increased mitochondria in motor neurons, reduced necrosis, and activated autophagy (which decreases neurodegeneration).
The investigators then initiated a 15-month, preliminary, controlled trial of 44 adults with ALS (disease duration, <5 years; 20 men; mean age, 69) who were randomized to rece…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)
DisclosuresRoyaltiesTextbook of Traumatic Brain Injury, 2nd and 3rd editions
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNorth American Brain Injury Association (Board Member); National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (Chair of Data Monitoring Safety Board for study of donepezil on cognition after traumatic brain injury)