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Have MCI, sharing new intel re Lithium Orotate
I have discussed previously that I have mild cognitive dysfunction and after two rounds of neuropsych testing over two years and Lab & imaging testing confirming my clinical profile, I am taking Lithium Orotate as a nutritional supplement. But I consume professional intel on studies religiously. Like this one.
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/lecanemab-or-lithium-compare-benefits-risks-and-doseThe key question that stood out to me which the physician author (Dr Phelps) asks in his review of studies is below. I highly emcourage reading this. You have to follow some links and jump back and forth a bit but make the effort. For those of you fond of calculating elemental lithium there is a section on calculating equivalent dosing to the mice study.
“Brain lithium prevents amyloid plaque formation and phosphorylation of tau proteins. In the process of AD dementia, lithium is sequestered in plaques, creating a positive feedback loop: more plaque, less lithium, leading to more plaque, and so on. Giving lithium orotate to young adult mice almost completely prevented plaque formation and tau phosphorylation. Starting lithium orotate after plaques and phosphorylated tau have already formed almost completely reversed the expected cognitive impairment. Lithium carbonate is far less effective. If all this were true in humans, lithium orotate would be an obvious treatment both to prevent AD dementia and to treat it once detected.
Of course, skeptics’ first response has been “these are mouse data.” Aron et al point out that lithium levels in human and mouse brains are comparable, supporting the relevance of mouse models for studying the biological effects of lithium. Skeptics, including a prominent neurologist following a national presentation on AD treatment, have said that we should wait for a randomized trial of lithium orotate in humans (personal communication, August 2025). But the recent lithium carbonate randomized trial took 8 years to mount and complete. What shall we suggest to patients and families for the next 8 years?
A healthy lifestyle—including a Mediterranean-like diet, regular physical activity, and avoidance of smoking, excessive alcohol, social isolation, sleep disorders, and hearing loss—is an important means of preserving cognitive function in people at risk of developing dementia.
The subsequent article will compare lecanemab and lithium’s benefits, risks, and costs. With ApoE genotyping and the new pTau/amyloid blood test, patients and families need help now deciding between treatment alternatives.”
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@nb14
I see it as a low-cost, no-risk adjustment. If there’s any chance that a less acidic gastric environment preserves more intact LiO and allows the orotate carrier to do whatever it does in terms of amyloid evasion, taking it after a meal is worth doing. I already take it in the morning because i take Magnesium L-Threonate in the evening and those two compete. So I just need to be sure i eat my yogurt first before my normal morning meds.
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1 ReactionWell, whether logical or not,
I am gonna do my collagen & warm almond milk shooter, have a double espresso, eat yogurt, then take my meds - which always include Pepcid
@pb50 "...eat my yogurt first before my normal morning meds."
Guess we're unlikely to know whether "after meals" means minutes or hours, and "lowest" or "moderate" stomach acid level. Also what effect even lowest level has on Lithium actually getting to the human brain.
Right now I'm hoping LiO upon waking, followed immediately by Famotadine, will allow at least some of our current 6-11mg dose to find its way upstairs. That said pb50, the fact you're doing so well after so long on your regimen, makes it quite tempting to adopt your methods.
It's been too long since my reading the Harvard Med & Nature articles and related stuff over a couple of days following. That along with "caregiver" distractions may be why I'm unable to clearly recall what I read somewhere about protein binding with LiO. Right now I'm thinking that "lowest" acid may be better than "moderate" after eating anything, esp. protein.
Wish we could all just hit Pause on MCI until definitive research validates LiO and exactly how to get it into our brains. Maybe nasal spray or time release tablets?
@pb50 "...i take Magnesium L-Threonate in the evening..."
Thanks for yet another great tip, pb50! You've provided yet another lead to follow up if I ever get enough time for that after logging in here for the latest helpful info thanks to everyone.
Gemini AI sez:
Magnesium L-threonate is a highly bioavailable magnesium salt developed by MIT researchers that effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is primarily used to elevate brain magnesium levels, supporting memory, cognitive function, learning, and sleep quality.
Key Benefits
Cognitive Function: Research suggests it helps support memory, focus, and overall brain plasticity. It is often studied for its potential to slow age-related cognitive decline.Sleep and Mood: Studies show it can improve sleep quality, daytime functioning, and may help manage stress and anxiety.
Dosage and Usage
Standard Dose: Typical dosages range from 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg daily (which yields roughly 144 mg of elemental magnesium).
Timing: It can be taken at any time, but many users take it in the evening if utilizing it for sleep support.
Formulations: Often branded as Magtein®, it is available in capsule and powder forms from brands like Sports Research and Double Wood Supplements.
Safety and Side Effects
Magnesium L-threonate is generally well-tolerated, but exceeding the daily supplemental upper limit of 350 mg of elemental magnesium can lead to mild side effects...