JanH
Member
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2011
- Location
- California
From Dr. Robert J. Rowen's "Second Opinion" e-newsletter 2/10/2012
As you may know, brain diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's grow progressively worse over time. The reason is due to ongoing brain injury. These diseases literally destroy your brain. But new research suggests a potent mineral can slow and even halt this destruction of your brain.
In one new study, researchers gave 41 people over 60 with mild cognitive impairment either lithium (150 mg daily) or a placebo. Those getting the lithium had significantly less decline over time than the controls.
Another study on mice found that lithium could prevent the brain injury that Parkinson's causes.
Doctors have long used the mineral lithium in high doses to treat manic depression. It has a narrow window of safety when used in the large amounts (300 mg daily). But the Alzheimer's blood level was about half the usual target level for manic depression. When it comes to a horrible disease like Alzheimer's, the risk is clearly outweighed by the benefit. I'd say the same for Parkinson's as well.
In smaller doses (1-2 mg daily), I like lithium as a brain protector. It's very safe in these doses.
But, if you have a neurodegenerative disease, please see an integrative physician for its possible use to protect your neurons. Pharma won't help you here. Lithium is not patentable, it's a mineral. So, we're just not going to see funded studies on the possible great benefits in neurological disorders. Don't use the higher doses on your own. Make sure a doctor supervises to avoid toxicity.
As you may know, brain diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's grow progressively worse over time. The reason is due to ongoing brain injury. These diseases literally destroy your brain. But new research suggests a potent mineral can slow and even halt this destruction of your brain.
In one new study, researchers gave 41 people over 60 with mild cognitive impairment either lithium (150 mg daily) or a placebo. Those getting the lithium had significantly less decline over time than the controls.
Another study on mice found that lithium could prevent the brain injury that Parkinson's causes.
Doctors have long used the mineral lithium in high doses to treat manic depression. It has a narrow window of safety when used in the large amounts (300 mg daily). But the Alzheimer's blood level was about half the usual target level for manic depression. When it comes to a horrible disease like Alzheimer's, the risk is clearly outweighed by the benefit. I'd say the same for Parkinson's as well.
In smaller doses (1-2 mg daily), I like lithium as a brain protector. It's very safe in these doses.
But, if you have a neurodegenerative disease, please see an integrative physician for its possible use to protect your neurons. Pharma won't help you here. Lithium is not patentable, it's a mineral. So, we're just not going to see funded studies on the possible great benefits in neurological disorders. Don't use the higher doses on your own. Make sure a doctor supervises to avoid toxicity.
I had just started seeing a guy who actually lied about smoking. He asked me how I felt about smokers & I said whatever floats their boats, but I would never date someone who smoked. 
