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Re: Some questions about Lithium.

Posted by linkadge on May 25, 2007, at 11:17:44

In reply to Re: Some questions about Lithium. » linkadge, posted by Squiggles on May 25, 2007, at 7:48:05

>I think that assertion may be false.
>Looking at PubMed articles, i see that
>lithium is actually *given* for Alzheimer's
>and Parkinson's.

Lithium would not be given to treat Alzheimer's or Parkinsons as it is not an established treatment for either. It does not even lead to symptomatic improvement in Parkinson's or Alzheimers, except in perhaps behavioral control (for agitation etc)

Although there has been some preliminary speculation that lithium may slow certain neurodegenerative deseases, there is no long term data to support its use. Lithium has shown certain neuroprotective properties in short term trials, but I know of none which suggest it actually works to treat or supress the progression of either disease.


>There *are* cases where the tremor mimics
>Parkinson's, but that is not the same thing.
>This poor man at 71 had lithium toxicity-- >something which is easily avoidable with >frequent blood tests. Lithium requires regular >check-up, especially at older ages.

Lithium use, as well as SSRI use has been associated with later onset of Parkinsons desease. Although, the counterargument is that mood disorders are a risk factor for Parkinsons and not the treatement.

This being said, lithium is actually antidopaminergic. It interacts with dopaminergic pathways via its effects on 5-ht1b receptors.
While this is not proof that it causes parkonsons, it has been associated with onset of parkionsons in a few studies.

"1: Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1994 Summer;9(2):127-9. Links
Chronic lithium neurotoxicity presenting as Parkinson's disease.

This is just one case. It doesn't proove anything either way.


Squiggles



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poster:linkadge thread:759071
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070524/msgs/759428.html