There are diametrically opposed views on drugs to improve memory. Some say it is useful and helps to deal with the increase in intellectual stress, which really helps and effectively.
Others say this is just a myth, that there is no benefit to taking such drugs, that it can even be harmful and addictive. Let's try to consider the two points of view in more detail and find out who is right.
A little about memory
Memory is a mental function of superior nervous activity, with the help of which the accumulation, preservation and reproduction of previously received information occurs. Memory allows you to store information about the external world or the body's reactions to any impact for a long time, and also allows you to use this information for the correct organization of activities in the future.
Memory includes several different, but related, processes.
- Memorization- entry of new data, sensations.
- Storage- the accumulation of data, sensations, includes their processing and assimilation. This process allows a person to learn, develop their thinking and speak.
- Reproduction and recognition- updating elements, actions, sensations from the past. Reproduction is involuntary (elements "float" in a person's mind without their will and effort) and arbitrary.
- Forgetting- loss of the ability to reproduce and recognize elements that were previously memorized. It can be temporary or permanent. There is incomplete forgetfulness, when the information is reproduced or recognized in error or in part.
Basic types of memory
There are many types and subtypes in the classification of memory. Let's talk about its main types.
- Sensory memory- preservation of information from the senses after stimulating them.
- Tactile memory- preservation of receiver information as a result of touch.
- Engine memory- saving information about the movement, many may remember that there are movements that they perform automatically.
- Semantic memory- save information about facts, for example, stories learned, dates, times tables.
- Short term memory- save information for a short period of time. It has a small volume.
- Long-term memory- store information indefinitely, including a lifetime.
Laws of Memory
Few people know that there are several laws of memory. This is not an invention of the author, but scientifically established and proven standards of real life.
- Law of repetition- information is remembered much better if it is repeated several times.
- Law of Interest- if a person is interested in information, they will remember it faster and better.
- Law of the Limit- the information provided at the beginning and at the end is best remembered.
- The Law of Understanding- if the information has been deeply understood, then it will be remembered better.
- The law of the ideal line length- the amount of information stored must not exceed the amount of short-term memory.
- Installation Law- a person who has given himself the installation he needs to remember this or that information, will remember it faster and better.
- Inhibition law- by memorizing similar concepts, old information "overlaps" new information.
- The Law of Context- by memorizing things that can be associated with familiar concepts, it is faster.
- The Law of Action- if what is memorized is used in practice, then memorization occurs more efficiently and quickly.
These laws can be used if you want to remember something faster and better, as well as to train your memory.
Reasons for memory loss
- Organic brain damage- acute stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor.
- Diseases of other organs and systems- diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system.
- External factors- bad ecology, a sudden change in the surrounding conditions of life, stress, sleep disorders.
- Age-related changes in brain structure- a decrease in the number of interneuronal connections.
- Chronic intoxication- smoking, drug use, substance abuse, alcoholism, drug abuse (sedatives, tranquilizers).
Treatment of memory disorders
If memory improvement is necessary, medications are not prescribed immediately. First, they try to apply non-drug methods. This includes:
- Quick walks in the open air. This increases the access of oxygen to the brain. This improves the efficiency of your work.
- Normalize sleepand wakefulness.
- Night training- the habit of remembering all the events of the day in reverse order, that is, first, remember what happened at night, and in the end - the morning events, can bemake training unusual. It is best to do this before going to bed, lying in bed.
- Positive attitude, don't dwell on it- don't think you have a bad memory, no one canceled the effect of self-hypnosis. If at some point you can't remember something, don't worry, don't be angry, but just get distracted, do something else and try to remember what you forgot again.
- Daily training- solve crosswords, puzzles, keywords.
- Education- learn poetry, foreign languages, do it regularly, gradually increase the amount of material you learn.
Memory loss medication
It is clear that learning poetry, a foreign language, solving puzzles is not easy, it is necessary to "make an effort", to stroll and solve puzzles you must reserve an additional time, that a personthat works practically does not have.
It is much easier to take a pill, calm down and wait for the magic power of the medicine - your memory will improve immediately and you won't have to do anything! The resident of the modern city is so lazy and spoiled by the fruits of civilization that now few people are so determined and want to spend their time and energy training their memory. So, a person is looking for an answer to their question - what pills are there to improve memory?
So, let's consider two opposing opinions on this subject:
Positive opinion
Supporters of the use of these funds say that several medications help to improve the blood supply to brain cells, thereby improving their nutrition and providing more oxygen, which improves the metabolic processes of neurons.
Nootropics and drugs that improve blood rheological properties help with this.
Herbal preparations have spread, which not only improve the metabolic processes in neurons on their own, but also enhance the effect of nootropic drugs.
But it must be remembered that any (absolutely any) medication has its own contraindications and side effects, so it should be prescribed only by a doctor in each specific clinical case.
Negative opinion
According to several experts, currency also has a disadvantage. Several years ago, experts were intrigued by the question - are these drugs effective or are they just a placebo effect?
As a result of several studies, the effectiveness of nootropics has not been proven. There is no evidence that they have a beneficial effect on memory. One of the small studies on the effectiveness of the drugs proved that they have little effect, but not in severe cases.
Traditional methods and herbal preparations, such as ginseng and vitamin E, have hardly been researched. The evidence base is only for the use of herbal remedies in patients with dementia. But there is no data on the effectiveness of use in relatively healthy people.
Finally, I would like to say that, when thinking about what are the best medicines to improve memory, do not forget that they should be prescribed by a doctor. And the doctor must also evaluate the effectiveness in each case. Do not rely on advice from friends, neighbors or relatives.
If you think your memory has deteriorated, see a neurologist. This may not be the problem, attention may be disturbed, there may be some other problems. It is also necessary to find out the cause of this condition. This can only be done by a qualified doctor.