CompletedInterventional

Imaging lithium in Alzheimer's disease

This study aims to understand how lithium, a drug used for mood disorders, affects the brain in people with Alzheimer's disease and healthy individuals. Lithium has shown promise in protecting brain cells and potentially slowing down Alzheimer's. Researchers have developed a new, safe way to measure lithium levels in the brain using a special MRI scan. This study will use this scan to see where lithium goes in the brain and if its effects vary between healthy people and those with Alzheimer's. Participants will take low-dose lithium for two weeks and have three MRI scans. The findings will help decide the best dose for future Alzheimer's treatments and make brain scanning easier for people with dementia.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

08 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

10 Apr 2026

Specialty: Dementia and Neurodegeneration, Primary sub-specialty: Dementia; Health Category: Neurological; Disease/Condition: Other degenerative diseases of the nervous system

What is this study about?

This study, called 'Imaging lithium in Alzheimer's disease,' is trying to understand more about how a medication called lithium works in the brain. Lithium has been used for many years to treat mood disorders, and there's some evidence that it might also help protect the brain and even reduce the risk of dementia. For people with Alzheimer's disease, early signs suggest that even small amounts of lithium might slow down how quickly the condition progresses.

The researchers have found a new and safe way to measure lithium levels directly in the brain using a special type of MRI scan. This is exciting because it means they can see exactly where the lithium goes and how much gets there. They want to combine these special lithium scans with regular MRI scans to get a complete picture of how lithium affects the brain at different doses. They'll also compare these effects between healthy people and those living with dementia.

The main goal is to use this information to help design better future studies. By understanding how lithium behaves in the brain, they hope to figure out the best dose to use for new treatments for Alzheimer's disease. They also want to learn how easy it is for people with dementia to have these special brain scans, which is important for future research.

Key takeaways

Researchers are using a new MRI scan to see how lithium works in the brain.
This study compares healthy people and those with Alzheimer's disease.
Participants take low-dose lithium for two weeks and have three MRI scans.
The goal is to find the best dose of lithium for future Alzheimer's treatments.
The study helps understand how easy brain scanning is for people with dementia.
Funding comes from Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be between 50 and 80 years old. If you're a healthy volunteer, you shouldn't have a history of any major mental health conditions or nerve disorders, and your memory should be generally unaffected.

If you have Alzheimer's disease, your diagnosis needs to be confirmed by two doctors, and your condition should be mild to moderate. You also shouldn't have had bipolar disorder, severe depression, or other major mental health conditions apart from your Alzheimer's.

There are also some reasons you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have certain health problems like kidney issues or epilepsy, or if you have metal implants in your body (like a pacemaker), you wouldn't be able to participate. You also can't be taking certain medications like lithium already, or some pain relievers or blood pressure medicines.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 50 and 80 years old?
If healthy, do you have no history of major mental or nerve conditions?
If you have Alzheimer's, is it mild to moderate, and confirmed by two doctors?
Do you have any metal implants or health conditions (like kidney issues) that might prevent an MRI or taking lithium?
Are you currently taking lithium, certain pain relievers, or some blood pressure medications?
Are you able to understand the study information and give your consent to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be asked to take a low dose of lithium medication by mouth for a total of two weeks. You'll take one dose for the first week, and then a slightly different dose for the second week. During this time, you'll also have three MRI scans of your brain, with each scan happening about one week apart. You'll need to visit the Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre for these scans and appointments. The entire study participation, including the medication and scans, is expected to take about three weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

While there aren't any direct health benefits for you from taking part in this study, your contribution could be very important for future research into new treatments for dementia. Many people with Alzheimer's find it rewarding to help advance medical understanding. There are some potential risks. Taking lithium, even at a low dose, could lead to side effects. These are usually mild and temporary, like feeling sick or tired, and are less likely with the low doses used here. A doctor will closely monitor you and manage any side effects. MRI scans are generally safe but can be noisy and require you to lie still; ear defenders will be provided, and staff will check on you. You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Locations (1)

St Nicholas Hospital (newcastle upon Tyne)
Approximate
Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Common questions

What is lithium and why are you studying it for Alzheimer's?

Lithium is a medicine often used for mood problems. We're studying it because initial research suggests it might protect the brain and could slow down Alzheimer's disease.

What is an MRI scan and is it safe?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of your brain. It doesn't use radiation and is generally very safe, though it can be a bit noisy and you need to lie still.

Will I get to know my MRI results?

The study focuses on gathering information for research. While you won't typically get personal MRI results, any significant findings relevant to your health would be discussed with you.

How long will the study go on for?

The study is expected to run from August 2025 to April 2026. Your individual participation would last for about three weeks.

Who is paying for this research?

This study is being funded by Alzheimer's Research UK, a charity dedicated to finding new ways to prevent, treat, and cure dementia.

How to find out more

David Cousins

david.cousins@ncl.ac.uk +44(0)191 208 1152 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.