Lithium is established as an effective treatment of acute mania, bipolar
and unipolar depression and as prophylaxis against bipolar disorder.
Accumulating evidence is also delineating a neuroprotective and
neurotrophic role for lithium. However, its primary effects on cognitive
functioning remain ambiguous.
The aim of this paper is to review and combine the relevant
translational studies, focusing on the putative cognitive enhancement
properties of lithium, specifically on learning, memory, and attention.
These properties are also discussed in reference to research
demonstrating a protective action of lithium against cognitive deficits
induced by various challenges to the nervous system, such as stress,
trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, and psychiatric disorders.
It is suggested on the basis of the evidence that the cognitive effects
of lithium are best expressed and should, therefore, be sought under
conditions of functional or biological challenge to the nervous system
