Lithium for Parkinson's Disease
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.
Is lithium generally safe for humans?
How does the drug lithium differ from other treatments for Parkinson's disease?
Lithium, particularly in the form of lithium ascorbate, may offer neuroprotective benefits by supporting neuron survival and reducing brain damage, which is different from traditional Parkinson's treatments that primarily focus on managing motor symptoms. However, lithium can cause side effects like tremors and parkinsonism, especially at higher doses, which requires careful monitoring.678910
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study will examine the effects of 24 weeks of lithium therapy achieving serum lithium levels of 0.25-0.50mmol/L on MRI and blood-based biomarkers in Parkinson's disease patients who have completed one of our current 24-week lithium clinical trials.
Research Team
Thomas Guttuso, MD
Principal Investigator
University at Buffalo
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for Parkinson's disease patients who have already completed a 24-week lithium clinical trial. It aims to further investigate the effects of lithium therapy on certain biomarkers.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive lithium therapy with dosage adjusted to achieve a serum lithium level of 0.25-0.50mmol/L for 24 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Open-label extension
Participants continue to receive lithium therapy to maintain target serum lithium levels for an additional 24 weeks
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Lithium
Lithium is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan for the following indications:
- Bipolar disorder
- Manic episodes
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Manic episodes
- Bipolar disorder
- Manic episodes
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Manic episodes
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
State University of New York at Buffalo
Lead Sponsor