Lithium has been traditionally used as a mood stabilizer for people with bipolar disorder, but lately, there has been a lot of research surrounding its cognitive benefits.

It has become evident that lithium has neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties which may affect several domains of cognition. This article outlines the latest promising research on the relationship between lithium and cognition.

1. Neuroprotection and Neurotropy of Lithium

Lithium is capable of passing the blood-brain barrier, where it is believed to act on specific molecular pathways in the brain.

It is known to decrease the number of cells that undergo apoptosis by inhibiting the activity of certain pro-apoptotic proteins. Lithium also has been found to promote neurogenesis, or the growth of new neurons in the brain.

Animal studies have demonstrated that chronic administration of low doses of lithium increased the volume of specific brain regions, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are heavily involved in learning, memory, and attention.

2. Lithium and Memory

Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of lithium on memory function.

In a study conducted on healthy young adults, those who consumed a low dose of lithium for four weeks showed significant improvement in their visual memory compared to those who received a placebo. Another study found that elderly individuals who consumed lithium had increased cortical thickness in certain brain regions associated with learning and memory.

Lithium has also been shown to improve contextual memory in mice and prevent memory loss in rats with induced Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Lithium and Attention

Attention refers to the ability to focus on relevant stimuli and ignore irrelevant ones. It is a critical cognitive skill that helps in many aspects of everyday life.

Lithium has demonstrated to improve attention in both healthy individuals and those with cognitive impairments. In a study involving middle-aged women, low-dose lithium significantly improved their attention and cognitive flexibility, two domains that deteriorate with aging.

Another study found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment improved their selective attention and divided attention after consuming low-dose lithium for 8 weeks.

4. Lithium and Executive Function

Executive function refers to a set of cognitive processes that enable individuals to plan, organize, execute, and monitor their behavior or actions in pursuit of a goal.

Lithium has been found to have a positive effect on executive function in several studies. In one study, lithium improved planning and working memory in patients with bipolar disorder. Another study demonstrated that lithium improved inhibitory control in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

It is worth noting that executive function is considerably affected in people with bipolar disorder, and it appears that lithium may aid in the cognitive impairment associated with this condition.

5. Possible Side Effects of Lithium

Lithium is a powerful mood stabilizer that has been used in the treatment of bipolar disorder for decades. However, it can carry some potentially serious side effects.

The most frequently reported side effects of lithium are fine tremor, increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight gain. More severe side effects such as kidney damage, thyroid problems, and cardiovascular problems are rare but can occur with prolonged use of lithium.

6. Conclusion

Lithium is a promising drug that has been around for decades but is increasingly being studied for its cognitive benefits.

Its neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties are believed to positively affect several domains of cognition, including memory, attention, and executive function. Although it is generally safe, it is essential to monitor for any potential side effects, especially when taken over extended periods.

Lithium seems to be becoming an exciting avenue of research that could lead to the development of new treatments for cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative disorders.