The central nervous system is a thin and fragile structure. For dysfunctional disorders, a slight jolt is sufficient in the form of weakened blood circulation, changes in trophism, and inflammatory processes.
All these phenomena are potentially dangerous, they lead to neurological deficits from the first days.
Cognitive decline is never accidental. Even overwork, prolonged stress has an abnormal effect, through a full diagnosis (chronic fatigue syndrome).
To correct this situation, it is necessary to treat the primary pathological process and use a group of drugs with symptomatic action.
Memory-enhancing pills is the generalized name for various drugs that restore cerebral blood flow, metabolic processes, or 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.
- Elimination of cholesterol deposits, mechanical restoration of blood flow.
- Decrease or increase in blood pressure (depending on the nature of the pathological process).
- Maintain the central nervous system in a normal state, activating natural regenerative phenomena.
Each effect corresponds to one or more groups of drugs at the same time. Consider them in more detail.
Medications and peculiarities of their action
Medicines of the types described below 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, correctors of cerebral circulation. 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 like strokes, encephalopathy are well known even to a person without special medical knowledge.
All cerebral blood flow disorders unambiguously cause memory, thinking, concentration and learning disorders. Gradually, they only get worse.
Cerebrovascular drugs are a large group of drugs, in the category of correctors can count about a hundred items.
If you mention the most popular and common drugs:
Cinnarizine
Basis of action: expansion 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 canal at all, so it can be prescribed to patients with pathologies of the cardiovascular system at any stage of the disorder.
The drug is quite old, but it is still actively used, because it produces minimal side effects, is well tolerated and has a wide range of pharmacological activity.
Vinpocetine
Has similar properties, but is considered more powerful. It is prescribed for ischemic processes in the brain. Even as a means of quick recovery after a stroke.
Warning: 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, it is not a cerebrovascular drug. This is a combination remedy that can be described as a central nervous system trophism corrector and at the same time a nootropic. Piracetam improves brain activity, concentration, increases the ability to memorize information.
Prescribed for patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, secondary brain disorders, neuroendocrine abnormalities, and other dangerous conditions. Versatile in its own way.
Well tolerated, assigned by courses. It is not recommended to use it for too long, because the effect is drastically reduced.
Deproteinized calf blood product
This is a complex drug. It restores normal blood circulation in the brain, improves its functioning, corrects metabolic processes, promotes the regeneration of brain tissues and increases efficiency.
The product is prepared from components of calf blood. Proteins as such have a huge allergenic potential, so there are risks of an immune response, an inappropriate reaction by the body's defenses.
It makes sense to gradually increase the dose and closely monitor the state of health.
There are also herbal medicines, but they are not considered medicines. These are dietary supplements, so you shouldn't place high hopes on them.
Each of the above groups is represented by several more trade names (manufacturers record several variations).
The remedy to choose depends on the severity and characteristics of the clinical case. The solution to the problem is at the discretion of the treating specialist.
The cerebrovascular has different tolerances, it has its own characteristics. The probability of side effects is determined individually; if suspicious symptoms appear, you should again contact your specialist.
Nootropics
A broad group of drugs, partially covering other categories, which are presented and described here.
Medications of this type affect health in several ways:
- Stabilization of cell membranes. Due to this, the strength of the cytoplasmic membrane increases, the tolerance of charges at the micro level.
- Increased production of energy-value compounds. Provide the structures of the brain and nervous tissues with useful substances, as a result, improving memory.
- Acceleration of glucose transport and utilization. Thanks to this, brain cells receive more nutrition and absorb it better.
- Acceleration of nerve impulse transmission in brain structures.
Nootropics are memory pills that improve concentration, speed and quality of thinking, they are represented by several subgroups:
Acetylcholine precursors
Meclofenoxate, deanol aceglumate. At the biochemical level, they stimulate the work of the brain, increase the intensity of the transmission of nerve impulses.
Well tolerated, but only in measured doses. With excessive use or exceeding the concentration of the active principle, they cause seizures, psychotic disorders and brain disorders.
Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Pyrrolidine derivatives
Piracetam, Aniracetam, Dupracetam, and a dozen other variations. In terms of clinical efficacy, they are approximately identical. Only the key indications differ: one drug is effective for prevention, another as a recovery measure from stroke, etc.
Many of the names described are complex remedies that affect various aspects of the pathology: alterations in brain biochemistry, quality of cerebral blood flow, and stopping 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.
It has a fairly low specific activity. Therefore, it is not suitable for the correction of complex pathological processes.
As an aid to basic technique or disease prevention, it does an excellent job. Amino acids, like other organic compounds, can trigger allergies. Therefore, when receiving, you must exercise the utmost discretion.
Peptides
Memory-enhancing drugs are prescribed as a measure of prevention or restoration of brain function after TBI, strokes, and inflammatory processes.
They do not have hormonal activity, due to the high degree of purification they practically do not cause allergic reactions.
Often used as the basis of therapy for conditions of mild and moderate severity.
GABA Analogs
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid and others are inexpensive pills to stimulate 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: antiplatelets, psychostimulants, sedatives. True, up to a point.
These funds are suitable for long-term use.
Pyrodoxin derivatives
Powerful drugs, stimulants of tissue metabolism. They help improve memory and brain function, eliminate excessive nervous tension, correct addictive manifestations (craving for alcohol, nicotine). But you can't take them for a long time.
Nootropics are not comic drugs. All the recommendations on "overclocking" the brain, which are so actively discussed on the net, are dangerous hoaxes.
Funds can only be taken as directed, when there is direct approval from a physician. If the funds are drunk incorrectly, according to the wrong scheme, in an excessive dose, the biochemistry of the brain can go into a chaotic state.
It is plagued by psychosis, increased risk of schizophrenia, extrapyramidal disorders (seizures, problems with physical activity).
Most of the pills described for memory and brain function improvement can only be taken by adults: the child's nervous tissues, the biochemistry of the central nervous system have not yet been established, the risks of mental destruction arehigh even with a competent and correct intake according to the scheme.
Antioxidants and vitamins
The oxidative processes of cells are the phenomenon of the transfer of electrons from the atoms of the layer of the cytological structure to a substance that aggressively affects the tissues.
The result is a violation of the integrity of the membrane and cell death due to the impossibility of delimiting the external environment, 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, thought.
Interestingly, these phenomena are quite physiological, they play one of the key roles in the aging process.
The challenge is to stop the adverse changes. Preparations from the antioxidant group can help in this.
They can be divided into 3 broad categories:
- Enzymes and minerals. The former have the ability to accelerate the body's natural processes. Including, the binding of free radicals and their rapid removal from body structures.
Minerals are the building blocks of many organic molecules. Their systems do not know how to synthesize, substances come from the outside with food. The key elements that can fight radicals are selenium, manganese and zinc.
- Flavonoids. Low molecular weight compounds. Due to their structural characteristics, they can bind to free radicals on their own, attaching charged particles (ions) to themselves. By their nature, they 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 from dangerous threats.
Memory-enhancing drugs from the group of antioxidants act as an aid to the main treatment, their task is to prevent pathological processes of the central nervous system, slow down the aging of tissues, so they are suitable for elderly patients.
Medications for lipid metabolism disorders
Disorders of higher nervous activity can be caused by atherosclerosis of the vessels of the brain.
This phenomenon is associated with disorders of fat metabolism in the body, the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. As a result, a mechanical obstacle is created for the movement of the blood.
The trophism of brain structures suffers significantly. In the later stages of the disorder, a stroke is likely to occur.
The pathological process can last for years, gradually deteriorating the quality of memory and thinking. To restore the work of the central nervous system, in this case, special drugs are enough.
To restore lipid metabolism, cleanse blood vessels:
- Statins. Inhibits the production of fat. This type of medicine should be used with caution. Especially the funds of the first generations. They cause many side effects.
- Fibrates are prescribed for some forms of hyperlipidemia or as part of therapy in conjunction with statins.
- Nicotinic acid. Appointed only as directed. Because the drug is difficult to tolerate.
Correction of brain disorders is carried out using these means in different combinations.
Medications to lower blood pressure
Disorders of increased nervous activity may be associated with increased blood pressure. Trophism of brain tissue suffers. The result is memory problems, attention.
These drugs come in several groups:
- Beta-blockers. Metoprolol tartrate, bisoprolol fumarate, propranolol hydrochloride, and a dozen other variations.
- Calcium antagonists. Relax the blood vessels, liquefy the pressure level.
- ACE inhibitors. Drugs that slow down the production of a special substance, angiotensin. Increases the tone of the arteries.
- Diuretics. Medications that remove excess fluid.
- Central means of action. They regulate the work of blood vessels at the level of the brain itself.
All are strictly enforced according to directions.
Warning: Wrong combinations "plant" the kidneys, the heart. This is the situation where 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 brain structures, there are problems in the work of the brain: with memory, thinking.
Correcting low blood pressure is difficult. Herbal preparations (Eleutherococcus, Ginseng, Schisandra) are prescribed. Also tonic drugs. This article describes all the drugs that increase blood pressure.
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 participate as needed.
Precautions
Medicines, even when used correctly, can present risks. To minimize them it is convenient to take into account some nuances:
- Vitamins improve memory and attention, but only in doses corresponding to physiological: the principle "the more, the more effective" does not work here, the development of hypervitaminosis, disorders of the heart, blood vessels, brain structures, connective tissues and endocrinosystems.
- Nootropics in the wrong dose cause psychosis, destruction of nerve fibers. They cannot be used without the authorization of a doctor, indications.
- Plant-based products, organic components (proteins, amino acids, enzymes) often cause allergies. This is a consequence of its nature. Therefore, you must take care of your health.
- Pills that improve brain function, including nootropics, cerebrovascular, are contraindicated for tumors of the central nervous system, disorders such as multiple sclerosis in the relapse phase. Because the pathological processes will accelerate and worsen.
No medicine should be taken by itself. The purpose of treatment is the final stage of correction, the tip of the iceberg. It is preceded by a complete diagnosis.
In all cases, you should contact your specialist doctor.
Tests required for memory problems
Neurologists are studying the characteristics of the disorder. If necessary, specialists in cardiology and endocrinology intervene in the case.
To make a diagnosis, you need the following procedures:
- Interview the patient.
- Collect anamnesis.
- EEG. Investigate the electrical activity of the central nervous system.
- Duplex examination of cerebral vessels.
- An ultrasound technique that provides information on the structure and functional activity of the arteries.
- X-ray of the skull.
- MRI on demand.
- Blood pressure measurement: routine or daily.
- ECHO-KG, EKG. Heart research.
Memory medications are designed to combat the root cause. There is no point in correcting higher nervous activity without eliminating the main culprit of the disorder.