The human brain is an organ responsible for the functioning of the entire body. And also, one of its functions is to store our memories. Information is recorded in neural connections in the cortex and subcortical structures and is stored exactly as long as the cells live.
At certain moments in life, under the influence of illnesses or external circumstances, this cognitive function begins to weaken. So people wonder what to drink to improve memory in an adult. Today, pharmacies offer many medications to solve this problem, but they affect the brain in different ways. This means that they must be applied according to the cause of the problem.
We suggest considering which tablets help to improve memory and activate brain activity, and which ones are more suitable for nourishing and activating the brain's capabilities.
Causes of memory impairment
There are people who face the problem of the subsidence of mnestic functions already in childhood.
These children need consultation with a neurologist to find out the cause of the mnestic disorder.
Children are then prescribed medications to increase mental activity, mental clarity, memory, and brain development.
These medicines are not universal, but only help during the body's maturation period. As we age, other circumstances begin to influence our already formed brains. They cause memory problems throughout many years of adulthood.
The need to take special medications can be triggered by:
- exhaustion of the body due to chronic stress, fatigue, prolonged depression or other mental illnesses;
- circulatory disorders in brain tissue, provoked by nervous and somatic diseases, injuries;
- vitamin and nutrient deficiency, particularly affected by the lack of microelements in childhood;
- infections of the cortex and membranes of the brain, both viral and bacterial;
- psychiatric illnesses, their initial manifestations before the formation of psychosis;
- dependence on alcohol or drugs, which have a destructive effect on neurons;
- traumatic brain injury or head surgery;
- formation of tumors, benign or malignant, and other neoplasms (parasitic cysts);
- degenerative processes caused by aging or the development of pathological processes in neurons, for example, Alzheimer's disease.
How to restore brain function, what to take, which pills to take for memory and improving attention in adults should be decided by the doctor in each specific case.
The effectiveness of medicines depends not only on their quality, but also on the specific problem the patient faces. And how correctly the medicines are chosen.
Drugs that reduce memory
A separate phenomenon that negatively affects a person's health and brain function is medications. Often, to treat various diseases, medications are used that negatively affect the functioning of other organs.
In such cases, doctors, to compensate for the negative effects, additionally prescribe injections or pills to improve memory and brain function.
Medicines that pose a risk to brain activity:
- tablets for treating angina and hypertension;
- anticonvulsants;
- antihistamines of the first generations;
- medicines to treat insomnia, sedatives;
- certain categories of antibiotics.
It is precisely because of the possible side effects that doctors are strongly opposed to self-prescribing any medicine. Without knowing all the characteristics of the substance, the person runs the risk of not only not being cured, but also of harming themselves.
When prescribing something from the list above, the doctor will often also suggest nootropic medications to improve nutrition and brain function, concentration, memory and attention in adults, available without a prescription and with a well-known name.
Groups of required funds
Metabolic drugs in neuroscience are often called universal brain stimulators. However, they are not the only ones that contribute to improving memory and other cognitive functions.
The following can help the main organ deal with stress and improve the ability to think and remember:
- Nootropics that improve brain nutrition activate metabolic processes in neurons. Neurometabolic stimulants allow the brain to remember information better while protecting it from external negative influences.
- Psychostimulants-adaptogens. Used for overwork and regular stress. Gently improve brain function by increasing energy production. The base of the composition is usually natural.
- Energy metabolism correctors. Products based on natural ingredients. One of the characteristics is a gradual cumulative effect. They slowly but gently increase the effect, improve memory and other cognitive functions.
We remind you that homeopathy and dietary supplements are not remedies for improving cerebral circulation and memory and improving brain function due to the unreliable content of the active substance contained in them.
Supplements can be used at your discretion after consultation with your doctor. But replacing full treatment with these supplements is fraught with the development of more serious manifestations of diseases.
The principle of action of drugs for the brain
When choosing neurostimulants, the doctor selects the best nootropic medicine to improve brain function and restore memory, which will serve as an effective stimulant in a specific situation.
Due to the peculiarities of the composition, in each case the individual selection rule takes into account the characteristics of the patient. The cause of the disorder and the general health status are taken into account.
Improvement of human cognitive functions occurs due to the following pharmacological effects:
- Normalization of protein synthesis. Brain cells are made up of lipoproteins, compounds of fat and proteins. Protein metabolism disorders are a risk factor for mnestic and cognitive disorders.
- Activation of the synthesis and use (uptake) of glucose by neurons. This carbohydrate is the main fuel for the brain; cells absorb it directly, without insulin.
- Improve the metabolism of nucleic acids, contributing to the stabilization and development of neuronal activity. It also helps restore brain cells.
- Stimulation of the cholinergic system, thus reducing the risk of the appearance and progression of memory problems.
- Active influence on the monoaminergic system. The production of hormones, dopamine, necessary for the active thought process, is increased.
In some cases, oral medications are not prescribed, but injections for cerebral circulation and memory improvement. In fact, this is also an active substance, simply injected directly into the blood for faster results.
Injectable forms are used to quickly saturate the body with the necessary substance. In addition, not all useful medicines are available in tablets, since their components are destroyed in the digestive tract.
Indications
Nootropic drugs are prescribed if problems with the nutrition and metabolism of brain tissue are detected.
Typical reasons:
- depression, chronic stress;
- formed neuroses;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- consequences of neuroinfections, asthenic conditions;
- encephalopathy, dementia;
- depletion of cognitive functions due to intellectual overload;
- regular lack of oxygen in brain tissue, for example, in atherosclerosis;
- intoxication of the body, affecting the nervous system and brain.
When choosing which pills you can take to improve concentration, calm nerves and increase memory and mental performance, intelligence, adults, you need to focus not only on prices, but also on good reviews from experts specifying in what case specifically the medicine helped.
Contraindications
Nootropics should not be considered a completely safe and useful memory aid. These medicines have contraindications and side effects:
- allergic reactions to the active substance and auxiliary components;
- increased excitability of neurons and risk of seizure activity;
- high blood pressure, hypertension;
- sleep disorders – insomnia may worsen;
- nausea, digestive disorders;
- increased psycho-emotional and motor anxiety.
As you can see, medications can be harmful to hypertensive patients, people with an unstable psyche and insomnia. Therefore, due to the vast list of contraindications and side effects, the presence of which you may not even be aware of, you should not risk your health and choose the treatment yourself.
The doctor will tell you what cheap pills adults can take for brain function, mental clarity, restoration of memory and brain activity, improvement of attention and intellectual activity, giving the exact name and talking about the main active ingredients.
Over-the-counter nootropics
Some medicines to improve memory and attention, stimulate brain activity, improve the functioning of the brain and nervous system in adults are sold without a prescription; the names of individual medicines are given in our material.
Pills you can buy and use to improve memory and maintain intelligence during stressful periods in life:
- Piracetam, the first nootropic. Popular substance. It serves as a universal medicine used for more than 50 diseases. Both as a main component and as a supporting agent. One of the characteristics is that it increases the convulsive readiness of neurons.
- Ginkgo biloba improves cognitive function, strengthens blood vessel walls and improves oxygen supply to the brain. Created from an extract of the plant of the same name.
- Glycine, amino acid. A common remedy that supports and improves memory during periods of overload. Based on an amino acid used to build proteins for cells and protect neurons from overexcitation
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter derivative. Improves brain nutrition, blood circulation and oxygen saturation. It is used to prevent senile dementia or in case of vascular pathologies of the brain.
- Vinpocetine helps stabilize cerebral circulation. The point of influence is the normalization of brain nutrition, dilating blood vessels and improving glucose metabolism. Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of thrombophlebitis. Patients with arrhythmia are advised to take with caution.
It is worth remembering that nootropics are not a panacea that can be taken for the rest of your life. Like other medicines, they are prescribed in courses. Uncontrolled use can lead to the development of side effects.
Rating of the best medicines
Today in the pharmacy you can find dozens of medications to improve memory. But not all of them are time-tested and not all of them have proven their effectiveness.
TOP medicines to improve memory, nutrition and restoration of the nervous system and brain function, further improving cognitive functions:
- Medicine with piracetam. A universal nootropic medicine that has a positive effect on memory, attention and brain performance at any age. It is used in therapy for children, adults and the elderly. Accelerates the transmission of impulses in the brain, helps to better record information in memory.
- A derivative of succinic acid. Stimulates metabolic processes in the nervous system, improves psycho-emotional resistance, accelerates the removal of toxic substances from the body. Thanks to this last ability, it is often used in the treatment of addictions.
- Hopantenic acid, known for its psychostimulant effect, is included in many medicines. Popular among people who are actively engaged in intellectual work. It is considered one of the best remedies for relieving chronic fatigue and activating memory and attention. Strengthens a person's intellectual abilities. The course lasts only 1 month, the result is felt after taking the first tablets.
- Complex of plant origin. Gently affects mental abilities, improves memory and attention, reduces irritability and stress. It is popular due to the low risk of side effects, which allows even drivers to take it.
An additional list of neurotrophic drugs suitable for you, taking into account the characteristics of your body, will be selected by your doctor after examination.
The medicinal component, for best results, must be complemented with training and physiotherapy, TMS.