Clinical trial of lithium in Parkinson’s set to begin

Cure Parkinson’s and Van Andel Institute (VAI) are funding a phase 1b clinical trial to explore whether lithium, commonly used for mood disorders, could slow Parkinson’s disease. Led by Dr. Thomas Guttuso at the University of Buffalo, the trial will recruit 20 Parkinson’s patients, adding to the 15 already funded by the NIH, for a total of 35 participants. Researchers aim to see if low-dose lithium affects two Parkinson’s biomarkers: the protein Nurr1 in the blood and 'free water' levels in the brain, which help understand brain changes without invasive methods. Early lab studies suggest low-dose lithium might protect dopamine neurons, and a small 2019 pilot study showed positive effects. The trial will determine if lithium warrants further testing as a Parkinson’s treatment.