Researchers Wonder If Lithium Can Help Fight Lou Gehrig's Disease

Last Edited: Friday, 29 Aug 2008, 7:53 PM CDT
Created: Friday, 29 Aug 2008, 7:53 PM CDT



Overland Park, Kan. -- A.L.S., or Lou Gehrig's, disease destroys the nerve cells that control movement.

It ultimately kills.

Researchers are looking at whether one type of 'metal' can fight A.L.S.

For Bob Wilson, life is getting harder. His M.U. golf cart allows him to move, as he loses movement in his body to A.L.S.

The 42-year-old was diagnosed a year ago.

"I was frightened. I knew it was a death sentence," Wilson said.

Then last winter, a ray of hope from a study of lithium.

Lithium is a metal found in some batteries. But it's also long been approved in pill form for biopolar disorder and manic depression.

The study from Italy found that when 16 patients took lithium in addition to standard medicine, all survived for the 15 months of the study. While a third of those not taking it died.

"This is a dramatic study showing that you just don't decline. You barely decline at all," said Dr. April Mcvey.

But the study was very small. Now U.S. researchers, including those at the University of Kansas hospital are starting bigger studies of lithium in A.L.S. patients.

"We basically are looking to see if we can show that the disease is actually slowed by lithium, " said Dr. April Mcvey.

But Bob Wilson didn't wait for the studies. Last spring, his doctor prescribed lithium for him, what's called an off-label use.

"When you're facing that black wall, you'll take anything. I told the doctor I'll eat dirt if you tell me to," said Wilson.

Wilson doesn't think lithium has helped him.

"I'm not down on the drug. I'm taking it to try to hang on for stem cells and that's where the real disease will be cured from," said Wilson.

Wilson's has donated tissue samples for research that he believes will one day lead to a cure for A.L.S.

Besides lithium, K.U. researchers are also studying antioxidants and an antibiotic as possible treatments.

Meryl Lin McKean, Fox 4 News, Overland Park, Kan.

http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/pages/N...Y&pageId=3.5.1