The central nervous system is a thin and fragile structure. For dysfunctional disorders, a slight jolt is sufficient in the form of a weakened blood circulation, changes in trophism, and inflammatory processes.
All such phenomena are potentially dangerous, entail neurological deficits from the very first days.
Cognitive impairment is never accidental. Even overworking, 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 symptomatic drugs.
Pills to improve memory is the generalized name for a number of medications 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 principles of action:
- Normalization of blood circulation in the central nervous system.
- Restoration of the speed and quality of metabolism, biochemical processes in cerebral structures.
- Suspension of oxidative phenomena, restoration of the integrity of brain cells.
- Removal of cholesterol deposits, mechanical restoration of blood flow.
- Decrease or increase in blood pressure (depending on the nature of the pathological process).
- Maintaining the central nervous system in a normal state, activating natural regenerative phenomena.
Each effect corresponds to one or several drug groups at once. Let's consider them in more detail.
Medicines and peculiarities of their action
Medicines of the types described below should not be taken without the approval of your doctor. Indeed, 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
Simply put, cerebral circulation correctors. According to world statistics, disorders of trophism in the central nervous system are one of the key causes of death among the world's population. Conditions such as strokes, encephalopathy are well known even to a person without special medical knowledge.
All disorders of cerebral blood flow unambiguously provoke disorders of memory, thinking, concentration, and learning. Gradually, they only get worse.
Cerebrovascular drugs are a wide group of drugs, in the category of correctors you can count about a hundred items.
If you name the most popular and common drugs:
Cinnarizine
Basis of action - expansion of 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 channel 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 gives 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 for quick recovery after a stroke.
Attention: Unlike Cinnarizine, it somewhat lowers blood pressure.
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 of the central nervous system trophism and at the same time a nootropic. Piracetam improves brain activity, concentration, increases the ability to memorize information.
Prescribed to patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, secondary disorders of the brain, neuroendocrine abnormalities and other dangerous conditions. Versatile in its way.
Well tolerated, assigned by courses. It is not recommended to use it for too long, because the effect is sharply reduced.
Deproteinized hemoderivative of calf blood
This is a complex drug. It restores normal blood circulation in the brain, improves its functioning, corrects metabolic processes, promotes the regeneration of cerebral tissues and increases efficiency.
The product is prepared on the basis of calf blood components. Proteins as such have an enormous allergenic potential, therefore there are risks of an immune response, an inadequate reaction on the part of the body's defenses.
It makes sense to gradually increase the dosage and closely monitor the state of health.
There are also herbal medicines, but they are not considered medicines. These are dietary supplements, so you should not pin serious hopes on them.
Each of the above groups is represented by several more trade names (manufacturers register various variations).
Which remedy to choose depends on the severity and characteristics of the clinical case. The solution to the issue remains at the discretion of the treating specialist.
Cerebrovascular have different tolerances, have their own characteristics. The likelihood of side effects is individually determined; if suspicious symptoms appear, again, you need to contact your specialist.
Nootropics
A wide group of drugs, which partially covers other categories, which are presented and described here.
Medicines of this kind affect health in several ways:
- Stabilization of cell membranes. Due to this, the strength of the cytoplasmic membrane increases, the tolerance of loads at the micro level.
- Increased production of energy-valuable compounds. Providing the structures of the brain, nerve tissues with useful substances, as a result, improving memory.
- Acceleration of glucose transport and utilization. Thanks to this, the cells of the brain receive more nutrition and better absorb it.
- Acceleration of the transmission of nerve impulses in cerebral structures.
Nootropics are pills for memory, improving concentration, speed and quality of thinking, they are represented by a number of 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 dosages. With excessive use or exceeding the concentration of the active substance, they provoke convulsions, 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 described names are complex remedies that affect several aspects of pathology: disturbances in brain biochemistry, quality of cerebral blood flow, and 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 rather poor, 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 receiving, you need to exercise maximum discretion.
Peptides
Drugs to improve memory are prescribed as a measure of prevention or restoration of brain function after TBI, strokes, and inflammatory processes.
They have no hormonal activity, due to the high degree of purification they practically do not provoke allergic reactions.
Often used as the basis of therapy for diseases of minor and moderate severity.
GABA Analogs
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, et al. are inexpensive pills to boost brain activity. They imitate the action of a special organic substance that accelerates the transmission of nerve impulses in cerebral structures.
Drugs of this type also have other effects: antiplatelet, psychostimulating, sedative. True, to a very small extent.
These funds are suitable for long term use.
Pyrodoxin derivatives
Powerful drugs, tissue metabolism stimulants. They help to improve memory and brain function, eliminates excessive nervous tension, corrects addictive manifestations (craving for alcohol, nicotine). But you cannot take them for a long time.
Nootropics are not comic drugs. All recommendations about "overclocking" the brain, which are so actively discussed on the net, are dangerous delusions.
Funds can only be taken on indications, when there is a direct doctor's approval. If the funds are drunk incorrectly, according to the wrong scheme, in an excessive dosage, the biochemistry of the brain can be put into a chaotic state.
It is fraught with psychoses, increased risk of schizophrenia, extrapyramidal disorders (convulsions, problems with motor activity).
Most of the described pills for memory and improving brain function can only be taken by adults: the child's nerve tissues, the biochemistry of the central nervous system have not yet settled down, the risks of mental destruction are high even if taken correctly according to the scheme.
Antioxidants & Vitamins
The oxidative processes of cells are the phenomenon of the transfer 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 the integrity of the membrane and cell death due to the inability to delimitate from the external environment, normally transport substances. As a result of the reaction, ions are formed, which are also capable of destruction of other structures.
If we ignore biochemistry, oxidation leads to the death of whole 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 of 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 natural processes in the body. Including, the binding of free radicals and their rapid removal from the structures of the body.
Minerals are the constituents of many organic molecules. Their systems do not know how to synthesize, substances come from outside with food. The key elements that are able to fight radicals are selenium, manganese and zinc.
- Flavanoids. Low molecular weight compounds. Due to their structural features, they can bind free radicals themselves, attaching 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 from dangerous threats.
Medicines for improving memory of 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 tissue aging, therefore they are suitable for elderly patients.
Medicines 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 to the movement of blood is created.
Trophism of cerebral structures suffers significantly. In the later stages of the disorder, stroke is likely.
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. Inhibit fat production. This type of medication must be used with caution. Especially the funds of the early generations. They cause many side effects.
- Fibrates are prescribed for some forms of hyperlipidemia or as part of therapy along with statins.
- Nicotinic acid. Appointed only according to indications. Because the drug is difficult to tolerate.
Correction of brain disorders is carried out using these means in different combinations.
Drugs to lower blood pressure
Disorders of higher nervous activity may be associated with an increase in blood pressure. The trophic tissue of the brain suffers. The result is problems with memory, attention.
These medicines are presented in several groups:
- Beta blockers. Metoprolol tartrate, Bisoprolol fumarate, Propranolol hydrochloride and a dozen more variations.
- Calcium antagonists. Relax the blood vessels, liquefy the pressure level.
- ACE Inhibitors. Drugs that slow down the production of a special substance, angiotensin. It increases the tone of the arteries.
- Diuretics. Medicines that remove excess fluid.
- Central Action Means. They regulate the work of blood vessels at the level of the brain itself.
All are applied strictly according to indications.
Attention: Incorrect combinations "plant" the kidneys, heart. This is the situation when treatment is more dangerous than the disease itself.
Means for increasing blood pressure
Low blood pressure values affect 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.
Correction of low blood pressure is difficult. Herbal preparations are prescribed (Eleutherococcus, Ginseng, Schisandra). Also tonic medicines. All drugs 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 correctly, can pose risks. To minimize them, it is worth keeping in mind a few nuances:
- Vitamins improve memory and attention, but only in dosages corresponding to physiological: the principle "the more, the more effective" does not work here, the development of hypervitaminosis, disorders of the heart, blood vessels, cerebral structures, connective tissues and endocrinesystems.
- Nootropics in the wrong dosage lead to psychosis, destruction of nerve fibers. They cannot be used without a doctor's sanction and indications.
- Products based on plants, organic components (proteins, amino acids, enzymes) often provoke allergies. This is a consequence of their nature. Therefore, you need to look after your health.
- Pills that improve brain function, including nootropics, cerebrovascular are contraindicated for tumors of the central nervous system, disorders like multiple sclerosis in the relapse phase. Because pathological processes will accelerate and worsen.
No drug should be taken on its own. The appointment of treatment is the final stage of correction, the tip of the iceberg. It is preceded by a full diagnosis.
In all cases, you need to contact your specialist doctor.
Examinations required for memory impairment
Neurologists are studying the features of the disorder. If required, specialists in cardiology and endocrinology take part in the case.
To make a diagnosis, you need the following procedures:
- Interview the patient.
- Taking anamnesis.
- EEG. To investigate the electrical activity of the central nervous system.
- Duplex scanning of cerebral vessels.
- An ultrasound technique that provides information about the structure and functional activity of the arteries.
- Skull X-ray.
- MRI on demand.
- Pressure measurement: routine or daily.
- ECHO-KG, EKG. Heart research.
Memory medications are designed to fight the root cause. There is no sense in correcting higher nervous activity without eliminating the main culprit of the disorder.