In a major new finding almost a decade in the making, researchers at Harvard Medical School say they’ve found a key that may unlock many of the mysteries of Alzheimer’s disease and brain aging — the humble metal lithium.

"Overall, this study supports that among older adults, adhering to a healthy dietary pattern, such as the MIND diet, is associated with reduced likelihood of hippocampal degeneration of aging, as indicated by HS, HS with LATE-NC and hippocampal neuronal loss," the researchers explained.

FRIDAY, Aug. 8, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Tiny amounts of lithium — a natural metal — may help protect the brain from Alzheimer’s and signs of aging, new research shows. Scientists at Harvard Medical School and Rush University found that when mice were fed a low-lithium diet, their brains developed more inflammation and signs of aging accelerated.