Harvard Medical School researchers discovered that lithium, a mood stabilizer, plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health. Studies on mice showed lithium deficiency led to brain inflammation and accelerated aging, mimicking Alzheimer's. Conversely, maintaining normal lithium levels protected against these changes. While further human trials are needed, this finding could revolutionize Alzheimer's treatment and diagnosis, potentially offering new therapies and diagnostic tools. The research suggests that the amount of lithium in the body naturally decreases with age, and that even relatively small increases could be beneficial. However, it's crucial to note that self-medicating with lithium is dangerous and should be avoided.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.