Effects of lithium on serum Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Alzheimer’s patients with agitation

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThere is ample evidence in animal models that lithium increases Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) with supporting evidence in human studies. Little is known, however, about the effects of lithium on BDNF in Alzheimer's Dementia (AD). In one study of patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment, serum BDNF increased after treatment with lithium. These patients also showed mild improvement in cognitive function.ObjectivesTo evaluate low‐dose lithium treatment of agitation in Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodWe measured levels of BDNF in patients treated with lithium prior to and after a 12‐week randomized placebo‐controlled trial.ResultsBDNF levels did not change significantly and were not associated with improvement in overall neuropsychiatric symptoms or in cognitive function.ConclusionsMore research is needed to understand the potential effects of lithium on BDNF in AD including whether its use might be dependent on the stage of cognitive decline and dementia.