Lithium for Brain Health

This Journal covers a lot of recent research about the beneficial effects of lithium on brain health and function. According to the research briefs presented below, lithium may indeed be viewed as a brain health panacea.

I started recommending lithium orotate to clients back in 2014 when I began to do genetic analyses. Every client had some combination of mutation events in key brain enzymes; most notably BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) and NTRK2 (neurotrophic tyrosine receptor type 2). These 2 important genetic sites code for enzyme proteins which require lithium in order to make BDNF. Mutation events of these sites are very common.

Both the BDNF gene and the NTRK2 gene help produce BDNF. “Brain-derived neurotrophic factor plays an important role in neuronal survival and growth, serves as a neurotransmitter modulator, and participates in neuronal plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory.” (Reference)

I consider lithium to be one of 4 critical brain health minerals. The other 3 are magnesium, zinc, and iodine.

The orotate salt of lithium, as lithium orotate, is the favored form to use. 5 mg. of lithium orotate is considered to be a very safe dose, such as is available in the product Lithium Synergy.

Other salts of lithium, such as lithium carbonate, can be injurious. Those who use pharmaceuticals of this sort are using a first generation treatment for bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. Use of this drug family requires blood monitoring because of significant toxicity concerns. Such drugs are Lithobid, Lithane, Lithonate, Lithotabs, and Eskalith.

Stopping any of these drugs and switching to a lithium orotate compound must be done under the supervision of a qualified physician.

The following abstract briefs will give you an appreciation of lithium’s wide ranging roles in maintaining various aspects of neurological health. These abstract briefs are from Dr. James Roach, M.D. at the Midway Center for Integrative Health in Midway, Kentucky. He sends out a monthly newsletter of technical clinical research abstracts of interest. The article briefs below are from the September 29, 2025 newsletter in the BRAIN section of the abstracts collection.

Here is Dr. Roach’s lithium abstracts. All highlighting and underlining are his.

“Scientists have made a remarkable discovery after a decade of painstaking research. Lithium, a metal which occurs naturally in brains, is crucial in preventing neurodegeneration.  When lithium levels drop in the brain, it cascades into ALZHEIMER’S.

Through experiments in mice and analysis of human brain tissue and blood samples from people at various stages of cognitive health, the researchers found that lithium loss is one of the earliest changes that occurs before Alzheimer’s develops.  When lithium levels in the brain begin to decline, more amyloid plaques start forming. These plaques then trap even more lithium, pulling it away from where it’s needed most, creating a devastating downward spiral: less lithium leads to more amyloid, which captures even more lithium, accelerating the disease. Lithium deficiency triggers other Alzheimer’s hallmarks including the buildup of tau protein tangles and changes Alzheimer-related genes.

Not all forms of lithium are created equal. Most clinical trials have tested Rx lithium carbonate, but it turns out that amyloid plaques readily trap this form of the metal. However, lithium orotate can slip past these traps. When mice were given small doses of lithium orotate, it REVERSED DISEASE-RELATED BRAIN DAMAGE and RESTORED THE ANIMALS MEMORY. The mice’s brains returned to a younger, healthier state. Rx Lithium carbonate, by contrast, didn’t provide the same benefits.

This approach addresses a fundamental cause of the disease and may not just prevent Alzheimer’s, but potentially reverse its effects. Areas with naturally higher lithium in drinking water tend to have lower rates of dementia.

Lithium reduces tau protein and protects against neurodegeneration in tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s. Tau is a key mediator of neurodegeneration, especially that induced by amyloid (Abeta) pathology. Lithium inhibits GSK3beta, an enzyme that phosphorylates tau protein. While lithium protects neurons against amyloid-beta (Aβ) toxicity and prevents cognitive decline in animal models, it also reduces tau protein in cultured cortical neurons.

Lithium pretreatment protected neurons from Aβ-induced cell death.  Li was the only metal reduced in the brain in mild cognitive impairment.  Reducing endogenous cortical Li by 50% markedly increased deposition of amyloid-β and accumulation of phospho-tau, and led to pro-inflammatory microglial activation, loss of synapses, axons and myelin, and accelerated cognitive decline via activation of GSK3β. Nature (2025).

1. Trace lithium levels in drinking water and risk of dementia: a systematic review
2. Lithium down-regulates tau in cultured cortical neurons: a possible mechanism of neuroprotection.

A randomized, double-blind crossover study of 25-year-old adults with ADHD compared lithium vs. methylphenidate. Lithium was superior: Reduced aggressive outbursts 71% (vs. 26% for Ritalin), irritability 42% (vs. 35% for Ritalin), antisocial behavior 28% (vs. 20% for Ritalin).

Low-dose natural lithium prevented both motor impairment and dopaminergic loss—hallmarks of Parkinson’s.  Previous research showed low-dose lithium is neuroprotective in Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s.    Lithium protected the brain region normally damaged by Parkinson’s and reduced inflammation. Brain Research (Dec 2014).

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients had lower lithium levels (0.57) compared to healthy controls (2.29). Higher nitric oxide levels were found in MS, suggesting increased brain inflammation The inverse relationship between lithium and nitric oxide suggests lithium may regulate inflammation.

Conduct disorder co-occurs in 25-45% of ADHD cases.  In hospitalized children with treatment-resistant conduct disorder, lithium was more effective than Haldol at reducing aggression and hostility without sedation. Staff: “lithium reduced the explosiveness” while “haloperidol made the child only more manageable.” 6-Week Trial: children (ages 5-12) with conduct disorder showed improvements in aggression, restlessness, and attention span after lithium. 1-Month Study: children (average age 12) with conduct disorder, 16 of 20 receiving lithium showed marked reduction in aggressive behavior. Case: Treatment-Resistant ADHD An 8-year-old girl with ADHD, disruptive behavior disorder, and mood disorder had failed stimulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Lithium resulted in a 60-70% reduction in irritability, Improved sleep (6-7 uninterrupted hours), enhanced academic performance and focus, with mood regulation improvement.

1. J Neuropsychiatry And Clinical Neurosciences, 2002 Summer;14(3):289-95. NRC on ADHD. What we know #5: ADHD and coexisting conditions. Landover, MD: Natl Resource Center on ADHD, 2004.
2. Campbell  M, et al. Behavioral efficacy of haloperidol and lithium carbonate. J Amer Academy Child And Adolescent Psych, 1984 Jul;41(7):650-6.
3. Campbell M, et al. Lithium in hospitalized aggressive children with conduct disorder. J Amer Academy Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 1995 Apr;34(4):445-53.
4. Malone RP, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled study of lithium in hospitalized aggressive children and adolescents with conduct disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 2000 Jul;57(7):649-54

Crestone and Beyond

On March 7, 2016 I posted a Journal entitled Brain Health where I wrote a bit about lithium. Here is a reprint of some of that writing which supports the information seen above.

The Importance of Lithium in Brain Health

“In consideration of just one of these brain nutrients, lithium, here is some helpful commentary.

Lithium is going to be relatively low in everyone who does not supplement with it or does not bathe regularly in geothermal pools which usually contain relatively high amounts of lithium, and can be absorbed through the skin. We can surmise, therefore, that lithium deficiency is ubiquitous. Indeed, this has been confirmed in epidemiologic studies, but this information is not widely appreciated.

Lithium is present in some foods, but only in low microgram amounts.

Lithium serves to increase brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which enhances new synaptic growth, neuroplasticity, and overall brain regeneration. It also serves well to reduce aggressive behavior.

Since Alzheimer’s has become so common, and since lithium is so ubiquitously low in our biochemistry, and since lithium is integral to the well being of the very brain chemistry which fails in Alzheimer’s disease…might we not consider its lack in our lives to be one significant factor in the generation and propagation of the Alzheimer process?

The common circulating misinformation about lithium toxicity is driven by the usage of a particular pharmaceutical which is a lithium carbonate salt whose blood levels must be monitored because of toxicities. Lithium carbonate is an earlier generational antidepressant drug used to treat bipolar disorder, and it is still in common usage today. It is also an industrial compound, most of which is sourced from China. This particular salt of lithium should stay in industry, and educational efforts need to come forward about healthier and safer ways for us to raise our lithium levels. Dosing ranges for this type of lithium salt are 150 mg. to 600 mg. per day. This kind of lithium dosing will create toxicity symptoms.

I have recommended the use of Lithium Synergy, a 5 mg. orotate salt of lithium, which is very safe, for many clients’ brain health over the years. I usually base this recommendation on genomic mutations which result in particular neurological enzyme function deficiencies. When certain brain enzyme activity is reduced because the genes coding for this enzyme are mutated, then a variety of imbalances ensue and brain regeneration and long term global function is handicapped.

One of the services I offer clients is helping them decode their genetic study results, and implement a targeted, therapeutic supplement regimen unique to their important and relevant genetic mutations, and their specific individual lifestyle concerns.

Very common brain enzyme mutations I encounter in clients’ genetic profiles (almost every report) which call for lithium co-factor assistance are:

• BDNF…brain derived neurotrophic factor…a brain regenerative protein which decreases when mutated
• NTRK2…the molecular receptor for BDNF which results in BDNF’s effects of neuro-regeneration, but not so efficiently when mutated
• DAOA…a central nervous system enzyme which results in increased cognitive manic symptoms when mutated
• MTR…a methylation enzyme which moves the toxic amino acid homocysteine into the helpful amino acid methionine and assists with the recycling of vitamin B12

In combination with the other brain nutraceuticals profiled below, lithium becomes synergistically important. The usual dosage which I recommend is 5 mg. of lithium orotate (1 capsule) per day. I may recommend 10 mg. per day, depending on the number and the type of key mutations which may be present.

In addition to the first 3 references in the reading list at the end of this writing, another good resource for information on this vital brain nutrient is Chapter 13 (6 pages) of Dr. Amy Yasko’s (Ph.D.) book Feel Good Nutrigenomics. Here she covers the safety and importance of low dose lithium orotate. She also covers the subtle considerations of how one must consider the balance of lithium, vitamin B12, iodine, and potassium absorption, which are all important considerations, but ones that I will not attempt to explain here.

Lithium’s role in brain health has been well studied, and it is the subject of ongoing study.”

If you read all of the information in this Journal then you can now appreciate how important lithium is for our health.

Your levels are probably low unless you are using a lithium orotate supplement.

Consider Lithium Synergy from Designs for Health. Using 1 capsule daily, which delivers 5 mg. of lithium orotate, is a safe dose for brain health maintenance.

Thank you for reading.

Signing off from Crestone and Beyond

 

Related Readings

1. The Role of Lithium Homeostasis in Alzheimer’s…from the Mercola website archives October 25, 2025. Some of the main points of this article include: “Lithium levels in the brain drop in people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s, fueling memory loss, brain inflammation, and the buildup of toxic proteins…Low-dose lithium has been shown to preserve memory, improve attention, and stabilize mood without the kidney and thyroid risks tied to prescription-strength doses…A clinical trial found that lithium slowed progression from early memory problems to Alzheimer’s, lowering key disease markers and improving daily functioning…Whole foods, mineral-rich water, magnesium, and zinc all support healthy lithium balance and give your brain the nutrients it needs to resist decline…Removing vegetable oils, lowering excess iron, and boosting antioxidants like glutathione work alongside lithium to protect brain cells and preserve long-term memory.”
2. Feel Good Nutrigenomics, Your Roadmap to Health by Amy Yasko, Ph.D., 2014…this nice readable book comes from one of the first experts on methylation chemistry where lithium plays a major role. The 6 pages of Chapter 13, entitled “Keeping Track of Lithium,” explains some key considerations about lithium chemistry.
3. Lithium’s Role in Brain Health…a 2016 brief covering lithium research.
4. Lithium’s Billion Year Journey: A Cinderella Story for Brain Health…a very good article on lithium’s history, chemistry and benefits.
5. Nutritional Lithium: Orchestrating Our Genes & Optimizing Our Moods…how lithium works at the genetic level to increase BDNF.
6. Reversing Alzheimer’s: The Forgotten Causes and Cures Big Pharma Buried…posted here on 12-14-25. This important contribution is from The Midwestern Doctor. “Due to Alzheimer’s research focusing on a symptom of it (amyloid plaques), rather than its actual cause, Alzheimer’s has remained ‘incurable’ for decades…Rather than being a single disease, Alzheimer’s has multiple different subtypes (e.g., those due to insulin resistance, nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, infections, or concussions), each of which requires a different treatments.” Please read on!
7. More Than Half of Americans Live with Neurological Conditions…posted here on 1-27-25. “Over half of Americans now live with neurological disorders, which significantly impact disability levels and quality of life. Tension headaches, migraines, stroke, and Alzheimer’s are major contributors…Neurological burden varies by region, with Southern states experiencing worse outcomes. Despite medical advances, mortality has decreased but long-term disability has increased due to longer lifespans…Global brain-related disorders cost $1.7 trillion annually, with stroke and dementia the most expensive. High-income countries spend disproportionately more while lower-income nations face severe resource shortages…Aging populations and rising care costs strain health systems, as inpatient and long-term care dominate expenses. Uneven access means outcomes depend heavily on geography, income, and health care infrastructure…Improving neurological health requires targeting mitochondrial dysfunction through lowered linoleic acid intake, gradual gut repair, reducing electromagnetic field and plastic exposure.”
8. This Small Molecule Reverses Alzheimer’s Disease Progression, Study Shows…posted here on 2-17-26. An important article about Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NMN). Please read on! Here are some main points: “Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is central to cellular energy and mitochondrial health, driving redox reactions that produce ATP. Declining levels are linked to metabolic disorders, sarcopenia, and diabetes…Alzheimer’s disease has strongly associated with disrupted NAD+ balance, and research suggests restoring intake can reverse cognitive decline rather than merely slowing disease progression…Animal studies show restoring NAD+ fully reversed advanced Alzheimer’s features, including memory loss, inflammation, tau pathology, oxidative stress, and DNA damage, even after severe disease was established…NAD+ functions as an upstream regulator of brain resilience, coordinating energy production, DNA repair, inflammation control, and protein processing, reframing Alzheimer’s as a systems-level energy failure…Practical strategies emphasize testing NAD+ status and supporting production safely via niacinamide alongside adequate intake of other B vitamins.”