Improve Memory

Nootropics are substances that stimulate our cognitive capacity, whether through an increase in memory, attention, concentration, or motivation. Nootropics have been used by humans for thousands of years, and currently, numerous new compounds with greater efficiency have been discovered. Some examples of nootropics used since antiquity are coffee, chocolate, and tobacco. Researchers have studied substances that can improve mental abilities for several years. These substances are called “cognitive enhancers,” “smart drugs,” or “nootropics.” (“Nootropic” comes from Greek – “noos” = mind and “tropos” = altered, moving towards). The effects of cognitive improvement can vary, such as improved memory, learning, attention, concentration, problem-solving, reasoning, social skills, decision-making, and planning.

The research on these substances initially focused on individuals with mental deficiencies. Subsequently, research was conducted on healthy individuals. It is a field with still underexplored potential, despite the enormous potential benefits of this group of substances. Among the most recent synthetic nootropics are Ritalin, Amphetamines, Modafinil, Piracetam, etc. Nootropics can therefore be natural or synthetic substances that exert positive activity on brain functions.

There are several studies conducted on healthy individuals with modern nootropics. One of them is a large study with over 300 people. All studies showed positive results with very few side effects, such as insomnia at an incidence 2% higher than placebo and a small increase in blood pressure. All studies demonstrated an increase in verbal and numerical working memory. There was an increase in response time in tests, but also a significant increase in accuracy. Two other studies conducted by the American armed forces on pilots demonstrated a considerable increase in performance in 40 and 36-hour simulations with sleep-deprived individuals. In these studies, after 24 hours without sleep, pilots were administered 100mg of Modafinil every 4 hours. Peak plasma concentration is reached in 2-3 hours and it has a half-life of 12 hours (but the effect diminishes sooner). Modafinil side effects include headache, upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, anxiety, or insomnia. Modafinil is contraindicated in patients with high blood pressure, those undergoing treatment for cardiac arrhythmias, or with hypersensitivity to the formula components.

Ritalin strongly inhibits dopamine reuptake and mildly inhibits norepinephrine reuptake. It primarily acts on the region primarily linked to working memory and long-term memory retrieval. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter linked to concentration and executive brain functions, primarily acting in the prefrontal cortex. Ritalin inhibits dopamine reuptake, keeping it in the synaptic cleft longer, thereby activating the brain's executive system.

There are several studies, some pointing to a gain of up to 6 IQ points in individuals with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). In healthy individuals, there is an increase in working memory, numerical, verbal, and spatial. Peak plasma concentration in 1 hour and a half-life of 3 hours. It is one of the best-known and most used nootropics. It is estimated that 10% of the American population under 20 years old uses the drug. Continued use for more than 10 years can lead to heart problems in predisposed individuals. Ritalin side effects include abdominal discomfort, nausea, heartburn, nervousness, and insomnia at the beginning of treatment, decreased appetite which can result in weight loss or growth delay in children, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, changes in heart rate, fever, and allergic reactions.

Piracetam was one of the first medications used against senile dementia, also known as Alzheimer's disease. It is a chronic and progressive condition characterized by the development of multiple deficits in intellectual functions (memory, speech) and personality changes. It is a cerebral metabolism activator that acts on the central nervous system, protecting the cerebral cortex against hypoxia. It is also used in stroke (CVA), alcoholism, attention disorders, concentration disorders, behavioral disorders, senile involution, and drug addiction. Digestive problems are the main side effects of Piracetam use.

Hydergine is a cerebral vasodilator medication whose active substance is Codergocrine. This medication is indicated for signs and symptoms of mental deterioration, especially those related to aging: dizziness, headache, poor concentration, disorientation, memory impairment, lack of initiative, depressed mood, unsociability, difficulties with daily activities and self-care. Acute cerebrovascular disease. Peripheral vascular disorders. Subjective symptoms associated with hypertension. Side effects of using this medication are gastrointestinal disturbance, nausea, nasal obstruction. Do not use during pregnancy.

Selegiline is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease by irreversibly inhibiting the MAO B enzyme, which degrades dopamine, thus increasing its effects. Selegiline can increase dopaminergic transmission through other mechanisms, such as preventing dopamine reuptake at the synapse level. It has a great effect on the central nervous system, reducing the characteristic “tremors” of the disease. Side effects often appear, though not very severely, including nausea, sickness, weakness, abdominal pain, confusion, hallucinations, dry mouth sensation, vivid dreams, and dyskinesias.

The gradual loss of cognitive capacity and brain processing speed affects more than 80% of people over 30 years of age. A large body of scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that the decline in brain performance is not an irrevocable fact and its course can be modified. In this context, Pregnenolone is included as one of the most important hormones in the human body and essential at any age. Pregnenolone is an abundant brain hormone that can aid in the memory process, being a precursor (former) of most steroid hormones (sexual and adrenal). In addition to its function as a precursor to our main sexual and adrenal hormones, pregnenolone has neurotransmitter function and stimulates neurogenesis (formation of new neurons) as proven in animal studies. As early as 1950, Dr. Edward Anderson, a celebrated neurophysiologist, published the following phrase in the Journal of Endocrinology: “Pregnenolone seems to have clear benefits and deserves the attention of the medical community, and no adverse effects on endocrine physiology have been evidenced, and its action showed promise in the treatment of diseases correlated with the aging process.”

There are several other synthetic smart drugs with differentiated actions on mental processes. In addition to synthetic nootropics, we can rely on natural substances for the same clinical purpose, as we will see below.

One of the oldest, most used, and least efficient nootropics. It acts by mimicking the neurotransmitter adenosine and binding to its receptors in the brain, inactivating them. Adenosine plays an inhibitory role in the brain, and inactivation of its receptors increases brain function. In addition, caffeine and its metabolites increase plasma adrenaline concentrations, thereby increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and stress. As a result, in the long term, it increases the incidence of heart attacks. After a long period of use, tolerance develops, and interruption causes depression, irritability, and drowsiness.

Phosphatidylserine – is a lipid substance that is incorporated into the membranes of all brain cells, ensuring good communication between cells, which guarantees good brain function. The use of phosphatidylserine helps reduce cortisol levels resulting from increased stress, reducing its negative impact on the brain. It acts on memory and in reversing age-related memory reduction. Studies with older individuals show that daily intake of this substance showed improved learning, recall of names, images, and numbers compared to people who did not ingest it.

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