Neuropharmacology for Older Adults
José León-Carrión, Margaret J. Giannini in Behavioral Neurology in the Elderly, 2001
The increasing level of life expectancy has facilitated the coming of nootropic drugs. These drugs increase the resistance of the central nervous system to damage associated with or related to the aging process. Studies have shown that these drugs improve learning and memory, increase cortical-subcortical control function, and improve the transfer of information in the telencephalon.12 Positive results with the use of these drugs include a better quality of life, fewer neurobehavioral problems, increased cognitive capacity, and a considerable improvement in activities of daily living of elderly patients. The mechanisms of action of these drugs seem to be an improvement of microcerebral circulation, greater neural cell protection, and the facilitation of regeneration of damaged brain tissue.35 From a chemical point of view, nootropic drugs are a very heterogeneous group and include several different kinds of agents.
Incorporating dietary supplements with sports-specific training and competition
Jay R Hoffman in Dietary Supplementation in Sport and Exercise, 2019
Although attention is predominantly placed on developing strategies to combat physiological fatigue and optimizing performance, mental fatigue and performance cannot be ignored. The nervous system coordinates all activity during exercise and will fatigue without sufficient recovery (126). This has been shown to inhibit sport-specific skills, as well as other measures of cognition, in various athletic populations (34, 126). Nootropics, a category of dietary supplements that aim to improve mental focus and cognitive performance (100), may be utilized to attenuate decreases in cognitive performance that might arise from exercise or other external stressors (e.g., sleep deprivation).
Nardostachys jatamansi (Spikenard) and Ocimum tenuiflorum (Holy Basil)
Azamal Husen in Herbs, Shrubs, and Trees of Potential Medicinal Benefits, 2022
Nootropic drugs, sometimes colloquially known as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, are claimed to improve cognitive functions such as memory, creativity, and motivation in healthy individuals (Frati et al., 2015). There is an apparent demand for drugs in the modern, fast-paced society that can improve productivity and ability in the tasks required for learning and creative thinking. Students are under tremendous pressure to succeed with more and more competition in the job market. They feel it is essential to achieve the top grades at all costs. This has created a demand for drugs that can improve cognitive abilities.
When an obscurity becomes trend: social-media descriptions of tianeptine use and associated atypical drug use
Published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 2021
Kirsten E. Smith, Jeffery M. Rogers, Justin C. Strickland, David H. Epstein
The three most frequently mentioned other drugs (kratom, phenibut, and racetams) were often mentioned together. There were 20 instances (9.5% of all polydrug mentions) of co-use of tianeptine, kratom, and phenibut; there were 15 instances (7.1%) of tianeptine and phenibut without kratom; there were 13 instances (6.2%) of tianeptine and kratom without phenibut. These substances were often mentioned in posts that also described tolerance or withdrawal symptoms – sometimes as sources of those unwanted effects, and sometimes as remedies for withdrawal from (or tolerance to) other drugs, including opioids, tianeptine, and various “nootropics.” Column 1 of Table S2 displays some direct quotes to illustrate the complexity of patterns of co-use, particularly among kratom, phenibut, and tianeptine (see Supplementary materials).
A Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial Demonstrating Safety & Efficacy of EnXtra® in Healthy Adults
Published in Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 2021
Shalini Srivastava, Mark Mennemeier, Jayesh Anand Chaudhary
“Nootropics” or “Brain boosters” are supplements that enhance cognitive performance of an individual. They work by increasing memory, creativity, motivation, and attention via multiple underlying brain processes and related psychological constructs (1). Most of these formulations contain natural or synthetic ingredients such as, Vinpocetin, L-theanine, L-tyrosine, taurine and vitamin B6/B12 (2) However, a standard ingredient in each of these products is caffeine. Although its use goes back centuries, the caffeine-supplement-landscape is changing drastically (3). Globally, the number of high energy supplements has increased substantially and caffeinated products with innovative claims have flooded the market. Nonetheless, lack of high quality data with regards to general product safety and efficacy has alarmed both, researchers and users alike.
Hallucinogen persisting perception disorder: A literature review and three case reports
Published in Journal of Addictive Diseases, 2018
Valentin Yurievich Skryabin, Maria Vinnikova, Anna Nenastieva, Vladislav Alekseyuk
Three months after the onset of perception disorder, the patient sought outpatient medical care. Certain medical examinations were carried out in order to clarify the diagnosis. Brain MRI revealed the signs of retrocerebellar arachnoid cyst and asymmetry of vertebral artery diameters. An ultrasound scan showed the echo signs of systemic blood supply deficit in the pool of carotid and vertebral arteries, as well as dysregulation of the brain artery tone. The blood flow in arteries was more than satisfactory. Ophthalmologist’s conclusion: Mild myopia, peripheral vitreochorioretinal dystrophy (PVCRD) and vitreous body destruction in the left eye. Primary diagnosis: “Vegetative dysfunction. Myopia. PVCRD and vitreous body destruction in the left eye.” Treatment regimen included vitamins and nootropics. After the 3 months treatment course, no significant changes in the patient’s condition were observed. Upon referral to an addiction psychiatrist, the patient had complaints about perception disorders, as well as a moderately depressed mood. Tofisopam 150 mg/day (7 days), Lamotrigine 200 mg/day and Sertraline 100 mg/day were prescribed. After a month of therapy, the mood has improved. Visual disturbances and senestopathies have somewhat lessened, but have not passed completely. The patient’s attitude to the existing disorders became calmer. The patient is still in the therapeutic program at the moment.
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