Lithium for Prevention of Cognitive Declining in Mood Illnesses

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CHILE · Oct 25, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a low dose of lithium can help prevent memory problems in people with mood disorders, like bipolar disorder or major depression. These individuals are at a higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is a stage between normal aging and dementia. The researchers want to see if taking 50 mg of lithium daily could reduce the chances of new memory issues or worsen existing ones compared to a placebo (a pill with no active medication).

To participate, individuals must be between 55 and 70 years old and have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. They cannot currently be on lithium treatment or have certain medical conditions. If eligible, participants will be randomly assigned to receive either lithium or a placebo while continuing their usual mental health treatments. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor changes in cognitive function over several years to see how well lithium works in preventing memory decline.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age 55-70.
• • 2. DSM-5 diagnosis of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder (types I or II), current or lifetime.
• • 3. Prior to participation in this study, each subject must sign an informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Current mood treatment with lithium.
• • 2. Alcohol dependency within the past month.
• • 3. Current serious unstable medical conditions or history of medical illness that would contraindicate a trial of lithium.
• • 4. Current or past severe kidney disease or baseline creatinine \> 1.5 mg/dl.
• • 5. Active suicidal ideation with plan and intent (Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale Screen Version (C-SSRS Screen) \> 3 points).
• • 6. Current or past severe thyroid disease or baseline TSH \>5.0 uUI/dl.
• • 7. Current diagnosis of dementia of any kind.