SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION IN THE PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE: THE CASE OF LITHIUM IN ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE—AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW
TL;DR
Lithium carbonate represents a promising therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease due to its neuroprotective effects, but current evidence does not yet support its incorporation into clinical practice, underscoring the need for clinical trials of higher methodological quality to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Abstract
Introduction: Alzheimer's disease is the primary neurodegenerative disorder affecting modern society, causing progressive cognitive dysfunction, significant loss of executive functions, and reduced individual autonomy. Despite extensive knowledge regarding the disease's pathophysiological aspects — such as neuroinflammation, the formation of amyloid plaques on the outer surface of neurons, and tau protein hyperphosphorylation — available medications are ineffective at halting disease progression. Recent studies have investigated the neuroprotective potential of lithium carbonate in reducing oxidative stress and amyloid plaque deposition. Objective: To analyze available literature regarding the therapeutic potential of lithium carbonate as an agent capable of modifying the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and to compare advancements in Portuguese-language research with international studies. Method: An integrative literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, LILACS/VHL, and PubMed databases, covering national and international articles published over the last 15 years. Results: Studies have shown that lithium carbonate exhibits promising neuroprotective effects, promoting neuroplasticity and mitigating key mechanisms driving the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Despite these findings, clinical evidence remains insufficient to recommend its routine use; there is consensus across both national and international literature regarding the need for further studies. Conclusion: Lithium carbonate represents a promising therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease due to its neuroprotective effects. However, current evidence does not yet support its incorporation into clinical practice, underscoring the need for clinical trials of higher methodological quality to confirm its efficacy and safety.