Lithium, Brain Fog, and Neuroinflammation
Many people know lithium as a prescription treatment for mood disorders, but new research suggests it may have powerful benefits for brain health and memory, even at very low doses.
A recent study found that mice deprived of lithium developed more brain inflammation, memory problems, and Alzheimer’s-like changes. When the researchers gave mice a gentle form of lithium called lithium orotate, the results were remarkable:
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Less brain inflammation
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Better memory and learning
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Stronger connections in the hippocampus, the part of the brain tied to memory
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Fewer plaques and tangles, the changes often seen in Alzheimer’s disease
What makes this exciting is that lithium orotate works at very low doses, closer to what’s already available in supplement form.
Why This Matters for CIRS
For people dealing with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), symptoms like brain fog, poor concentration, and memory lapses are all too common. These issues are thought to be linked to ongoing neuroinflammation, the same kind of process this lithium research is targeting.
By calming inflammation in the brain and protecting healthy connections between neurons, lithium may offer a valuable tool for supporting cognitive clarity. It’s not a silver bullet, but it’s one more piece of the puzzle for people trying to heal from complex conditions like CIRS.
The Takeaway
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Lithium deficiency can worsen memory and inflammation.
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Low-dose lithium orotate shows promise for protecting brain function.
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For CIRS patients, where brain fog is common, lithium may be worth considering as part of a broader wellness strategy.
The connection between neuroinflammation, brain fog, and lithium’s protective role is an area of growing research, and one that holds a lot of promise for the future of cognitive health.
Source: Aron L, Ngian ZK, Qiu C, et al. Lithium deficiency and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Nature. Published online August 6, 2025:1-10. doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09335-x
