At Newport Coast Psychiatry, we believe in caring for the mind with the same softness and attention
we give to the body and spirit. Many of our patients ask what they can do, naturally and gently,
to support their long-term brain health. While there is no single nutrient or supplement that can
prevent cognitive decline, emerging research sometimes reveals small, unexpected pieces of
the wellness puzzle.
Recently, a study published in Nature explored the role of trace, naturally occurring
lithium—the tiny amounts found in food, water, and soil—in maintaining healthy brain aging.
This is very different from prescription lithium used in psychiatry. Instead, it reflects the subtle
minerals we encounter every day through nourishment and the environment.
The researchers looked at individuals with mild cognitive impairment, a stage that often
precedes Alzheimer’s disease. They discovered that lithium levels in specific brain regions were
noticeably lower in people with early memory changes. As the disease progressed, amyloid
plaques in the brain appeared to “pull in” lithium, reducing its availability even further. This
finding suggested that natural lithium balance may play a quiet, foundational role in brain
resilience.
To understand this more deeply, the scientists gently lowered the lithium content in the diets of
mice. With less lithium available, the animals developed more inflammation, more amyloid and
tau changes, and a faster decline in memory. When the researchers restored lithium—but in the
form of lithium orotate, a microdose mineral salt that does not bind tightly to plaques—the
animals showed healthier brain structure, more synapses, and improved memory performance.
Importantly, this was all achieved using tiny, physiological amounts of lithium—far lower than the
levels used in psychiatric treatments.
The study proposes that when amyloid plaques form, they may gradually draw natural lithium
away from the brain tissues that need it. This shortage may reduce the brain’s ability to clear
plaques and maintain healthy nerve connections. Over time, this cycle could contribute to
inflammation and cognitive decline.
Although this idea comes from early research, it offers a
meaningful glimpse into how even subtle shifts in minerals may influence brain wellness.
It is important to emphasize that lithium orotate supplements are not currently
recommended for prevention or treatment. Human studies have not yet been completed,
long-term safety remains unknown, and dietary supplements are not always well regulated. A
clinical trial is planned, and we will know more in the coming years.
What we can take from this study today is a renewed appreciation for the gentle power of
nourishing foods. Trace amounts of natural lithium are present in simple, grounding ingredients
such as lentils, leafy greens, nuts, potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, and whole grains. Lentils are
particularly rich in natural lithium and have been an important part of traditional diets in regions
with lower rates of cognitive decline. While this does not prove cause and effect, it highlights
how deeply connected nutrition is to long-term brain vitality.
As with all emerging research, perspective and patience are essential. Mouse studies do not
always translate directly to humans, and Alzheimer’s disease is influenced by many factors.
Still, the idea that a humble mineral found in everyday foods may play a quiet role in cognitive
health is both hopeful and grounding. At Serenity Psychiatry, we encourage a lifestyle based on
balance, nourishment, and awareness—caring for the brain in ways that feel gentle, natural, and
sustainable.
