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Writer's pictureDr. Thomas J. Lewis

Lithium as a Brain Anti-inflammatory

Updated: Jun 4

Dr. Trempe told me that lithium has many properties of minocycline without the antibiotic properties. In 2011, we wrote a patent together for neurodegeneration that included lithium as a treatment option.



[0039] In some embodiments, the methods of the present invention further comprise the administering an effective amount of a lithium agent. In some embodiments, the lithium agent is a lithium salt. In further embodiments, the lithium agent is a neuroprotective agent. In some embodiments, the lithium agent is used at a dose of less than about 50 mg, less than about 25 mg, less than about 10 mg, or less than about 5 mg.


14. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises administering an effective amount of a lithium salt, wherein the lithium agent is a neuroprotective agent, wherein the lithium salt is administered at a dose of less or equal to about 100 mg.


Here is a slew of references discussing both lithium and minocycline.


Minocycline is a lipophilic antibiotic capable of passing through the blood/brain barrier that treats brain-localized infections and lowers the inflammatory response created by these organisms - both bacterial and viral.



Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder where the main risk factor is age, since its incidence increases dramatically after the age of 60. It is the most common form of dementia, and is accompanied by memory loss and cognitive impairment. Although AD was discovered over a century ago, the only drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in its treatment are four cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. However, these drugs are not fully effective in the treatment of AD. Therefore, the incessant search for new methods of treating AD continues, with the hope of improving both the effectiveness of therapies and the quality of life for patients suffering with AD.


Current evidence suggests that the antibiotic minocycline could be a potential therapeutic drug for use in the treatment of AD due to its anti-neuroinflammatory effects. Minocycline is a tetracycline derivative that combines an anti-inflammatory property that is capable of crossing the blood brain barrier with neuroprotective properties that work by limiting inflammation and oxidative stress. Several studies have established the presence of inflammatory markers in the brains of patients suffering with AD, including elevated levels of cytokines/chemokines and microgliosis in damaged regions.


Cytokines have been associated with increased tau phosphorylation and decreased levels of synaptophysin, establishing their roles in the cytoskeletal and synaptic alterations that take place in AD. Therefore, pharmacological approaches that allow for the discovery and development of new anti-inflammatory agents such as minocycline will be welcomed in the continuing struggle against AD. Considering these facts, this review will discuss the anti-inflammatory mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of minocycline as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of AD.


A recent episode of The HighWire highlights the neurological effects of low-dose lithium (5mg lithium as lithium orotate). This has renewed my interest is recommending 5mg lithium for people with depression, PTSD, anxiety, sleep disorders, and neurodegeneration.


I suggest that anyone with these conditions watch these videos and consider testing this safe mineral (it is NOT a drug) to see if you can obtain the benefits discussed in these various videos.

OF COURSE, YOU SHOULD GET A THROUGH "WORK-UP" FIRST TO MAKE SURE LITHIUM TREATMENT IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOU.


The HighWire:


Other videos:

How Lithium Treats the Brain


Lithium Orotate: How to Use for Depression and Bipolar Disorder



Lithium Orotate - updated - Good video for laypeople



 

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