Lithium and the Brain-Bone Axis: A Bridge between Osteoporosis and Alzheimer's Disease - PubMed
3 months ago
- #Alzheimer's Disease
- #Lithium
- #Osteoporosis
- Lithium is evaluated as a systemic modulator for both brain and bone health through shared molecular pathways.
- Lithium inhibits GSK-3β, stabilizes β-catenin, and activates Wnt signaling in neurons and osteoblasts.
- Clinical observations suggest lithium may protect against osteoporosis and neurodegeneration.
- Large studies report lower dementia incidence and reduced fracture risk in long-term lithium users.
- Lithium may act as an essential micronutrient rather than solely a pharmacological agent.
- Bidirectional brain-bone crosstalk involving osteocalcin and sclerostin provides a mechanistic basis for lithium's effects.
- Lithium offers potential for treating age-related decline in multiple organ systems at subclinical doses.
- Rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed before broader clinical recommendations can be made.
- Future research should focus on optimizing lithium formulation and patient selection to minimize risks.