Could adding lithium to tap water reduce dementia levels?
Conclusion
The study is intriguing because we already know that lithium affects how the brain and nervous system work through many different pathways. However, the results are difficult to interpret.
The study seemed to suggest that lithium levels of more than 15 micrograms per litre could be protective against dementia in comparison with the lowest levels. However, that doesn't explain why levels of 5 to 10 micrograms per litre seemed to increase the risk of dementia in comparison with the lowest levels.
It's possible that some other factors – linked to where people live but not necessarily to the drinking water – are at work. More clinical studies are needed on the effects of long-term low-dose lithium so we can better understand whether one specific level of exposure might be protective.
There are plenty of things you can do to reduce your risk of dementia, although there are no guarantees. They include:
eating a healthy diet
maintaining a healthy weight
exercising regularly
not drinking too much alcohol
giving up smoking
trying to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level
Read more about dementia prevention.
Links To The Headlines Adding lithium to tap water could prevent thousands of dementia cases, new study suggests. The Daily Telegraph, August 23 2017
Lithium in tap water may cut dementia. BBC News, August 24 2017
Links To Science Kessing LV, Gerds TA, Knudsen NN, et al. Association of Lithium in Drinking Water With the Incidence ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Neurology Source Type: news
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