The central nervous system is a thin and fragile structure. For dysfunctional disorders, a slight tremor is sufficient in the form of a weakened blood circulation, changes in trophism and inflammatory processes.
All such phenomena are potentially dangerous and cause neurological deficits from the very first days.
Cognitive impairment is never accidental. Even overwork, prolonged stress has an abnormal effect through a full diagnosis (chronic fatigue syndrome).
To remedy this situation, it is necessary to treat the primary pathological process and use a group of drugs with symptomatic effect.
Memory-enhancing pills are the general name for a variety of drugs that restore cerebral blood flow, metabolic processes, or otherwise qualitatively affect the functional activity of the brain.
The effect can be very different, here is a small list of action principles:
- Normalization of blood circulation in the central nervous system.
- Restoration of the speed and quality of metabolism, biochemical processes in brain structures.
- Suspension of oxidative phenomena, restoration of the integrity of brain cells.
- Removal of cholesterol deposits, mechanical restoration of blood flow.
- Lowering or increasing blood pressure (depending on the nature of the pathological process).
- Maintenance of the central nervous system in normal state, activation of natural regenerative phenomena.
Each effect corresponds to one or more drug groups at a time. Let us consider them in more detail.
Drugs and peculiarities of their action
Medicines of the following types should not be taken without your doctor's approval. In fact, some of them are safe, for example the same vitamins. But with an excess of substance, it begins to destroy the body.
In addition, serious side effects, including allergic reactions, are possible.
Cerebrovascular drugs
In short, cerebral circulation correctors. According to world statistics, trophic disorders of the central nervous system are one of the leading causes of death among the world's population. Conditions such as stroke, encephalopathy are well known even to a person without special medical knowledge.
All disorders of cerebral blood flow unequivocally induce disorders of memory, thinking, concentration and learning. Gradually, they only get worse.
Cerebrovascular drugs are a broad group of drugs, in the category of correctors you can count about a hundred objects.
If you name the most popular and common substances:
Cinnarizine
Basis of action - dilation of the blood vessels of the brain, violation of the penetration of calcium ions through the walls of large arteries.
At the same time, the drug does not affect the pressure in the duct at all, therefore it can be prescribed to patients with pathologies of the cardiovascular system at any stage of the disorder.
The drug is quite old but is still actively used because it provides a minimum of side effects, is well tolerated and has a wide range of pharmacological activity.
Vinpocetine
Has similar properties but is considered more potent. It is prescribed for ischemic processes in the brain. Including, as a means of rapid recovery after a stroke.
NOTE: Unlike Cinnarizine, it lowers blood pressure somewhat.
Portability is still good. It can be used as a drug for the prevention of CNS pathologies.
Suitable for long-term use.
Piracetam
Strictly speaking, not quite a cerebrovascular drug. This is a combined remedy that can be described as a corrector for the trophism of the central nervous system and at the same time a nootropic. Piracetam improves brain activity, concentration and increases the ability to remember information.
It is prescribed for patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, secondary brain diseases, neuroendocrine abnormalities and other dangerous conditions. It is universal in its own way.
Well tolerated, assigned by courses. It is not recommended to use it for too long because the effect is greatly reduced.
Deproteinized calf blood hemoderivative
This is a complex drug. It restores normal blood circulation in the brain, improves its function, corrects metabolic processes, promotes regeneration of cerebral tissues and increases efficiency.
The product is made from calf blood components. Proteins as such have an enormous allergenic potential, therefore there is a risk of an immune response, an inadequate response from the body's defenses.
It makes sense to gradually increase the dosage and closely monitor the state of health.
Herbal medicines are also available, but they are not considered medicines. These are supplements so you should not put any serious hopes on them.
Each of the above groups is represented by several trade names (manufacturers register different variations).
Which drug to choose depends on the severity and characteristics of the clinical case. The solution to the problem remains after the treating specialist.
Cerebrovascular has different tolerances, has their own characteristics. The likelihood of side effects is determined individually. If suspicious symptoms occur, contact your specialist again.
Nootropics
A broad group of drugs that partially cover other categories presented and described here.
This medicine affects health in several ways:
- Stabilization of cell membranes. Due to this, the strength of the cytoplasmic membrane increases, the tolerance to loads at the micro level.
- Increased production of energy-worthy compounds. Provides the structures of the brain, nerve tissue with useful substances, which improves memory.
- Acceleration of glucose transport and utilization. Thanks to this, the brain cells get more nutrition and absorb it better.
- Acceleration of the transmission of nerve impulses in brain structures.
Nootropics are pills for memory, improve concentration, speed and quality of thinking, they are represented by a number of subgroups:
Acetylcholine precursors
Meclofenoxate, deanolaceglumate. At the biochemical level, they stimulate the work of the brain, increasing the intensity of transmission of nerve impulses.
Well tolerated, but only in measured doses. With excessive use or exceeding the concentration of the active substance, they cause seizures, psychotic disorders and disorders of the brain.
Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Pyrrolidine derivatives
Piracetam, Aniracetam, Dupracetam and a dozen more variations. In terms of clinical efficacy, they are roughly identical. Only the key indications differ: one drug is effective for prevention, another as a measure of recovery from a stroke, etc.
Many of the names described are complex agents that affect several aspects of pathology: disorders of brain biochemistry, the quality of cerebral blood flow, stop oxidative processes in the central nervous system.
Amino acids
The most popular option is glycine. The drug is universal, it is prescribed for both adult patients and children.
Possesses fairly modest, specific activity. Therefore, it is not suitable for the correction of complex pathological processes.
As an aid to the basic technique or disease prevention - it does an excellent job. Amino acids, like other organic compounds, can trigger allergies. Therefore, when you receive, you must exercise maximum discretion.
Peptides
Drugs to improve memory are prescribed as a measure for the prevention or restoration of brain function after TBI, stroke and inflammatory processes.
They have no hormonal activity, due to the high degree of purification they cause practically non-allergic reactions.
Often used as a basis for the treatment of diseases of minor and moderate severity.
GABA analogues
Gamma aminobutyric acid et al. are cheap pills to increase brain activity. They mimic the action of a special organic substance that accelerates the transmission of nerve impulses in brain structures.
Drugs of this type also have other effects: antiplatelet, psychostimulant, sedative. True, to a very small extent.
These funds are suitable for long-term use.
Pyrodoxine derivatives
Powerful drugs that stimulate tissue metabolism. They help improve memory and brain function, eliminate excessive nervous tension, correct addictive manifestations (craving for alcohol, nicotine). But you can not take them for a long time.
Nootropics are not comic substances. All recommendations for "overclocking" the brain, which are so actively discussed online, are dangerous delusions.
Remedies can only be taken on indications with the approval of a direct physician. If the drugs are drunk incorrectly according to the wrong scheme in an excessive dose, the biochemistry of the brain can be brought into a chaotic state.
It is full of psychoses, increased risk of schizophrenia, extrapyramidal disorders (seizures, problems with physical activity).
Most of the described pills for memory and improvement of brain function can only be taken by adults: the child's nerve tissue, biochemistry of the central nervous system has not yet been determined, the risk of mental destruction is high, even with competent, proper intake according to the scheme.
Antioxidants and Vitamins
The oxidative processes in cells are the phenomenon of the transition of electrons from the atoms of the shell of the cytological structure to a substance that aggressively affects the tissues.
The result is a violation of membrane integrity and cell death due to the inability to separate from the external environment and normally transport substances. As a result of the reaction, ions are formed which are also capable of destroying other structures.
If we ignore biochemistry, oxidation leads to the death of entire tissues, gradual degradation of body systems. The brain also suffers, and therefore memory, attention, thinking.
Interestingly, these phenomena are quite physiological, they play one of the key roles in the aging process.
The challenge is to stop adverse changes. The preparations from the antioxidant group can help with this.
They can be divided into 3 broad categories:
- Enzymes and minerals. The former has the ability to accelerate natural processes in the body. Including the binding of free radicals and their rapid removal from body structures.
Minerals are the constituents of many organic molecules. Their systems do not know how to synthesize, substances come from outside with food. Key elements that are able to fight radicals are selenium, manganese and zinc.
- Flavanoids. Low molecular weight compounds. Due to their structural properties, they can bind free radicals and attach charged particles (ions) to themselves. By their nature, these are organic structures.
The most famous are tannin, quercetin (found in tea and more), catechin (found in quality wines).
- Vitamins. A, E, B, C. In sufficient quantities, they reliably cover the body against dangerous threats.
Memory-enhancing drugs for the group of antioxidants act as an aid to the main treatment, their task is to prevent pathological processes from the central nervous system, slow down the aging of tissues, therefore, they are suitable for elderly patients.
Drugs for lipid metabolism disorders
Disorders with higher nervous activity may be caused by atherosclerosis of the cerebral vessels.
This phenomenon is associated with disorders of fat metabolism in the body, deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. As a result, a mechanical barrier is created for the movement of blood.
Trophism of cerebral structures suffers significantly. In the later stages of the disorder, stroke is likely.
The pathological process can last for years and gradually deteriorate the quality of memory and thinking. To restore the work of the central nervous system, in this case it is enough medication.
To restore lipid metabolism, you need to clean your blood vessels:
- Statins. Inhibit fat production. This type of medicine should be used with caution. Especially the first generation funds. They cause many side effects.
- Fibrates are prescribed for some forms of hyperlipidemia or as part of treatment with statins.
- Nicotinic acid. Appointed only according to indications. Because the drug is difficult to tolerate.
Correction of brain diseases is performed using these agents in various combinations.
Medications to lower blood pressure
Disorders with higher nervous activity may be associated with an increase in blood pressure. Brain tissue trophism suffers. The result is problems with memory, attention.
These drugs are presented in several groups:
- Beta blockers. Metoprolol tartrate, bisoprolol fumarate, propranolol hydrochloride and a dozen more variations.
- Calcium antagonists. Relax the blood vessels, flow the pressure level.
- ACE inhibitors. Drugs that slow down the production of a special substance, angiotensin. It increases the tone of the arteries.
- Diuretics. Medication that removes excess fluid.
- Central action means. They regulate the work of the blood vessels at the level of the brain itself.
All are used strictly according to indications.
NOTE: Incorrect combinations "plant" the kidneys, the heart. This is the situation where the treatment is more dangerous than the disease itself.
Means to increase blood pressure
Low blood pressure affects thinking and memory and even worse. Because with insufficient trophism of cerebral structures there are problems in the work of the brain: with memory, thinking.
Correcting low blood pressure is difficult. Herbal preparations are prescribed (Eleutherococcus, Ginseng, Schisandra). Also tonic medicine. All substances that increase blood pressure are described in this article.
The main role is assigned to the treatment of the primary pathology, the cause of the disorder. Also changes in lifestyle and diet.
This is not an easy task. I need the help of a competent cardiologist. Neurologists are involved as needed.
Precautions
Drugs, even when used properly, can pose risks. To minimize them, it is worth keeping in mind a few nuances:
- Vitamins improve memory and attention, but only in doses corresponding to physiological: the principle "the more, more effective" does not work here, the development of hypervitaminosis, disorders of the heart, blood vessels, cerebral structures, connective tissue and endocrine systems.
- Nootropics in the wrong dosage leads to psychosis, destruction of nerve fibers. They can not be used without a doctor's sanction and indications.
- Plant-based products, organic components (proteins, amino acids, enzymes) often cause allergies. This is a consequence of their nature. Therefore, you need to take care of your health.
- Pills that improve brain function, including nootropics, cerebrovascular, are contraindicated in tumors of the central nervous system, disorders of the multiple sclerosis type in the relapse phase. Because pathological processes will accelerate and worsen.
No medicine should be taken alone. The appointment of the treatment is the last correction phase, the tip of the iceberg. Prior to that is a full diagnosis.
In all cases, consult your specialist.
Studies Required for Memory Impairment
Neurologists study the properties of the trait. If necessary, specialists in cardiology and endocrinology participate in the case.
To make a diagnosis you need the following procedures:
- Interview patients.
- Tager anamnesis.
- EEG. To examine the electrical activity of the central nervous system.
- Duplex scanning of brain vessels.
- An ultrasound technique that provides information about the structure and functional activity of the arteries.
- X-ray of the skull.
- MRI as needed.
- Blood pressure measurement: routine or daily.
- ECHO-KG, ECG. Heart research.
Memory medicine is designed to fight the cause. There is no point in correcting higher nervous activity without removing the main culprit in the disorder.