What are the biomedical uses of lithium?

Lithium has been widely utilized over the last 70 years as a therapeutic agent to treat mood-related disorders such as bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. More specifically, lithium salts (e.g. carbonate, sulfate, or citrate) are utilized as psychiatric medication. Lithium is not able to cure these disorders but they are useful because they reduce the severity, frequency, and timespan of relapses, as well as contribute to stability in the long-term. In treating bipolar disorder, lithium is able to prevent recurrent episodes of acute manic moods and depressive episodes as well. It also is able to reduce the risk of suicidal behaviors. In addition to treating bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, it has been suggested that lithium may reduce the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly, specifically for diseases like Alzhiemers. In studies done in humans, it was shown that therapeutic doses and trace amounts of lithium in drinking water were correlated with lower rates of developing dementia.