The central nervous system is a thin and fragile structure. For dysfunctional disorders, a slight shaking is sufficient in the form of a weakened blood circulation, changes in trophism and inflammatory processes.
All such events are potentially dangerous and cause neurological disorders from the first days.
Cognitive impairment is never accidental. Overwork, even 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 effects.
Memory-enhancing pills are the general name for a series of 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 metabolic rate and quality, biochemical processes in cerebral structures.
- Suspension of oxidative events, regeneration of brain cell integrity.
- Removal of cholesterol deposits, mechanical renewal of blood flow.
- Decrease or increase in blood pressure (depending on the nature of the pathological process).
- Keeping the central nervous system in a normal state, activating the natural regenerative phenomenon.
Each effect corresponds to one or several drug groups at the same time. Let's consider them in more detail.
Medicines and features of their action
The types of drugs described below should not be taken without your doctor's approval. Indeed, some are safe, for example the same vitamins. But with excessive matter it begins to destroy the body.
In addition, serious side effects are possible, including allergic reactions.
Cerebrovascular drugs
Simply put, cerebral circulation correctors. According to world statistics, trophism disorders in the central nervous system are one of the most important causes of death among the world population. Conditions such as stroke, encephalopathy are well known even to a person without specific medical knowledge.
All disorders of cerebral blood flow obviously cause memory, thinking, concentration and learning impairments. Gradually, they get worse.
Cerebrovascular drugs are a large group of drugs, you can count about a hundred items in the correctors category.
If you name the most popular and most common drugs:
Your sign
The basis of action - dilation of blood vessels in the brain, violation of the penetration of calcium ions through the walls of the great arteries.
At the same time, the drug does not affect the pressure in the duct 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 used actively because it provides minimal side effects, is well tolerated and has a wide pharmacological activity.
Vinpocetine
Has similar properties but is considered to be more powerful. It is prescribed for ischemic processes in the brain. Included as a means of rapid recovery after a stroke.
Attention: Unlike Cinnarizine, it slightly lowers blood pressure.
Portability is still good. It can be used as a medicine to prevent CNS pathologies.
Suitable for long-term use.
Piracetam
Obviously, not much of a cerebrovascular drug. This is a combined remedy that can be described as a corrector of central nervous system trophism and also a nootropic. Piracetam improves brain activity, concentration and increases the ability to memorize information.
It is prescribed for patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, secondary disorders of the brain, 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 will decrease sharply.
Deproteinized hemoderivative of calf blood
This is a complex drug. It restores normal blood circulation in the brain, improves its functioning, corrects metabolic processes, supports the regeneration of brain tissues and increases efficiency.
The product is prepared on the basis of calf blood components. Such proteins have an enormous allergenic potential, so there is a risk of an inadequate response from the immune response, the body's defense side.
It makes sense to gradually increase the dose and monitor health status closely.
There are also herbal medicines, but they are not considered medicines. These are dietary supplements, so you shouldn't place any serious hopes on them.
Each of the above groups are represented by several more trade names (manufacturers register various variations).
Which remedy is chosen depends on the severity and characteristics of the clinical case. The solution of the problem is at the discretion of the treating expert.
Cerebrovascular has different tolerances, it has its own characteristics. The probability of side effects is determined individually; If suspicious symptoms occur, you should consult your specialist again.
Nootropic
A large group of drugs that partially cover the other categories presented and described here.
These types of drugs affect health in several ways:
- Stabilization of cell membranes. Due to this, the strength of the cytoplasmic membrane increases and the tolerance of micro-level charges increases.
- Increase in the production of energy-valuable compounds. Providing the structures of the brain and nerve tissues with useful substances, as a result, improves memory.
- Accelerating glucose transport and use. In this way, brain cells take in more nutrients and absorb it better.
- Acceleration of the transmission of nerve impulses in cerebral structures.
Nootropics are memory pills, increase concentration, increase 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 metered dosages. With overuse or excessive concentration of the active substance, they cause convulsions, psychotic disorders and brain disorders.
Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Pyrrolidine derivatives
Piracetam, Aniracetam, Dupracetam and a dozen more variations. They are roughly the same in terms of clinical efficacy. Only the basic indicators differ: one drug is effective for prevention, the other as a measure of stroke relief, etc.
Many of the names described are complex treatments that affect various aspects of pathology: disorders in brain biochemistry, 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.
It has rather insufficient specific activity. Therefore, it is not suitable for correcting complex pathological processes.
Does an excellent job - basic technique or help prevent disease. Like other organic compounds, amino acids can trigger allergies. Therefore, you need to use maximum common sense when buying.
Peptides
Memory-enhancing drugs are prescribed as a measure to prevent or restore brain function after TBI, stroke and inflammatory processes.
They do not have hormonal activities, they practically do not cause allergic reactions due to their high degree of purification.
It is generally used as a basis for the treatment of mild to moderate illnesses.
GABA Analogs
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid and others are cheap pills to increase brain activity. They mimic the effect of a special organic substance that accelerates the transmission of nerve impulses in cerebral structures.
Such drugs 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 improve memory and brain function, relieve excessive nervous tension, improve signs of addiction (craving for alcohol, nicotine). But you can't take them for long.
Nootropics are not funny drugs. All recommendations regarding "overclocking" of the brain that are actively discussed on the Internet are dangerous delusions.
Money can only be received on indications with direct doctor's approval. If the funds are improperly drunk, overdose according to the wrong scheme, the biochemistry of the brain can be brought into a chaotic state.
Psychosis is fraught with an increased risk of schizophrenia, extrapyramidal disorders (convulsions, problems with motor activity).
Most of the described pills to improve memory and brain function can only be taken by adults: the nerve tissues of the child, the biochemistry of the central nervous system has not yet been established, according to the scheme competent, even with the correct intake, the risks of mental destruction are high.
Antioxidants and Vitamins
The oxidative processes of cells are the phenomenon of the transition of electrons from atoms of the shell of the cytological structure to a substance that aggressively affects tissues.
The result is a violation of the integrity of the membrane and cell death due to the impossibility of leaving the normally substance-bearing external environment. As a result of the reaction, ions are formed, which can destroy other structures as well.
If we ignore Biochemistry, oxidation leads to the death of all tissues, the gradual deterioration of body systems. The brain also suffers, and hence memory, attention, thinking.
Interestingly, these phenomena are highly physiological and play a key role in the aging process.
The challenge is to stop negative changes. Preparations of the antioxidant group can help in this regard.
They can be divided into 3 broad categories:
- Enzymes and minerals. First, it has the ability to speed up natural processes in the body. Including the binding of free radicals and their rapid removal from body structures.
Minerals are constituents of many organic molecules. Their systems do not know how to synthesize, substances come with food from the outside. Key ingredients that can fight radicals are selenium, manganese, and zinc.
- Flavanoids. Low molecular weight compounds. Due to their structural properties, they can bind charged particles (ions) to themselves by binding free radicals to them. These are organic structures by nature.
The most famous are tannin, quercetin (not only in tea), catechin (found in fine wines).
- Vitamins. A, E, B, C. In sufficient quantities, they reliably protect the body from dangerous threats.
Medicines aimed at improving the memory of the antioxidant group, help the main treatment, their task is to prevent pathological processes from the central nervous system, slow the aging of tissues, therefore they are suitable for elderly patients.
Medicines for lipid metabolism disorders
Higher nervous activity disorders can be caused by atherosclerosis of the brain vessels.
This phenomenon is associated with disorders of fat metabolism in the body, the accumulation of cholesterol in the walls of blood vessels. As a result, a mechanical barrier to the movement of blood is created.
Trophism of cerebral structures is significantly damaged. In the later stages of the disorder, a stroke is likely.
The pathological process can take years and gradually degrade memory and thinking quality. Special medications are sufficient in this case to restore the work of the central nervous system.
Clean blood vessels to restore lipid metabolism:
- Statins. Block oil production. Such drugs should be used with caution. Especially the funds of the first generations. They cause many side effects.
- Fibrates are prescribed for some types of hyperlipidemia or as part of therapy with statins.
- Nicotinic acid. It is appointed according to indications only. Because it is difficult to tolerate medication.
Correction of brain disorders is carried out in different combinations using these tools.
Medicines to lower blood pressure
Higher nervous activity disorders may be associated with an increase in blood pressure. Trophism of the brain tissue suffers. The result is memory problems, attention.
These drugs are available 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.
- Means Central Action. They regulate the work of blood vessels at the level of the brain itself.
All of them are strictly applied according to the indications.
Attention: Incorrect combinations "sew" the kidneys, heart. This is the case where treatment is more dangerous than the disease itself.
Tools to increase blood pressure
Low blood pressure values affect thinking and memory, and even worse. Since the cerebral structures have insufficient trophism, there are problems with the work of the brain: thinking with memory.
Low blood pressure is difficult to fix. Herbal preparations are prescribed (Eleutherococcus, Ginseng, Schisandra). Also tonic drugs. All drugs that increase blood pressure are described in this article.
The main role is assigned to the treatment of the primary pathology that is the cause of the disorder. Also changes in lifestyle and diet.
This is not an easy task. I need the help of a qualified cardiologist. Neurologists get involved as needed.
Precautions
Medicines can pose a risk even if used correctly. To minimize these, it is worth keeping in mind a few nuances:
- Vitamins improve memory and attention, but only in physiological dosages: here the "the more, the more effective" principle does not work, the development of hypervitaminosis, heart diseases, blood vessels, cerebral structures, connective tissues and endocrine systems.
- Incorrect dosage of nootropics causes psychosis, destruction of nerve fibers. They cannot be used without doctor approval and indications.
- Plant-based products, organic ingredients (proteins, amino acids, enzymes) often cause allergies. This is a result of their nature. Therefore, you need to take care of your health.
- Nootropics, pills that improve brain function, including cerebrovascular, central nervous system tumors, are contraindicated for disorders such as multiple sclerosis in the relapse phase. Because pathological processes will accelerate and worsen.
No medication should be taken alone. The goal of treatment is the last stage of breeding, the tip of the iceberg. It precedes a full diagnosis.
In all cases, you should consult your specialist.
Required reviews for memory impairment
Neurologists study the characteristics of the disorder. If necessary, cardiology and endocrinology specialists join the case.
You need the following procedures to diagnose:
- Talk to 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 request.
- Blood pressure measurement: routine or daily.
- ECHO-KG, ECG. Heart research.
Memory remedies are designed to fight the root cause. There is no point in correcting higher nervous activity without removing the main culprit of the disorder.