Repurposing Lithium for Parkinson's Disease

In observational studies, small daily doses of lithium have been associated with a 77% reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, lithium therapy has been effective in preventing neuronal death and behavioral symptoms in several PD animal models. Recently, our group has shown 24-weeks of low-dose lithium aspartate therapy 45mg/day in PD to engage blood-based and the MRI disease progression biomarker, free water, to a greater extent than 15mg/day or 150mg/day of lithium carbonate. However, these blood-based and MRI biomarker findings stem from only four and two PD patients, respectively, who received lithium aspartate 45mg/day. In addition, two other PD patients receiving this dosage withdrew from the study due to side effects of sedation and dizziness. Subsequently, one of these patients who withdrew resumed lithium aspartate at 30mg/day and reported no side effects. Although these findings suggest that this dosage of lithium aspartate has positive effects on PD biomarkers, data from a larger number of PD patients will be required to justify conducting a larger, randomized controlled trial (RCT). The proposed study will enroll 15 additional PD patients over five months who will receive lithium aspartate 30-45mg/day for 24 weeks ensuring that the study will be completed within 12 months. The dosage will be slowly titrated in each patient up to the maximum tolerated dosage in this range. Blood-based biomarkers and MRIs will be assessed at baseline and 24 weeks. It is anticipated that a similar magnitude of biomarker engagement will be observed among these additional 15 patients as was seen in the handful from the pilot study. Such findings would provide strong preliminary evidence to support conducting a larger RCT including both clinical and biomarker outcomes. Positive results from such a RCT would support lithium aspartate as a disease-modifying therapy for PD.

Inclusion criteria

Have PD for <4 years diagnosed by a movement disorder specialist. Have normal thyroid and renal function at the screening visit. Have no previous exposure to lithium therapy. Have no history of brain surgery. Have no hx of brain imaging findings suggesting another neurological condition besides PD.

Have no use of tobacco or THC products for >1 year. Have stable PD medications for >30 days without current need for adjustments in the investigator's opinion.

Have stable psychiatric and diuretic medications for >60 days with no anticipated need for changes for at least 24 weeks.

Have no active medical or psychiatric condition that may interfere with study procedures in the investigator's opinion.

Exclusion criteria

Have PD for >4 years or does not have PD. Have abnormal normal thyroid and renal function at the screening visit. Have previous exposure to lithium therapy. Have history of brain surgery. Have hx of brain imaging findings suggesting another neurological condition besides PD.

Have use of tobacco or THC products within the past year. Have PD medication adjustments within 30 days or needs PD medication adjustments in the investigator's opinion.

Have psychiatric or diuretic medication adjustments within the last 60 days or is anticipated to need changes over next 24 weeks.

Have active medical or psychiatric condition that may interfere with study procedures in the investigator's opinion.