New Research says we are Wrong about Lithium - Have Conclusions Changed?
Physionic
Mar 23, 2026
Episode description
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0:00 - Introduction
1:00 - Have we been duped?
3:10 - I’ve become more Cynical
4:08 - Get your Magnifying Glass Out
8:19 - A New Perspective
Original Lithium Analysis: https://youtu.be/zC3qBR420A8?si=WIVcyiD99E4ajnZ4
References*
*Funding/Conflicts are provides in the free article (found in email list or Physionic Community Article Library)
[Study 508] Aron L, Ngian ZK, Qiu C, Choi J, Liang M, Drake DM, Hamplova SE, Lacey EK, Roche P, Yuan M, Hazaveh SS, Lee EA, Bennett DA, Yankner BA. Lithium deficiency and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Nature. 2025;628(8019):1-14. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09335-x.
[Study 667] Kishi T, Matsunaga S, Saito Y, Iwata N. Lithium for Alzheimer’s disease: Insights from a meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2026;180:106458. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2025.106458.
[Study 668] Nunes MA, Viel TA, Buck HS. Microdose lithium treatment stabilized cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Curr Alzheimer Res. 2013;10(1):1-4.
[Study 669] Devanand DP, Crocco E, Forester BP, et al. Low dose lithium treatment of behavioral complications in Alzheimer’s disease: Lit-AD randomized clinical trial. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2021. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2021.04.014.
[Study 670] Forlenza OV, Radanovic M, Talib LL, Gattaz WF. Clinical and biological effects of long-term lithium treatment in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: randomised clinical trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2019;215(5):668-674. doi:10.1192/bjp.2019.76.
[Study 671] Forlenza OV, Diniz BS, Radanovic M, Santos FS, Talib LL, Gattaz WF. Disease-modifying properties of long-term lithium treatment for amnestic mild cognitive impairment: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2011;198(5):351-356. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.110.080044.
[Study 672] Hampel H, Ewers M, Bürger K, et al. Lithium trial in Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter 10-week study. J Clin Psychiatry. 2009;70(6):922-931. doi:10.4088/JCP.08m04606.
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Mindsip insights from this episode:
Extend study duration to assess Alzheimer's benefits
Some studies showing no effect were only 10-12 weeks long, which may not be enough time to see benefits for a multi-year disease like Alzheimer's.
Examine individual studies to uncover lithium benefits
By examining the individual studies within the meta-analysis, the speaker found that lithium did show benefits that were simply lost in the overall statistical summary.
Reassess lithium supplementation for Alzheimer's effectiveness
A recent meta-analysis combining multiple clinical trials concluded that lithium supplementation has no effect on Alzheimer's disease, challenging previous optimism.
Determine effective lithium dosage for optimal benefits
Studies have found beneficial effects with lithium doses ranging from as low as 300 micrograms of elemental lithium to as high as 600 milligrams of lithium salt per day.
Critique meta-analyses for reliable evidence
Despite being considered top-tier evidence, the speaker argues that meta-analyses can be flawed or even 'trash' depending on the quality of included studies and the researchers' criteria.
Leverage lithium to protect against dementia progression
Newer, larger trials measuring progression over several years show that lithium provides clear protection against the advancement from mild cognitive impairment to full-blown dementia.
