Advances in our understanding of the neurobiology of learning and memory could allow us to produce more effective treatments for memory deficits associated with a range of disorders, from mild cognitive impairment to the devastating memory loss of Alzheimer's disease. But where might such developments lead? Imagine the impact on society of a pill that could boost the memory of healthy individuals. In a competitive world, surely many of us would welcome the opportunity to gain a mental edge at school or in the workplace.

On page 975 of this issue, Steven Rose addresses the thorny issue of cognitive enhancers or 'smart drugs'. Do drugs or 'nutrients' that have been hailed as cognitive or memory enhancers really work? Despite their obvious appeal, are smart drugs really desirable, for the individual or for society? What are the ethical and legal considerations that surround their use? Rose addresses these questions and concludes that, although such drugs are still in the realm of fiction, we should prepare for their eventual introduction.

It is worth considering the potential scope of the problem. Although discussions of cognitive enhancers have often centred on aspects of memory — improving recall, for example — it is conceivable that smart drugs will be designed to target a range of specific cognitive functions, such as attention or cognitive control. And the problem won't necessarily stop there. As we learn more about the workings of the brain, we will become better equipped to manipulate particular facets of brain function to meet the demands of a wide range of everyday tasks. These developments could be of enormous benefit to patients with specific impairments of brain function. Whether such advances will spell good news for the healthy population or for society in general remains open to question.