Old drug, new hope: lithium tested to stop Alzheimer's before it starts
NCT ID NCT03185208
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested whether lithium, a drug used for mood disorders, can prevent Alzheimer's dementia in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). 83 participants took either lithium or a placebo for a period, and researchers measured memory, thinking skills, and brain changes. The goal was to see if lithium could slow or stop the progression to dementia.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Lithium Carbonate
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a way to slow or prevent Alzheimer's dementia in people with early memory problems.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed phase 4 trial. Lithium has side effects and may not show clear benefits. Results may not apply to everyone.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States