The human brain is an organ responsible for the functioning of the entire body. And also, one of its functions is to store our memories. Information is recorded in neural connections in the cortex and subcortical structures, and is stored exactly as long as the cells live.
At certain points in life, under the influence of illness or external circumstances, this cognitive function begins to weaken. Then people wonder what to drink to improve memory for an adult. Today, pharmacies offer a lot of drugs to solve this problem, but they affect the brain in different ways. This means that they should be applied in accordance with the cause of the problem.
We suggest considering which tablets help improve memory and activate brain activity, and which ones are better suited for nourishing and activating the capabilities of the brain.
Causes of memory impairment
There are people who face the problem of subsidence of mnestic functions already in childhood.
Such children need a consultation with a neurologist to find out the cause of the mnestic disorder.
Then, medications are prescribed for children to increase mental activity, mental clarity, memory and brain development.
These medications are not universal, but only help during the period of maturation of the body. As we grow older, other circumstances begin to influence our already formed brain. They cause memory problems throughout many years of adult life.
The need to take special medications can be triggered by:
- exhaustion of the body due to chronic stress, fatigue, prolonged depression or other mental illnesses;
- circulatory disorders in brain tissue, which are provoked by nervous and somatic diseases, injuries;
- deficiency of vitamins and nutrients, particularly affected by the lack of microelements in childhood;
- infections of the cortex and membranes of the brain, both viral and bacterial;
- psychiatric diseases, their initial manifestations before the formation of psychosis;
- alcohol or drug addiction, which have a destructive effect on neurons;
- traumatic brain injury or surgery in the head;
- formation of tumors, benign or malignant, and other neoplasms (parasitic cysts);
- degenerative processes caused by aging or the development of pathological processes in neurons, for example, Alzheimer's disease.
How to restore brain function, what should be taken, what pills to take for memory and improving attention for adults should be decided by a doctor in each specific case.
The effectiveness of drugs depends not only on their quality, but also on what specific problem the patient is facing. And how correctly the medications are chosen.
Drugs that reduce memory
A separate phenomenon that negatively affects a person’s health and brain function are medications. Often, to treat various diseases, drugs are used that negatively affect the functioning of other organs.
In such cases, doctors, in order to compensate for the negative effects, additionally prescribe injections or pills to improve memory and brain function.
Medicines that pose a risk to brain activity:
- tablets for the treatment of angina and hypertension;
- anticonvulsants;
- antihistamines of early generations;
- medications to treat insomnia, sedatives;
- certain categories of antibiotics.
It is precisely because of possible side effects that doctors strongly oppose self-prescription of any remedy. Without knowing all the features of the substance, a person risks not only not being cured, but also harming himself.
When prescribing something from the list above, the doctor will often additionally suggest nootropic drugs to improve nutrition and brain function, concentration, memory and attention in adults, available without a prescription and with a well-known name.
Groups of required funds
Metabolic drugs in neuroscience are often called universal brain boosters. However, they are not the only ones that contribute to improving memory and other cognitive functions.
The following can help the main organ cope with stress and improve the ability to think and remember:
- Nootropics that improve brain nutrition activate metabolic processes in neurons. Neurometabolic stimulants enable the brain to better remember information while protecting it from external negative influences.
- Psychostimulants-adaptogens. Used for overwork and regular stress. Gently improve brain function by increasing energy output. The basis of the composition is usually natural.
- Correctors of energy metabolism. Products based on natural ingredients. One of the features is a gradual cumulative effect. They increase the effect slowly but gently, improve memory and other cognitive functions.
Let us remind you that homeopathy and dietary supplements are not remedies for improving cerebral circulation and memory and improving brain function due to the unreliable content of the active substance in them.
Supplements can be used at your own discretion after consultation with your doctor. But replacing full-fledged treatment with such supplements is fraught with the development of more serious manifestations of diseases.
The principle of action of drugs for the brain
When choosing neurostimulant drugs, the doctor selects the best nootropic drug to improve brain function and restore memory, which will serve as an effective stimulant in a specific situation.
Due to the peculiarities of the composition, in each case the rule of individual selection takes into account the characteristics of the patient. The cause of the disorder and the state of health in general are taken into account.
Improvement of human cognitive functions occurs due to the following pharmacological effects:
- Normalization of protein synthesis. Brain cells are composed of lipoproteins, fat compounds and proteins. Protein metabolism disorders are a risk factor for mnestic and cognitive disorders.
- Activation of synthesis and utilization (uptake) of glucose by neurons. This carbohydrate is the main fuel for the brain; cells absorb it directly without insulin.
- Improving the metabolism of nucleic acids, contributing to the stabilization and development of neuronal activity. It also helps restore brain cells.
- Stimulation of the cholinergic system, thereby reducing the risk of the onset and progression of memory problems.
- Active influence on the monoaminergic system. The production of hormones, dopamine, necessary for the active thought process is enhanced.
In some cases, not oral medications are prescribed, but injections for cerebral circulation and memory improvement. In fact, this is also an active substance, simply injected directly into the blood to obtain faster results.
Injection forms are used to quickly saturate the body with the necessary substance. Also, not all useful drugs are available in tablet forms, since their components are destroyed in the digestive tract
Indications
Nootropic drugs are prescribed if problems with the nutrition and metabolism of brain tissue are detected.
Typical reasons:
- depression, chronic stress;
- formed neuroses;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- consequences of neuroinfections, asthenic conditions;
- encephalopathy, dementia;
- depletion of cognitive functions due to intellectual overload;
- regular oxygen starvation of brain tissue, for example, with atherosclerosis;
- intoxication of the body, affecting the nervous system and brain.
When choosing which tablets you can take to improve concentration, calm nerves and increase memory and mental performance, intelligence, adults, you need to focus not only on prices, but also on good reviews from specialists specifying in which specific case the medicine helped.
Contraindications
Nootropics should not be considered a completely safe and useful memory aid. These medications have both contraindications and side effects:
- allergic reactions to both the active substance and auxiliary components;
- increased excitability of neurons and the risk of seizure activity;
- high blood pressure, hypertension;
- sleep disorders – insomnia may worsen;
- nausea, digestive disorders;
- increased psycho-emotional and motor anxiety.
As you can see, the drugs can be harmful to hypertensive patients, people with a labile psyche, and insomnia. So, due to the wide list of contraindications and side effects, the presence of which you may not even be aware of, you should not risk your health and select treatment yourself.
The doctor will tell you what inexpensive pills adults can take for brain function, clarity of mind, restoration of memory and brain activity, improvement of attention and intellectual activity, giving the exact name and talking about the main active ingredients.
Nootropics without a prescription
Some medications for improving memory and attention, stimulating brain activity, improving the functioning of the brain and nervous system in adults are sold without a prescription; the names of individual drugs are given in our material.
Pills that you can buy and use to improve memory and maintain intelligence during stressful periods of life:
- Piracetam, the very first nootropic. Popular substance. Serves as a universal medicine that is used for more than 50 diseases. Both as a main component and as a supporting agent. One of the features is that it increases the convulsive readiness of neurons.
- Ginkgo biloba improves cognitive function, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and improves oxygen supply to the brain. Created based on an extract from the plant of the same name.
- Glycine, amino acid. A common remedy that supports and enhances memory during periods of overload. Based on an amino acid used to build protein for cells and protect neurons from overexcitation
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter derivative. Improves brain nutrition, blood circulation and oxygen saturation. It is used to prevent senile dementia or in the event of vascular pathologies of the brain.
- Vinpocetine helps stabilize cerebral circulation. The point of influence is the normalization of brain nutrition by dilating blood vessels and improving glucose metabolism. Additionally helps reduce the risk of thrombophlebitis. Patients with arrhythmia are advised to take with caution.
It is worth remembering that nootropics are not a panacea that can be taken for life. Like other medications, they are prescribed in courses. Uncontrolled use can lead to the development of side effects.
Rating of the best drugs
Today in the pharmacy you can find dozens of medications to improve memory. But not all of them are time-tested and not all have proven their effectiveness.
TOP drugs for improving memory, nutrition and restoration of the nervous system and brain function, further improving cognitive functions:
- Medicine with piracetam. A universal nootropic drug that has a positive effect on memory, attention and brain performance at any age. It is used in the therapy of both children, adults, and the elderly. Accelerates the transmission of impulses in the brain, helps to better record information in memory.
- A derivative of succinic acid. Stimulates metabolic processes in the nervous system, improves psycho-emotional endurance, accelerates the removal of toxic substances from the body. Thanks to the latter ability, it is often used in the treatment of addictions.
- Hopanthenic acid, known for its psychostimulating effect, is included in many medications. Popular among people who are actively engaged in intellectual work. It is considered one of the best remedies for relieving chronic fatigue and activating memory and attention. Strengthens a person's intellectual abilities. The course is only 1 month, the result is felt after taking the first tablets.
- Complex of plant origin. Gently affects mental abilities, improves memory and attention, reduces irritability and stress. It is popular due to the low risk of side effects, which allows even drivers to take it.
An additional list of neurotrophic drugs that is suitable for you, taking into account the characteristics of your body, will be selected by your doctor after the examination.
The medicinal component, for better results, should be supplemented with training and physical therapy, TMS.