OUR CURRENT STUDIES

R-LiNK

Response to Lithium Network -- we are part of a large multi centre, multinational research study which aims to identify biomarkers of response to long-term lithium treatment. Funded by the EU Horizon 2020, we established lithium imaging in 6 centres across Europe. Recruitment and data collection has now closed, but we are working on the results and of course the next project.

CRiB2

Cognitive Remediation therapy in Bipolar disorder -- this is an NHIR funded trial lead by King's College London, which compares a new form of psychological therapy with treatment as usual. The study recruitment will soon close, but we are excited to begin the analysis to see if this treatment could help those with bipolar disorder.

LIPOC

Lithium Point Of Care testing -- working with King's College London, we are bringing Point of Care testing for lithium to CNTW NHS Foundation Trust. This study will test whether it is feasible to monitor lithium levels using a simple finger-prick blood sample. Recruitment will open soon, so watch this space.

ILIAD

Imaging Lithium in Alzheimer's Disease -- early studies have shown that lithium may be effective in preventing the development of Alzheimer's Disease. We are at an early stage of understanding if this is the case, and if so, how. Since it may relate to the amount of lithium in the brain, we are testing whether it is feasible to measure the low levels of lithium in the brain in people with Alzheimer's Disease after a short period of taking a low dose of lithium. In this study, we are not looking to see if it has an effect on the symptoms or progression of the disease. This study will soon open to recruitment.

SLIPI-M

Supplementary Lithium Imaging and Peripheral markers of Inflammation and Mitochondrial function -- there is a suggestion that very low doses lithium may have an effect on conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, even down to the levels in the environment. In our SLIMMR study, we showed that it is possible to detect lithium in the brain after healthy subjects took dietary lithium supplements for one month. SLIPI-M will repeat the process, but will also assessthe effects of lithium on blood markers of inflammation and mitochondrial function. This will help us understand the broader effects of lithium that might relate to progression of neurodegenerative considitions.

LIDO

Lithium Dose Optimisation -- when starting lithium, the dose is usually titrated to the correct levels - progressive increasing in dose with blood measurements each week until the target is reached. We have been developing a Lithium Dose Calculator which show promise in predicting the likely dose for a given person. We hope this will guide the early steps in treatment, reducing the number of steps and blood samples needed.