The ability to think logically, to notice and remember facts, to build chains of inferences - this is what distinguishes humans from animals. The work of the brain is a subtle biochemical and electrochemical process. Attentiveness, memory, freshness of perception primarily depend on the state of nerve cells - neurons and their nutrition. It is generally accepted that only older people need drugs to improve brain function , but this is not the case. Impaired memory and thinking are possible at any age and are due to a number of reasons.
Causes of brain damage
Doctors do not recommend independently treating even minor impairment of brain functions primarily because this can be a sign of a serious illness. Memory, attention, learning ability may be impaired for the following reasons.
- Circulatory disturbance in the brain - prolonged uncomfortable posture, atherosclerosis, osteochondrosis, hypertension, vascular thrombosis, ischemia, stroke.
- Improving brain function is problematic when smoking and drinking alcohol, because nicotine and alcohol are the strongest vascular poisons. When they enter the body, the brain first suffers - after all, it needs more blood supply than all other organs.
- Traumatic brain injuries, general intoxication of the body, infectious diseases.
- Stress, lack of sleep, lack of rest.
- General exhaustion, malnutrition, dietary restriction. In this case, the body develops a chronic deficiency of vitamins and minerals necessary for brain function.
For an improvement in the functioning of the brain, it is necessary to normalize the regime of active activity and rest, eat properly and perform gymnastics to normalize blood circulation in the cervical spine and head. It is useful to do exercises that stimulate mental activity: learn new activities, solve crosswords and puzzles, and more. In case of serious memory impairment, consult a doctor. Currently, there are various drugs to improve brain function, but they should be prescribed by a specialist. The doctor will conduct an examination, select the optimal medicine, dose and determine the course of use.
Memory pills
All drugs to improve brain function can conditionally be divided into several categories.
- Nootropic drugs are drugs that regulate the metabolism in the brain and increase its resistance to oxygen deficiency.
- Means that improve blood supply to the brain.
- Vitamins necessary for biochemical processes in the brain.
- Amino acids involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and the production of biologically active substances.
- Herbal remedies with a stimulating effect on the body as a whole and higher nervous activity in particular.
- Stimulants of the central nervous system.
Keep in mind that of the above, only vitamins and amino acids are relatively harmless. All other drugs have contraindications and can be used only as directed by a doctor. Many of them are used for serious mental disorders, organic brain damage and have side effects.
All drugs, with the exception of stimulants, must be taken in long courses. It is wrong to think that memory and attention will improve immediately after taking Piracetam tablets. The duration of treatment is from several weeks to six months. Sometimes it is required to conduct several courses, taking a break between them.
Nootropic drugs
These are drugs to improve brain function, belonging to the group of psychotropic drugs. The mechanism of action of nootropics is not well understood. It was revealed that they have the ability to facilitate the transmission of nerve impulses, stimulate blood supply to the brain, improve energy processes and increase the body's resistance to oxygen deficiency. As a result, memory improves, learning ability increases, mental activity is stimulated, and the brain is resistant to aggressive influences.
Unlike other psychotropic drugs, nootropic drugs are characterized by low toxicity, they do not cause circulatory disorders.
The most famous representatives of this group are drugs:
- Piracetam (Nootropil)
- Picamilon
- Phenibut
- Aminalon (Gammalon),
- Pantogam
- "Acefen."
To treat chronic conditions, tablets to improve brain function are prescribed 1 tablet 3 times a day for from 2-3 weeks to 2-6 months. The therapeutic effect is observed two weeks after the start of treatment.
Blood circulation improving drugs
In the case of circulatory disorders due to poor blood and blood vessels, antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants are prescribed to improve brain function. Antiplatelet agents include the following:
- Nicergoline
- Xanthinol Nicotinate (Complamin)
- Ticlopidine
- Tiklid
- Curantil
- Pentoxifylline (Trental),
- "Acetylsalicylic acid",
- "Clonidogrel."
To anticoagulants:
- Solcoseryl
- Heparin
- Cerebrolysin
- Actovegin
- I’ve got it.
Drugs to improve brain function in this group have side effects.
Nerve stimulants
Stimulants have a definite advantage - the result of their use is visible almost immediately. Unfortunately, you have to pay for everything. In case of abuse of stimulants, the improvement of brain function occurs for a short time, addiction develops over time and an increasing dose is required. In addition, the brain is depleted, which can lead to severe fatigue and headaches.
The most affordable stimulants are found in foods.
- Coffee contains caffeine and L-tianin, which improve blood supply to the brain and stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Chocolate and Cocoa. Flavanols antioxidants contained in cocoa powder improve the biochemical processes in the brain and protect it from the effects of stress factors.
Vitamins
With increased mental activity, it will be useful to take vitamins to improve brain function.
- Choline. In addition to improving the absorption of fat in the liver, choline is involved in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses. To stimulate mental activity, choline is taken at 0.5-2 g per day, depending on individual tolerance. In case of an overdose, headaches are possible.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are used by doctors for complex therapy of age-related inhibition of brain function. They are contained in fatty fish, legumes, walnuts. The daily intake of 1-2 capsules of fish oil completely covers the body's need for Omega-3 acids.
Amino acids
In addition to vitamins, a number of amino acids are necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and the supply of brain cells with energy:
- Acetyl-L-carnitine is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and releases intracellular energy.
- Tyrosine. Use with caution in diseases of the thyroid gland.
- Glycine provides improved brain function, increases efficiency and normalizes sleep. Relieves nervousness, normalizes mood.
- Creatine regulates energy processes in the brain tissue.
There are drugs that include several vitamins and amino acids that are aimed at improving brain function and memory.
Complex preparations
- The drug "Biotredin." Pills to improve brain function containing threonine and pyridoxine (vitamin B6).
- Means “Brain Booster” - a colloidal preparation of complex composition containing plant material and a number of neurotransmitters - substances that improve the functioning of neurons.
Supplements and herbal remedies
For minor mental disorders, tablets are used to improve brain function based on plant extracts.
- The Ginkgo Biloba remedy is flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids from the Chinese Ginkgo tree. It normalizes microcirculation, has a vasodilating effect, prevents the oxidation of fats and has the ability to increase tissue resistance to oxygen deficiency. Do not use simultaneously with other drugs that improve blood circulation during pregnancy and lactation.
- The drug "Vinpocetine" is an alkaloid of the periwinkle plant. Improves blood circulation of the brain, has anticoagulation activity. It is contraindicated in children, pregnant and lactating women, as well as in violation of cardiac activity, in the acute phase of a stroke.
- The tool "Biocalcium for the brain" - a set of vitamins, mineral elements, amino acids and antioxidants.
- Asian ginseng has a general stimulating effect on metabolism, improves blood circulation and glucose metabolism. It is recommended for improving brain activity during fatigue, in a bad mood, and increased nervousness.
- Rhodiola rosea affects the production of dopamine and serotonin in the central nervous system, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body, memory, attention, ability to concentrate and visual perception.
All of these medications can be taken for preventive purposes to improve brain function. As with other herbal remedies, the course of treatment is long - at least 3-4 weeks, and on average - 2-3 months.
Precautionary measures
Deterioration in brain activity can be caused by a disease that requires examination and serious treatment. Therefore, before drinking pills, consult your doctor for advice. For preventive purposes, take plant-based drugs, complex vitamins and amino acids. For quick short-term improvement of thinking processes, stimulants are used. They can not be abused, as long-term use has the opposite effect and consumes brain resources without recovery.