How Smart Drugs Can Help With Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Dementia

Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other dementias are becoming more common as our society ages. While pharmaceutical treatments are available to treat but not cure the condition, is there a method to avoid these problems from impacting cognition or even treat an identified disorder? Let’s look at some of the studies behind nootropics and how it relates to cognitive decline.

Important takeaways:

• Nootropics, sometimes known as “smart pills” or “cognitive enhancers,” purport to improve brain function.
• While certain non-prescription nootropics appear to improve cognition, there is insufficient research available, therefore most outcomes are equivocal.
• When contemplating adding a nootropic to your pharmaceutical regimen, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare professional first.
• While nootropics may be used to improve cognition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best protection against age-related diseases.
• Optimizing your food, exercise, and social activities will give mental and body health and wellbeing.

What exactly are nootropics?

 

Nootropics (NT) are a class of prescription and non-prescription drugs and supplements that have been shown to improve brain function. Nootropic is derived from the Greek words for “thought” and “bend.”

Many people will look into the drugs and treatments that their healthcare practitioner (HCP) suggests. There may be allusions to alternative medicines known as nootropics during that research. But are they useful for preventing and treating cognitive and mental ability disorders?

Non-prescription preparations and supplements may have some favorable benefits, but they do not meet the same stringent standards for usage in the United States as prescription pharmaceuticals. Before thinking about or taking any NT preparation, consult with your healthcare physician to see whether it is the right decision for you.

Prescription nootropics: The majority of these supplements are stimulants used to treat other disorders including narcolepsy (sleep disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). They may also improve cognitive and mental capacities in certain situations in some cases.

Adderall

 

Adderall is a popular “stimulant” that is primarily used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. This medication comprises amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, and its effect stimulates the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. There are no guidelines for taking Adderall for conditions other than ADHD or narcolepsy.

While they can help people with ADHD focus better, there is no proof that Adderall enhances cognitive or mental ability in healthy adults. Regrettably, students have unlawfully utilized this substance to improve their academic performance. Adderall is a prohibited medication, so obtaining it without a prescription is unlawful. There are potential cardiac adverse effects, and the addiction risk is high.

Methylphenidate

 

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a stimulant that can help with narcolepsy and ADHD symptoms. The UK Dementia Research Institute believes that utilizing noradrenergic medicines such as Ritalin and other stimulants to treat general cognition and apathy, particularly in dementia, has some advantages.

Modafinil

 

Modafinil (Provigil) is a stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels and is used to treat narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. Moreover, Modafinil is a restricted drug that is used to treat ADHD off-label.

Memantine

 

Memantine (Namenda) is a drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in their later stages. Memantine benefits the brain by preventing excess glutamate from damaging brain cells by preventing the molecule from binding to NDMA receptors. Memantine can also benefit the brain by increasing blood flow and decreasing inflammation, but not as a preventative measure. Moreover, Memantine reduces responsive behaviors in persons with late stages of dementia without sedation.

Non-prescription nootropics: In addition to prescription nootropics, a wide range of over-the-counter nootropics are available.

Caffeine

 

You know how a cup of coffee in the morning helps you feel more awake? Caffeine is thus a nootropic. Caffeine is a stimulant that inhibits the adenosine transmitter, which is responsible for producing sleep. It also increases alertness and cognitive function by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

Caffeine overdose can be hazardous and lead to serious heart problems. As a result, the FDA recommends no more than 4-5 cups of coffee per day, or 400 mg of caffeine. Caffeine tablets should not be used since their greater caffeine levels can be dangerous.

L-theanine

 

L-theanine is a fatty acid that may be found in green and black teas as well as supplements. According to a University of Canberra research, teas containing L-theanine boosted people’s cognition. One of the reasons for this is that it enhances alpha waves in the brain, which have a calming impact on the individual. Another study discovered that L-theanine had a neuroprotective impact in the brains of elderly people.

Creatine

 

Creatine is an amino acid that is stored in 95% of the body’s skeletal muscles and 5% in the brain. It is used by sportsmen to increase their performance during high-intensity workouts and is found in many sports and energy beverages. Also, Creatine provides energy to tissues when there is a larger need.

According to one study published in Experimental Gerontology, oral creatine enhanced memory and cognitive skills. Nonetheless, the study concludes that more research is required. Creatine trials for Parkinson’s disease and depression are also continuing, but more study is needed.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids

 

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PFUA) found in fatty fish and fish oils are omega-3 fatty acids. They improve brain function by constructing membranes surrounding neurons. According to a 2017 research, a protective component discovered in PFUA protects and maintains the brain as it ages.

The same study found that PFUA can help prevent and cure depression and dementia. Yet, there is contradicting information that shows the need for more investigation. Although omega-3 fatty acids are relatively safe, you should still consult with your HCP before beginning any new medicine or supplement regimen.

Gingko biloba (Gingko biloba) (GB)

 

There is a lot of excitement about the use of GB, but is it effective for enhancing cognition and avoiding dementia? GB is derived from the ginkgo tree, which is native to China, Japan, and Korea, and its leaves are used as a herbal supplement due to its antioxidant effects. Several studies show that this supplement can help with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, but the findings are inconsistent, therefore further study is needed. According to the notion, GB improves cognition by improving blood flow and decreasing inflammation in the brain.

GB may also help persons with anxiety, sadness, and Parkinson’s disease, according to study, although findings have been inconsistent, necessitating additional research. Also, GB may interact with some drugs, so check your HCP before using this supplement.

Ginseng Panax

 

This Chinese nootropic gives an antioxidant complement from its root, which decreases inflammation and protects neurons. Panax ginseng may be effective in some situations of treating persons with brain illnesses such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease, although the research is still preliminary.

Rhodiola

 

Rhodiola is a herbal root that is commonly found in China and Europe and is also known as rose root or golden heart. Because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective characteristics, there is evidence that this traditional Chinese herbal medication offers therapeutic effects for age-related disorders. However, additional study is needed because the results are equivocal. You should check your healthcare provider before beginning this or other supplements, as drugs might have negative side effects.

Nootropics, which promise to improve cognition, are becoming increasingly popular. Preventing cognitive illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other dementias, on the other hand, is a matter of lifestyle. Diet, exercise, and keeping physically and socially engaged are still the best ways to avoid most illnesses. Before using any supplement, consult with your healthcare provider since certain supplements may interfere with specific drugs.