The central nervous system is a thin and fragile structure. For dysfunctional disorders, a slight jolt in the form of a weakened blood circulation, changes in trophism and inflammatory processes is sufficient.
All these phenomena are potentially dangerous, they involve neurological deficits from the first days.
Cognitive impairment is never accidental. Overwork, prolonged stress also has an abnormal effect, through a complete 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 action.
Pills to improve memory is the generic name for a series of drugs 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 brain 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 disease process).
- Maintain the central nervous system in a normal state by activating natural regenerative phenomena.
Each effect corresponds to one or more drug groups at the same time. Let's consider them in more detail.
Medicines and peculiarities of their action
Medicines of the types described below should not be taken without your doctor's approval. 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 are possible, including allergic reactions.
Cerebrovascular drugs
In a nutshell, cerebral circulation correctors. According to world statistics, trophic disorders in the central nervous system are one of the leading causes of death among the world population. Conditions such as stroke, encephalopathy are well known even to a person with no special medical knowledge.
All cerebral blood flow disorders unequivocally cause impaired memory, thinking, concentration and learning. Gradually, they only get worse.
Cerebrovascular drugs are a large 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 the blood vessels of the brain, violation of the penetration of calcium ions through the walls of the large arteries.
At the same time, the drug does not affect the pressure in the canal at all, so it can be prescribed to patients with pathologies of the cardiovascular system at any stage of the ailment.
The drug is quite old, but still actively used, because it provides a minimum of side effects, is well tolerated and has a wide range of pharmacological activity.
Vinpocetine
It has similar properties, but is considered more powerful. It is prescribed for ischemic processes in the brain. Including, as a means of rapid recovery after a stroke.
Warning: 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 trophism corrector of the central nervous system and at the same time a nootropic. Piracetam improves brain activity, concentration, increases the ability to memorize information.
It is prescribed for patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, secondary brain disorders, neuroendocrine deviations and other dangerous conditions. It is universal in its own way.
Well tolerated, awarded by the courses. It is not recommended to use it for too long, because the effect is greatly reduced.
Deproteinized calf blood product
This is a complex drug. It restores normal blood circulation in the brain, improves its functioning, corrects metabolic processes, promotes the regeneration of brain tissues and increases efficiency.
The product is prepared on the basis of components of calf's blood. Proteins as such have enormous allergenic potential, so 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 carefully monitor the state of health.
There are also herbal medicines, but they are not considered medicines. These are dietary supplements, so you shouldn't put any serious hope on them.
Each of the above groups is represented by many other trade names (manufacturers register various variants).
Which remedy to choose depends on the severity and characteristics of the clinical case. The solution to the problem remains at the discretion of the treating specialist.
Cerebrovascular have different tolerances, they have their own characteristics. The likelihood of side effects is determined individually; if suspicious symptoms appear, you should contact your specialist again.
Nootropics
A large group of drugs, partially covering other categories, which are presented and described here.
Medicines of this type affect your 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 energetically valuable compounds. Providing the structures of the brain, nerve tissues with useful substances, as a result, improve memory.
- Acceleration of glucose transport and utilization. Thanks to this, the cells of the brain receive more nutrition and absorb it better.
- Acceleration of the transmission of nerve impulses in brain structures.
Nootropics are memory pills, they improve concentration, speed and quality of thinking, they are represented by a series of subgroups:
Precursors of acetylcholine
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 at measured dosages. With excessive use or exceeding the concentration of the active ingredient, they provoke seizures, psychotic disorders and brain disorders.
Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Pyrrolidine derivatives
Piracetam, Aniracetam, Dupracetam and a dozen other variants. In terms of clinical efficacy, they are more or less 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 names described are complex remedies that affect different aspects of the pathology: disturbances of brain biochemistry, quality of cerebral blood flow and arrest of 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.
Has rather poor specific activity. Therefore, it is not suitable for the correction of complex pathological processes.
As an aid to basic technique or disease prevention - does a great job. Amino acids, like other organic compounds, can trigger allergies. Therefore, maximum discretion must be exercised upon receipt.
Peptides
Drugs to improve memory are prescribed as a measure of prevention or restoration of brain function after head trauma, stroke and inflammatory processes.
They have no hormonal activity, due to the high degree of purification they practically do not cause allergic reactions.
Often used as the basis of therapy for diseases of minor and moderate severity.
GABA analogues
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid, et al. they are inexpensive pills to increase brain activity. They imitate the action of a special organic substance that accelerates the transmission of nerve impulses in brain structures.
Drugs of this type also have other effects: antiplatelet drugs, psychostimulants, sedatives. It is true to a small extent.
These funds are suitable for long-term use.
Pyrodoxine derivatives
Powerful drugs, stimulants of tissue metabolism. They help improve memory and brain function, eliminate excessive nervous tension, correct the manifestations of addiction (cravings for alcohol, nicotine). But you can't take them for a long time.
Nootropics are not comic drugs. All the advice on brain "overclocking" so actively discussed on the net are dangerous delusions.
Funds can only be withdrawn on indication, with the direct authorization of the doctor. 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 psychosis, increased risk of schizophrenia, extrapyramidal disorders (convulsions, problems with motor activity).
Most of the described pills for memory and brain function improvement can only be taken by adults: the baby's nerve tissues, the biochemistry of the central nervous system have not yet stabilized, the risks of mental destruction are higheven with competent and correct hiring according to the scheme.
Antioxidants and 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 membrane integrity and cell death due to the inability to delimit from the external environment, normally carrying substances. As a result of the reaction, ions are formed, which are also capable of destroying other structures.
If we ignore biochemistry, oxidation leads to the death of entire tissues, to the gradual degradation of the body's systems. The brain also suffers, and therefore memory, attention, thought.
Interestingly, these phenomena are quite physiological, they play one of the key roles in the aging process.
The challenge is to stop negative changes. 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 body structures.
Minerals are the constituents of many organic molecules. Their systems don't know how to synthesize, substances come from outside with food. The key elements capable of fighting radicals are selenium, manganese and zinc.
- Flavanoids. Low molecular weight compounds. Due to their structural characteristics, they can bind to free radicals, attaching charged particles (ions) to themselves. By their nature, these are organic structures.
The most famous are tannin, quercetin (present 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.
Drugs 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 the aging of tissues, so they are suitable for elderly patients.
Medicines for disorders of lipid metabolism
Disturbances of increased nervous activity can be caused by atherosclerosis of the cerebral vessels.
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.
The trophism of brain structures suffers significantly. Stroke is likely in the later stages of the disorder.
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, clean blood vessels:
- Statins. They inhibit the production of fats. This type of drug should be used with caution. Especially the funds of the first generations. They cause many side effects.
- Fibrates are prescribed for some forms of hyperlipidemia or as part of therapy together with statins.
- Nicotinic acid. Appointed only according to indications. Because the drug is difficult to tolerate.
Correction of brain disorders is performed using these means in different combinations.
Medicines to lower blood pressure
Disturbances of increased nervous activity may be associated with an increase in blood pressure. The trophism of the brain tissue suffers. The result is problems with memory, attention.
These medicines are presented in different 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. Medicines that slow down the production of a special substance, angiotensin. Increases the tone of the arteries.
- Diuretics. Medicines that remove excess fluid.
- Means of central action. They regulate the work of blood vessels at the level of the brain itself.
All are applied strictly according to indications.
Warning: Wrong combinations "plant" the kidneys, the heart. This is the situation where the 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 brain structures, there are problems in the work of the brain: with memory, thinking.
Correcting 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 lifestyle and diet changes.
This is not an easy task. I need the help of a competent cardiologist. Neurologists are involved as needed.
Precautions
Medicines, even when used correctly, can carry risks. To minimize them, it is worth keeping in mind some nuances:
- Vitamins improve memory and attention, but only at dosages corresponding to physiological ones: here the principle "the more, the more effective" does not work, the development of hypervitaminosis, heart disorders, blood vessels, brain structures, connective tissues and endocrine systems.
- Nootropics in the wrong dosage lead to psychosis, the destruction of nerve fibers. They cannot be used without the consent and directions of the doctor.
- Products based on plants, organic components (proteins, amino acids, enzymes) often cause allergies. This is a consequence of their nature. Therefore, you need to take care of your health.
- Pills that improve brain function, including nootropics, cerebrovascular are contraindicated in CNS tumors, disorders such as relapsing multiple sclerosis. Because the pathological processes will accelerate and worsen.
No medication should be taken alone. The purpose of treatment is the final stage of correction, the tip of the iceberg. It is preceded by a complete diagnosis.
In all cases, it is necessary to contact your medical specialist.
Tests required for memory impairment
Neurologists are studying the characteristics of the disorder. If necessary, specialists in cardiology and endocrinology take part in the case.
To make a diagnosis, the following procedures are necessary:
- Interview with the patient.
- Collecting anamnesis.
- EEG. Studying the electrical activity of the central nervous system.
- Duplex scan of cerebral vessels.
- An ultrasound technique that provides information on the structure and functional activity of the arteries.
- X-ray of the skull.
- MRI on request.
- Blood pressure measurement: routine or daily.
- ECHO-KG, EKG. Research on the heart.
Memory drugs are designed to combat the root cause. There is no point in correcting higher nervous activity without eliminating the main culprit of the disorder.