Roundup: Lithium Deficiency in the Brain may be a Cause of Alzheimer’s; and More News

Study Cites Natural Lithium’s Role in Protecting the Brain from Alzheimer’s

A new study by researchers at Harvard Medical School has found a key factor that may influence the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease — lithium, a mineral already known for its role in mood regulation.

The research, published in Nature, reveals that lithium occurs naturally in the brain and plays a key role in supporting brain health, potentially offering protection against age-related cognitive decline. The term “lithium” may be better known for its role in “lithium-ion battery” technology. But lithium is  an element found naturally in foods, water, and the body. And it has traditionally been used to treat psychiatric conditions.

Researchers found that lithium is essential for the normal function of all major brain cell types and may help shield the brain from neurodegeneration. In both mouse models and human brain tissue analyses, researchers discovered that a loss of lithium in the brain is among the earliest detectable changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

In healthy conditions, lithium appears to help maintain the brain’s resilience. However, the researchers observed that in Alzheimer’s, lithium is depleted when it binds to amyloid plaques — abnormal protein clusters that are a hallmark of the disease. This binding reduces the mineral’s availability in the brain, impairing its protective role.

“The idea that lithium deficiency could be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease is new and suggests a different therapeutic approach,” stated senior author Bruce Yankner, professor of genetics and neurology in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School, in a news release.

Alzheimer’s disease affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is characterized by changes such as amyloid plaques, tau protein tangles, and loss of protective proteins. Yet, these abnormalities do not fully explain why some individuals with such brain changes never develop dementia.

The new findings suggest that lithium depletion may be a missing link in the disease process. In mouse studies, low lithium levels accelerated the development of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes and memory decline. In humans, reduced lithium was observed early in disease progression, before significant cognitive symptoms emerged.

A New Type of Lithium Compound

Current Alzheimer’s treatments often focus on targeting specific disease markers, such as amyloid beta. However, these approaches have had limited success in reversing memory loss. The Harvard team’s research points toward a more comprehensive strategy — restoring the brain’s natural lithium levels.

The scientists developed a new class of lithium-based compounds designed to avoid binding to amyloid plaques. One of the most promising compounds, lithium orotate, was able to reverse Alzheimer’s-like brain changes in mice, prevent cell damage, and restore memory. Importantly, it achieved these effects at extremely low doses — around one-thousandth of the amount typically used in psychiatric treatments — which greatly reduces the risk of side effects.

Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

If confirmed in humans, these findings could open the door to new possibilities for early diagnosis and prevention. Measuring lithium levels in the brain may help identify individuals at risk before cognitive symptoms appear. Treatments based on plaque-resistant lithium compounds could potentially slow or even halt disease progression.

Lithium is already used in higher doses for certain psychiatric conditions, but these levels can be toxic, especially for older adults. The study suggests that small, carefully designed doses may be sufficient to restore healthy brain lithium levels without harm.

Next Steps in Research

While the results in mice are encouraging, clinical trials in humans will be needed to determine whether the same benefits occur in people. The researchers caution that animal studies do not always translate directly to human outcomes, and more work is necessary to confirm safety and effectiveness.

Nonetheless, the study’s findings offer a new perspective on a disease that has resisted decades of research and treatment attempts. By focusing on lithium’s role in brain health, scientists may be able to address multiple aspects of Alzheimer’s disease simultaneously, rather than targeting single components in isolation.

Learn about the Memory Disorders Program at Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care.

CDC: Majority of Children’s Diets Come from Ultra-Processed Foods

The majority of calories in children’s diets now come from ultra-processed foods, according to a new study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Between August 2021 and August 2023, 62 percent of daily calories for kids and teens, aged 1–18,  were from highly processed products such as sweet snacks, sugary drinks, pizza, and sandwiches. Adults aren’t far behind at 53 percent, the CDC found.

Ultra-processed foods are identified by their industrial origins, often designed to be energy-dense, hyperpalatable, and packed with added salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. The CDC’s findings underscore just how pervasive these products are in our daily lives.

Among the most consumed ultra-processed categories, sandwiches such as burgers and hot dogs accounted for the highest calorie share across all age groups. For children and teens, sweet bakery items, savory snacks, pizza, and sugary drinks were other top contributors. Adults’ preferences followed a similar pattern but included breads, rolls, and tortillas within the top five.

Income disparities also play a role. Adults in higher-income households tend to consume fewer ultra-processed foods, suggesting that affordability and access to healthier options may influence eating habits, researchers fund.

Why Ultra-Processed Foods Are a Cause for Concern

Though convenient and often tasty, ultra-processed foods come with significant downsides. They are low in dietary fiber, vitamins, and essential nutrients while being rich in empty calories. Diets heavy in these foods have been linked to health risks, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, depression, and even early death.

The food choices made during childhood often lay the groundwork for long-term eating habits, researchers have found.  For children, regular consumption of ultra-processed foods may also contribute to higher rates of obesity and chronic conditions later in life.

Despite the high numbers, the CDC report did reveal one promising trend—a small but steady decline in ultra-processed food consumption. For adults, the mean caloric intake from these foods has dropped slightly since 2013. While youth dietary improvements have been slower, any downward movement suggests increased awareness -- and perhaps the early effects of public health initiatives.

Nonetheless, the decline has been modest — less than 60 fewer calories from ultra-processed foods per day over the past decade. To amplify this trend, experts believe broader systemic changes, such as more rigorous food labeling and nutrition education, are essential.

What You Can Do

Taking control of your diet doesn’t mean completely eliminating processed foods—rather, it’s about making mindful choices. Here are some small but impactful changes to reduce ultra-processed food intake for you and your family:

1. Focus on Whole Foods: Base meals around fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These nutrient-rich ingredients are the foundation of a balanced diet.

2. Minimize Sugary and Salty Snacks: Swap out commercial snacks for homemade alternatives. For instance, air-popped popcorn, cut-up veggies with hummus, or plain Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey can satisfy cravings without added nasties.

3. Read Labels Carefully: Familiarize yourself with food ingredient lists. Look out for additives like emulsifiers, artificial flavors, and high-fructose corn syrup, which are hallmarks of ultra-processed products.

4. Limit Sugary Drinks: Beverages contribute a significant percentage of ultra-processed calories, especially for kids. Opt for water, herbal teas, or naturally flavored sparkling water instead of soda and sweetened juices.

5. Cook More at Home: When you prepare meals yourself, you have full control over what goes into them. This doesn’t have to be complicated—simple recipes made with whole ingredients can be quick, delicious, and far healthier.

Researchers: Understanding Your ‘Heart Age’ and Why It’s Important

Did you know your heart might be older than you are? According to a new study led by Northwestern University’s School of Medicine, most U.S. adults have a “heart age” that’s years—or even decades—older than their actual age.

For many, this age gap is influenced by factors such as gender, income, education, and ethnicity. A new tool developed by Northwestern scientists can help you better understand your heart health and work toward improving it.

“Heart age” reflects the health of your cardiovascular system, taking into account key factors like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking habits, and diabetes. It compares your risk for heart disease to that of someone with a well-functioning, healthy heart of the same age. For some people, their heart age may match their actual age. For others, an older heart age may point to greater risks for heart-related issues.

Traditionally, health professionals assess heart disease risk as a percentage—like being told you have an 8 percent chance of experiencing a heart attack in the next 10 years. While informative, this can be hard to digest. The new heart age calculator reframes that risk as an age, offering a more intuitive snapshot of your heart's health.

How Does the Calculator Work?

Northwestern University’s online heart age tool – similar to online assessment tools available from the American Heart Association and others -- evaluates your risk using routine health information, like your blood pressure or cholesterol levels. But it’s important to note that this tool complements—not replaces—your doctor’s advice. Think of it as a conversation starter that helps you and your healthcare provider discuss effective ways to prevent heart disease.

"This tool aims to encourage open discussions about heart disease risk and make prevention efforts more personalized and effective," explains Sadiya Khan, M.D., the cardiology expert behind the calculator’s development, in a news release.

What Did the Study Find?

To better understand the tool’s impact, researchers tested it on over 14,000 U.S. adults aged 30 to 79. None of the participants had a prior history of heart disease. The results were eye-opening:

• On average, men had a heart age almost seven years older than their actual age. For women, the average gap was four years.

• Heart age disparities were widest among men with lower education levels and adults identifying as Black or Hispanic.

• Among Black men, the average heart age was 8.5 years older than their chronological age, compared to 6.4 years for white men and 6.7 years for Asian men.

This disparity highlights a pressing need for equal access to preventive care and heart health education across all communities.

Why Heart Age Matters—Especially for Young Adults

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for over a century. While advancements in public health have made significant gains, too many adults aren’t benefiting from preventive measures, such as heart-healthy medications or lifestyle changes. Recognizing an older heart age can be a wake-up call, particularly for younger adults who might not yet feel vulnerable to heart disease.

“The good news is there are excellent tools and therapies to slow heart aging,” said Dr. Khan, in a statement. “This is especially crucial for younger adults, who may not always think about heart health.”

Learn about Baptist Health’s Cardiovascular Disease Prevention program.