Brain stimulants drugs. Pills for memory and brain function for adults

Research shows that taking multivitamins periodically can improve memory and overall brain function.

There are many foods, supplements, and drugs marketed as "brain stimulants." They contain hundreds of individual nutrients - vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and phytonutrients.

There are thousands of combinations of ingredients. Research has shown that taking the right supplements can help positive influence on the health and functioning of the brain, although it is unlikely that one or another drug will magically neutralize the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle.

Besides, right choice is a difficult task. The choice of nutrients depends on the results you are looking for. Do you want to improve memory or increase concentration?

Is your biggest problem being lethargy or age-related mental decline? Are you suffering from stress, depression or anxiety?

Here is a list of brain stimulants that have been scientifically proven to be safe, effective and cover a wide range of needs.

1. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)

This is omega-3, the most important of the fatty acids; is one of the main building blocks of the cerebral cortex - the part of the brain responsible for memory, speech, creativity, emotions and attention. It is the most important nutrient for optimal brain function.

The lack of DHA in the body is associated with depression, irritability, serious mental disorders, as well as a significant decrease in brain volume.

Memory loss, depression, mood swings, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and attention deficit disorder - in all these diagnoses, the condition of patients has been found to improve with the addition of this acid to the diet.

Older adults with high DHA intake are significantly less likely to develop dementia (senile dementia) and Alzheimer's disease.

Scientists estimate that 70% of the world's population is deficient in omega-3s, so almost everyone can benefit from supplementing with DHA.

2. Curcumin

Curcumin is the most powerful and active ingredient in the Indian spice called turmeric.

It is responsible for the golden color of turmeric and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-cancer effects.

Curcumin protects our brain in a myriad of ways.

Its powerful antioxidant properties help reduce brain inflammation and break down plaque in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Curcumin increases levels of dopamine and serotonin, the “chemical ingredients of happiness.”

In fact, curcumin is just as effective for depression as the popular antidepressant Prozac.

Curcumin has been found to help with memory loss and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Curcumin is currently being studied as a cure for Parkinson's disease.

One of the disadvantages of curcumin is that it is very poorly absorbed - up to 85% of curcumin usually passes through the intestines unused!

However, the addition of piperine, a substance found in black pepper, increases the absorption of curcumin by 2000%.

3. Periwinkle small

Vinpocetine is a synthetic version of vincamine. In nature, this compound is found in periwinkle (small periwinkle).

In Europe and Japan, vinpocetine is only available by prescription, but in some countries the compound is present in many commonly available supplements.

Doctors in Europe believe that this remedy is more effective than ginkgo biloba, a drug that has a reputation as one of the the best supplements to keep the brain working.

Vinpocetine improves memory, reaction time, and general mental well-being. It quickly penetrates the brain, increases blood flow, reduces brain inflammation, protects against free radicals, and maintains a balance of neurotransmitters.

It protects the brain from degeneration, making it a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

It makes sense to choose vinpocetine if your main problem is memory loss or age-related mental decline.

4. Vasora

Vasora is a traditional Ayurvedic herbal tonic that has been used for thousands of years to improve memory, learning and concentration.

Bacopa is an excellent adaptogen, a plant that reduces Negative consequences stress.

It works in part by balancing the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, while lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

It also has a calming effect and is used to treat anxiety, help manage stress, and improve sleep.

Bacopa is an excellent choice if you have problems with memory, learning and concentration caused by stress.

5. Huperzine

Chinese moss is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy used to improve memory, increase blood flow to the brain, and reduce inflammation.

Scientists have discovered the main active ingredient in Chinese moss, it is hyperzine A.

This alkaloid works by blocking the brain enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Huperzine A is sold as food additive mainly to improve memory, concentration and learning ability of young and old.

It protects the brain from damage from free radicals and environmental toxins.

It works in the same way as the popular drug Aricept and is widely used to treat Alzheimer's in China.

6. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba medicines have stood the test of time, as in the traditional Chinese medicine as well as in Europe.

Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain, balances brain chemistry, and protects the brain from free radical damage.

Surprisingly, two large studies have concluded that ginkgo does not have any measurable benefits as a mental stimulant, does not improve memory or other brain functions in healthy people. But that doesn't make ginkgo useless. Ginkgo has been shown to be beneficial for treating stress, anxiety, and depression. It is a beneficial addition in the treatment of schizophrenia. Finally, for those living with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, ginkgo holds great promise for improving memory and quality of life.

7. Acetyl-L-carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an amino acid that acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects the brain from free radical damage.

This compound is beneficial in improving mental clarity, attention, mood, processing speed, and memory, and has strong anti-tumor effects on the aging brain.

ALCAR is a fast-acting antidepressant that usually provides some relief within a week.

It increases the insulin sensitivity of brain cells, helping them use blood glucose, the brain's main fuel source.

This compound helps prevent brain damage from excessive alcohol consumption.

8. Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a phospholipid integral to every cell membrane in the body, but is found in especially high concentrations in the brain.

FS acts as a "gatekeeper" of the brain. It regulates what nutrients enter the brain and what is excreted as waste.

This compound makes sense to take to improve memory, concentration and learning.

Large studies have shown that phosphatidylserine may be an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

It normalizes the level of the stress hormone cortisol, reducing the impact of stressful situations.

Phosphatidylserine protects against low energy levels, may improve mood, and may also help with depression, especially in the elderly.

FS protects the brain from the symptoms of aging and is a favorite among students to improve memory in the run-up to an exam.

9. Alpha GPC

L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, commonly referred to as alpha-GPC, is a synthetic version of choline.

Choline is the precursor of acetylcholine, this neurotransmitter is responsible for learning and memory.

Acetylcholine deficiency has been linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Alpha GPC is marketed as a memory enhancer worldwide and as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease in Europe.

Alpha GPC quickly and efficiently moves choline to the brain, where it is used to form healthy brain cell membranes, stimulate the growth of new brain cells, and increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. chemical brain associated with relaxation.

Alpha GPC is good choice to improve memory, thinking skills, to treat stroke, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

10. Citicoline

Citicoline is a natural compound found in every cell human body. Citicoline increases blood flow to the brain, helps build healthy cell membranes, increases brain plasticity, and can greatly improve memory, concentration, and attention.

Physicians throughout Europe have been prescribing citicoline for many years to treat serious neurological disorders such as age-related memory loss, stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Citicoline reduces the harmful effects of free radicals that cause damage and inflammation, the two main causes of brain aging.

It is believed that the lack of vitamins is a factor of the past, but it is not. Up to 40% of Americans are deficient in vitamin B12, 90% in vitamin D, and 75% in the mineral magnesium. The lack of one or another trace element can have a profound effect on the brain. The Harvard School of Public Health advises all adults to take a multivitamin, just in case, to make up for any possible nutritional gaps.

A person with a good memory has undeniable advantages. He can quickly assimilate educational material, in adulthood it is easy to perform official duties, and having reached retirement, lead an active life for many more years.

But not everyone can boast of excellent abilities to memorize information on the fly, so medicine has developed pills to improve brain activity and memory.

The information that enters the minds of people every day is of little use and only clogs the brain. The incessant information flow leads to the fact that the memory begins to fail, important and useful knowledge is forgotten.

• Limit the consumption of sweets, white bread and salty foods. They contain substances that retain fluid in the body, cause constipation and disrupt the blood supply to the brain.
• Sedentary lifestyle disrupts work internal organs, worsens blood circulation and delivery of nutrients to brain tissues. In a sitting position, it is necessary to monitor the tilt of the body, straighten your shoulders and tilt your head back a little, then the blood supply is restored.
• It is advisable to spend more time outdoors, because oxygen starvation impairs the functioning of brain cells.
• Stop taking uncontrollably medications, the appointment of which was not prescribed by a doctor.
• Eliminate the use of alcohol. Alcoholic drinks negatively affect the brain and memory of information.

To stimulate memory functions, it is necessary to give up bad habits, stabilize the diet and devote more time to physical activity. Smoking is also bad for brain function.

Brain enhancing drugs

Three groups of drugs have been developed to improve brain activity: nootropics, blood altering properties, and natural stimulants.

Nootropics are designed to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and stimulate brain cells. Medicines for the brain and memory of this type also help to cope with mental imbalance.

Natural stimulants are derived from the Ginkgo Biloba plant. Issued as medicinal drops. At the consultation stage, the specialist determines which group the prescribed drugs belong to. The most famous drugs in medicine are presented in the table:

Means such as Pantogam, Aminalon, Picamilon are not dispensed in pharmacies without prescriptions from the attending physician.

Choice of medicine

An adult constantly needs to maintain brain cells. With age, especially after 40 years, this need increases. Intellectual loads and physical labor impair memory and reduce concentration. To support the brain, drugs for brain activity and memory are prescribed - Nootropil, Glycine, Piracetam, Picamilon, Phenotropil.

Children and adolescents may lack the energy to develop and play. Sometimes a child is prescribed glycine as a supporting component. Tablets reduce fatigue, improve memory and help to cope with nervous and mental stress. No less effective are Intellan, Aminalon.

Students often experience stress and nervous tension during exams, memorizing a large amount of information. During this period, the most effective are Aminalon, Piracetam, Phenotropil. It is best to start taking medication 2 weeks before the session and other important events.

Older people need support for brain function the most. They require drugs that stimulate cerebral circulation. These include Tanakan, Nootropil, Glycine.

Non-drug methods

You can support the capabilities of the mind, not only by using pills to improve memory and brain function. It is best to reconsider your lifestyle and start some good habits.

The following rules must be followed:

• Your daily diet should include more carbohydrates and protein. The diet must include vitamins B, E, C, fish, meat, milk, cheese, nuts, cereals, lemons, currants. Dried fruits, dark chocolate, baked vegetables (carrots, potatoes), fresh salads with the addition of olive oil, sunflower seeds, walnut.
• Active movements - dancing and sports. In people who move a lot, blood flow to the brain is stimulated, they absorb information 20% better. It is also desirable to develop fine motor skills, to do needlework.
• Write texts in an unusual way, it is better to write by hand.
• Learning new things, regular training develops the potential of memory.
• Memorizing new places.

Exercises for the mind

The next step is to take time to exercise for the mind. Warm-up is necessary at any age, for every person. Several methods are known:

1. Pronunciation of words starting with a certain letter of the alphabet. Start with the first letter and go to the end. They try to do it quickly.
2. You should learn or repeat a few foreign words daily.
3. Listing numbers in reverse order. To begin with, you can take the interval from 50 to 0, and then increase the range.
4. Name cities that end with a certain letter.
5. Come up with several synonyms for one word.
6. It improves memory and mind by solving problems, guessing crossword puzzles, memorizing short poems or texts daily, it is necessary to carefully comprehend what is read.
7. Develop memory Mind games(chess, checkers).

Folk methods

Memory enhancement can be achieved folk remedies. The recipes are very simple, and the result is sometimes better than from tablets. Perform the following actions:

• For infusion, take a handful of clover inflorescences and pour 500 ml of vodka. The solution is infused for 14 days in a cool place. Consume 1 tbsp before bed. spoon. This amount is enough to clear consciousness and improve brain activity, tinnitus disappears.
• With the help of horseradish with lemon, you can not only improve memory, but also cleanse blood vessels, normalize blood circulation. For the medicine, lemon juice is prepared - 3 pcs., Add a jar of horseradish and 3 tbsp. spoons of honey Insist 3 weeks, then take a teaspoon 2 times a day.
• Chewing young pine buds helps improve memory and slow down the aging process. They do not need to be cooked, they are harvested in early spring and consumed before meals.

A good memory is developed under the influence of daily work on oneself. Even through effort, one should exercise, eat quality fresh food, take regular walks, and develop the powers of the mind.

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Most people are most often dissatisfied with their own knowledge and try to improve memory and brain function by any means. However, exercise alone is often not enough.

After all, there can be many reasons for excessive absent-mindedness and forgetfulness: this is excessive fatigue, malnutrition, lack of oxygen due to a sedentary lifestyle, bad habits etc.

Physical exercises

University teachers have long noticed that students leading healthy lifestyle life, successful and academically. magical power sport, which helps to achieve clarity of mind, there is a completely scientific explanation. According to recent data, for each heart contraction 20-25% of the blood goes to the brain. Together with it, not only nutrients, but also oxygen enter it.

Aerobic breathing exercises have a significant effect on the hippocampus (the part of the brain responsible for the transition of short-term memory to long-term memory). Moreover, according to researchers from Canada, it is possible to increase its size with the help of sports at any age, including in old age.

Regular exercise, which promotes the flow of oxygen, also allows you to increase the production of a special, specific only for the nervous system, a protein responsible for the development of brain cells and their survival.

Advice!The usual evening run before the exam will not only relieve nervous tension before a serious test, but also saturate the blood, and hence the brain cells, with oxygen.

Memory training

It is believed that most people remember only 5% of the information learned in a lifetime. Another 35% of them are able to remember part of it with the help of leading questions. However, any organ, including the brain, can and should be trained.

There are many ways to improve brain function and develop memory. It could be:

• regular reading;
• memorizing poems or songs;
• interesting hobby;
• solving crossword puzzles or puzzles;
• playing chess, etc.

You can help your brain concentrate better with the help of special exercises. And you can do them "on the go":

• while in transport or on the street, look at a person for a few seconds, then turn away and restore his appearance in memory (color of hair, eyes, clothes, etc.); you can consider and analyze not only people, but also any objects;
• when purchasing products, try to mentally calculate at least the approximate cost of purchases; compare and memorize prices in various stores, this will help not only train your brain, but also save money;
• stimulate it and any new activities - that is, even if in the morning you brush your teeth not with your right, but with your left hand, this will already be unusual for the brain, which means a new event that requires concentration.

Advice! Psychologists have developed a fairly large number of techniques that help improve memory and brain attention. However, a person very quickly remembers only information that is interesting to him. Therefore, choose from all the existing methods suitable for you. At the same time, regularly introduce some of your own innovations into the training complex.

Improve memory and brain function through meditation

Most people do not know how to fully concentrate and disconnect from extraneous thoughts or external stimuli. You can learn to concentrate your own attention with the help of simple exercises.

Researchers have found that people who practice meditation have increased gray matter density. Quantity neural connections they are also much higher. With the help of yoga, you can significantly synchronize the work of both hemispheres of the brain.

Moreover, to improve brain function, it is not necessary to perform any complex exercises. The simplest asanas and the initial stages of meditation will help his work. They will not only teach you to focus, but also improve brain circulation and strengthen the nervous system.

Advice! All exercises should be carried out in complete silence. The muscles of the body must be completely relaxed. At first, attention is concentrated on one's own body and its individual parts. Gradually, it switches to the surrounding sounds and smells. The presence of any extraneous thoughts during class is undesirable.

Healthy foods

What foods improve memory and brain function? They can be divided into two groups: fast and long-term effects. For example, chocolate, containing magnesium and glucose, can stimulate brain cells quite strongly. However, its duration is limited in time. With regular consumption of nuts, it is possible to significantly improve long-term memory.
Natural stimulants-vitamins that improve memory and brain function include:

• bioflavonoids (vitamins D, E and P);
• all B vitamins, including folic acid (the "genius" vitamin);
• vitamins C.

Advice! Taking vitamins is best combined with preparations containing omega-3 acids.

Most important for long-term brain function are most of the B vitamins found in liver, greens, eggs, and dairy products. The same eggs, dairy products, as well as beans and poultry meat also contain adrenaline and dopamine, which increase not only physical but also mental activity.

It should be included in the diet and tomatoes, soy, dates, figs, bananas and chocolate containing serotin - the hormone of joy. It is he who is responsible not only for our appetite, sexual desires, but also for memory and learning ability.

Advice! It has been noticed that the inhabitants of Italy, who consume enough vegetable (olive) oil, which contains omega acids, which reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol and normalizes blood pressure, maintain clarity of mind much longer.

Do not forget about this product, which is very useful for the brain. You can also make up for the lack of omega acids with the help of nuts, oily fish and pumpkin.

Maintain your weight

The balance of glucose - the main nutrient for brain cells - is significantly disturbed in overweight people. With an increased content of carbohydrates and animal fats, the content of a protein with a rather long name - the neurotropic factor of the brain - responsible for the health of neurons, also decreases.

So if you want to be successful, watch your weight. Eat more memory and brain-boosting foods such as whole grains, fish, nuts, leafy greens, fresh or steamed vegetables and fruits. Moreover, for the proper functioning of the brain, not only the composition, but also a balanced diet is important. The intake of important nutrients in the body should not occur occasionally, but systematically and regularly.

Advice!When overeating, a large amount of energy is spent on processing food. That is why a person becomes lethargic and drowsy after eating. To be in shape, before an important meeting or event, limit yourself to light food containing a minimum of calories.

The benefits of sleep

With a lack of sleep, the whole body suffers. But its absence is especially painful for the brain. After all, it is during sleep that the analysis and processing of the information received during the day takes place. Without proper sorting and processing, the brain will simply be unable to perceive something new.

With constant sleep deprivation, a person's performance decreases rapidly. If night wakefulness occurs regularly, it can even result in serious functional diseases, including mental and psychomotor disorders.

For sleep, choose a warm, darkened room. The habit of going to bed at the same time has a beneficial effect on rest - in this case, falling asleep occurs without difficulty. It should be preceded by a calm, relaxing environment. Taking a warm relaxing shower, reading a good book, etc., has a beneficial effect on falling asleep.

Advice! Sleep duration varies from person to person. Moreover, excess sleep is just as harmful as its lack. But if you feel overwhelmed even after 7-8 hours of full sleep, try to revise your routine and increase its duration by at least half an hour. Longer sleep is also required in case of strenuous physical or mental work.

Folk remedies

Help improve memory and brain function and folk remedies:

• blueberry juice;
• a mixture of freshly squeezed juices of beets and carrots;
• horseradish roots and leaves;
• red rowan bark;
• pine buds;
• mint;
• sage;
• clover;
• calamus roots;
• elecampane roots.

All these plants can strengthen the vessels of the brain and improve its blood supply.

Advice! Any herbal preparations and herbs that improve memory and brain function can be included in aromatherapy courses. Be sure to find time for walking in flowering gardens and parks: the aromas of roses, lily of the valley, linden, bird cherry can have a beneficial effect on neuron cells.

Child's memory

With regular and sufficient sleep, feasible physical activity, proper nutrition and the absence of stress and conflicts in the family and school, a healthy child should not have problems with memorization. After all, it is at an early age that neuroplasticity - the ability of the brain to adapt to our requirements - is better developed in children than in adults.

However, at primary school age, the ability to concentrate attention for a long time and logical thinking are still poorly developed, therefore, first of all, attention should be paid to their training. And this should be done in an unobtrusive game form. To support the child's desire to learn new things, it is imperative to show him how to use new knowledge in everyday life or play.

It is possible to improve memory and brain function in a child with the development of at least two of the three main channels - auditory, motor and visual. Easily learn new knowledge and children who can visualize what they hear, present it in "pictures". It is great if visual samples are used for teaching: toys or drawings.

Advice! Excessive brain tension is perceived by the body as violent, and it immediately turns on a defensive reaction in the form of drowsiness, headache, etc. Therefore, the number of activities with the child should be strictly proportionate to his age.

Medications that improve memory

Already after the age of 30, the rate of perception of new information begins to decrease, and by the age of 40–50, memorizing it quite often becomes a serious problem. In order to maintain mental clarity for as long as possible, experts advise not only to eat right, exercise and exercise the brain regularly, but also to take special formulations. Drugs that improve memory and brain function include:

• glycine: contributing to the acceleration of chemical reactions, reducing nervous tension;
• piracetam: improving cerebral circulation, concentration of attention;
• aminalon: enhancing energy processes in nerve cells, accelerating the transmission of impulses, stimulating the absorption of glucose;
• phenibut: improves sleep, reduces tension; facilitating the transmission of nerve impulses to the central nervous system;

• pantogam: stimulating metabolic processes in neurons; often prescribed to children with mental retardation;
• phenotropil: accelerating the breakdown of glucose; blood circulation; improving concentration;
• vitrum memory: improves the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain, increases cerebral circulation.

However, all of these drugs can cause side effects and fluctuations. blood pressure. Therefore, without first consulting a doctor, they should not be taken.

Advice!Smoking kills blood vessels that feed the brain. Moreover, in the fight against this poison, even the most powerful means that improve memory and brain function may be powerless. If you want your brain to work like clockwork, quit this addiction as soon as possible.