Dear Dr. Roach: Would it be risky to take a low dose (20 mg) of over-the-counter lithium orotate to treat cognitive decline? The recent study in the journal Nature recommended waiting for further studies to look at the benefits and risks of taking this compound. Given the promising findings in mice/rats and the anecdotal evidence of reversing memory loss, I'm inclined to roll the dice and give it a whirl.

— J.H.R.

Dear J.H.R.: I can understand your enthusiasm. There have been several studies (some in mice, like the Nature study you mentioned, but others in humans) that have consistently shown a slowing of disease progression and a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in people with mild cognitive impairment.

Interestingly, places with low amounts of lithium in the drinking w

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