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Related Concept Videos

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment01:22

Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment

Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview01:24

Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview

Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as a...
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview01:26

Alzheimer's Disease: Overview

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Long-term Depression01:03

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Long-term Depression01:05

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology

Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Assay for Phosphorylation and Microtubule Binding Along with Localization of Tau Protein in Colorectal Cancer Cells
12:55

Assay for Phosphorylation and Microtubule Binding Along with Localization of Tau Protein in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Published on: October 10, 2017

Does lithium prevent Alzheimer's disease?

Orestes V Forlenza1, Vanessa J de Paula, Rodrigo Machado-Vieira

  • 1Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM-27), Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. forlenza@usp.br

Drugs & Aging
|April 17, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Lithium shows promise for neuroprotection and may slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) by inhibiting GSK3B and providing neurotrophic support. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm its benefits.

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Last Updated: May 23, 2026

Assay for Phosphorylation and Microtubule Binding Along with Localization of Tau Protein in Colorectal Cancer Cells
12:55

Assay for Phosphorylation and Microtubule Binding Along with Localization of Tau Protein in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Published on: October 10, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Lithium salts are established treatments for affective disorders.
  • Emerging evidence suggests lithium possesses neuroprotective properties.
  • Mechanisms include apoptosis inhibition, autophagy regulation, and enhanced mitochondrial function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the neuroprotective effects of lithium.
  • To explore lithium's potential in modifying Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology.
  • To assess lithium's role in mitigating cognitive decline.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental and clinical studies on lithium's neuroprotective effects.
  • Analysis of mechanisms including apoptosis inhibition, autophagy, mitochondrial function, and neurotrophic factor synthesis.
  • Examination of human studies showing structural and humoral neuroprotection.
  • Evaluation of clinical trials investigating lithium's impact on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD.

Main Results:

  • Lithium increases neuronal viability in preclinical models.
  • Human studies show lithium treatment is associated with reduced oxidative stress, increased BDNF, and structural brain changes.
  • Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3B) by lithium impacts AD-related pathways.
  • A clinical trial indicated lithium may slow cognitive and functional decline in MCI patients and reduce Tau hyperphosphorylation.

Conclusions:

  • Lithium exhibits multifaceted neuroprotective effects.
  • It may offer disease-modifying potential in Alzheimer's disease through GSK3B inhibition and neurotrophic support.
  • Larger clinical trials are necessary to validate lithium's efficacy in preventing or treating age-related cognitive decline.