A research team led by Nigel Leigh, director of the motor neurone disease care centre at King's College London will conduct a study to assess the impact of the anti-depressant drug lithium as a treatment for motor neurone disease.

Motor neurone disease destroys nerves in the brain that control movement, leaving patients locked in a failing body. There is currently no cure and half die within 14 months of being diagnosed. A small study by Italian researchers suggested that lithium could slow the progression of the disease.

During the clinical trails, researchers will follow more than 200 patients with motor neurone disease over 18 months to see if those given daily lithium pills live longer. Results from the trial are expected within two years.

Leigh said: "It would be very nice if we show lithium arrests the disease but we're not expecting that. We're hoping for a three- to six-month increase in lifespan over the 18-month trial."