Lithium: The Wonder Drug

[Atheist-Lite]

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/ ... 062011.php

Lithium profoundly prevents brain damage associated with Parkinson's disease

Lithium profoundly prevents the aggregation of toxic proteins and cell loss associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) in a mouse model of the condition.

Preclinical research is now underway at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging to determine correct dosages for a drug that continues to be the gold standard for the treatment of bipolar disorder. The Buck is currently working toward initiating a Phase IIa clinical studies of lithium in humans in conjunction with standard PD drug therapy. The research appears in the June 24 online edition of the Journal of Neuroscience Research.

"This is the first time lithium has been tested in an animal model of PD," said lead author and Buck Professor Julie Andersen, PhD. "The fact that lithium's safety profile in humans is well understood greatly reduces trial risk and lowers a significant hurdle to getting it into the clinic."

According to Andersen, lithium has recently been suggested to be neuroprotective in relation to several neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and has been touted for its anti-aging properties in simple animals. "We fed our mice levels of lithium that were at the low end of the therapeutic range," said Andersen. "The possibility that lithium could be effective in PD patients at subclinical levels is exciting, because it would avoid many side effects associated at the higher dose range." Overuse of lithium has been linked to hyperthyroidism and kidney toxicity.

PD is a progressive, incurable neurodegenerative disorder that affects 1 million Americans and results in tremor, slowness of movement and rigidity. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's. Between 50,000 and 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Age is the largest risk factor for the PD. Onset usually begins between the ages of 45 and 70 years.

Andersen's research focuses on lithium as a potential treatment for PD as well as its efficacy in combination with drugs currently used to control the symptoms of the disease. An internet search reveals stories from PD patients who are using lithium "off label" as part of their treatment regime; others report benefits from low dose lithium salts which are available as a supplement in some health food stores. "This finding gives us an opportunity to explore lithium as a recognized therapeutic for PD, in doses that are safe and effective" said Andersen.

(continued, not just for your moods - it's the elixir of life itself. )

[FBM]

Now if I could just remember where I left that bearing grease...

[Atheist-Lite]

Makes a good moderator in nuclear reactors - this stuff is spooky. I bet it'll be useful for time travel someday as well?

[leo-rcc]

Stay away from my Lithium, I need it for my batteries.

[JimC]

Is it required as a micro-nutrient by some obscure metablic function, and so its lack is an issue, or does it have a de novo effect?

[Atheist-Lite]

Is it required as a micro-nutrient by some obscure metablic function, and so its lack is an issue, or does it have a de novo effect?

I read somewhere it ain't a natural ingredient for life in anyway shape or form. Just adds to the hairs standing up on end. No one expects the Spanish Armada.

[JimC]

Is it required as a micro-nutrient by some obscure metablic function, and so its lack is an issue, or does it have a de novo effect?

I read somewhere it ain't a natural ingredient for life in anyway shape or form. Just adds to the hairs standing up on end. No one expects the Spanish Armada.

That is what I thought as well. It does something weird and different...

[Feck]

http://rationalia.com/forum/viewtopic.p ... 67#p895467

[devogue]

I'm so ugly,
That's okay, cos so are you.

[Atheist-Lite]

I'm so ugly,
That's okay, cos so are you.

Corrective surgery shouldn't be self-inflicted like that.

[kiki5711]

It makes you so spaced out you don't know who you are or where you are. Yup, a wonder drug.

[Atheist-Lite]

It makes you so spaced out you don't know who you are or where you are. Yup, a wonder drug.

That's true of anything in excess - you need to ask them to lower your dosage?

[laklak]

It makes you so spaced out you don't know who you are or where you are. Yup, a wonder drug.

Fuck, I pay money to feel that way every weekend.

[kiki5711]

I tried it once years ago, prescribed to me for mood stabilizer while going through very stressful divorce. AFter a few days, I said "fuck this shit" I might as well take acid, at least I'll see some psychedelic colors.

[Atheist-Lite]

I tried it once years ago, prescribed to me for mood stabilizer while going through very stressful divorce. AFter a few days, I said "fuck this shit" I might as well take acid, at least I'll see some psychedelic colors.

Doesn't sound like lithium. Take's weeks to get into your system and people stop taking it because it isn't doing anything (apparently not doing anything) at all.