The central nervous system is a thin and fragile structure. With dysfunction, a slight jolt in the form of weakened blood circulation, changes in trophism and inflammatory processes is enough.
All of these phenomena are potentially dangerous and lead to neurological deficits from the very first days.
Cognitive impairment is never accidental. Even overwork, prolonged stress has an abnormal effect through a full diagnosis (chronic fatigue syndrome).
To correct this situation, it is necessary to treat the primary pathological process and use a group of symptomatic drugs.
Pills to improve memory are a generic name for a number of drugs that qualitatively affect cerebral blood flow, metabolic processes, or otherwise the functional activity of the brain.
The effect can be very different. Here is a small list of the active principles:
- Normalization of the blood flow to the central nervous system.
- Restoration of the speed and quality of metabolism, biochemical processes in cerebral structures.
- Abolition of oxidative phenomena, restoration of the integrity of brain cells.
- Removal of cholesterol deposits, mechanical restoration of blood flow.
- lowering or increasing blood pressure (depending on the nature of the pathological process).
- Keep the central nervous system in a normal state and activate natural regenerative phenomena.
Each effect corresponds to one or more groups of drugs. Let's take a closer look at them.
Medicines and specifics of their effect
Medicines of the type described below should not be taken without your doctor's consent. In fact, 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, including allergic reactions, are possible.
Cerebrovascular Drugs
Simply put, cerebral circulatory correctors. According to world statistics, trophic disorders in the central nervous system are one of the main causes of death in the world population. Diseases such as stroke and encephalopathy are also known to a person without special medical knowledge.
All disorders of the cerebral blood flow clearly lead to disorders of memory, thinking, concentration and learning. Gradually they only get worse.
Cerebrovascular drugs are a large group of drugs. In the category of proofreaders, 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 large arteries.
At the same time, the drug does not affect the pressure in the duct at all, so it can be prescribed to patients with pathologies of the cardiovascular system at any stage of the disorder.
The drug is quite old, but it is still actively used because it has a minimum of side effects, is well tolerated and has a wide range of pharmacological activities.
Vinpocetine
Has similar properties but is considered more effective. It is prescribed for ischemic processes in the brain. Including as a means of speedy recovery after a stroke.
Warning: In contrast to cinnarizine, it lowers blood pressure a little.
The 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 a cerebrovascular drug. This is a combined remedy that can be called a corrector of the trophism of the central nervous system and at the same time a nootropic. Piracetam improves brain activity and concentration and increases the ability to remember information.
It is prescribed for patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, secondary diseases of the brain, neuroendocrine abnormalities and other dangerous conditions. It is universal in its kind.
Well tolerated, assigned according to courses. It is not recommended to use it for too long as the effect is greatly reduced.
Deproteinized hemoderivative for calf blood
This is a complex drug. It restores normal blood flow to the brain, improves its function, corrects metabolic processes, promotes regeneration of brain tissue and increases efficiency.
The product is made on the basis of calf blood components. Proteins as such have an enormous allergenic potential, so there is a risk of an immune response, an insufficient reaction of the body's own defenses.
It makes sense to gradually increase the dosage and closely monitor the state of health.
There are also herbal medicines, but they are not considered medicinal products. These are nutritional supplements, so do not place your high hopes on them.
Each of the groups mentioned above is represented by several other trade names (manufacturers register different variations).
Which remedy to choose depends on the severity and characteristics of the clinical case. The solution to the problem is at the discretion of the treating specialist.
Cerebrovascular ones have different tolerances, have their own properties. The likelihood of side effects is determined individually. If suspicious symptoms reappear, you need to contact your specialist.
Nootropics
A broad group of medicinal products, some of which covers other categories that are presented and described here.
Medicines of this type affect health in several ways:
- Stabilization of cell membranes. This increases the strength of the cytoplasmic membrane and the stress tolerance at the micro level.
- Increased production of energy-valuable compounds. By supplying the structures of the brain and nerve tissue with useful substances, memory is improved.
- Accelerated glucose transport and utilization. Thanks to this, the cells of the brain receive more food and take it in better.
- Acceleration of the transmission of nerve impulses in brain structures.
Nootropics are pills for memory that improve concentration, speed and quality of thinking. They are represented by a number of subgroups:
Acetylcholine precursor
meclofenoxate, deanol aceglumate. At the biochemical level, they stimulate the work of the brain and increase the intensity of the transmission of nerve impulses.
Well tolerated, but only in measured doses. If used excessively or if the concentration of active substances is exceeded, they cause cramps, psychotic disorders and disorders of the brain.
Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Pyrrolidine derivatives
Piracetam, Aniracetam, Dupracetam and a dozen other variations. In terms of clinical effectiveness, they are roughly identical. Only the most important 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 various aspects of pathology: disorders of brain biochemistry, quality of cerebral blood flow and stopping of oxidative processes in the central nervous system.
amino acids
The most popular option is glycine. The drug is universal and is prescribed for both adult patients and children.
Has a rather meager, specific activity. Therefore, it is not suitable for correcting complex pathological processes.
It does an excellent job as an aid to basic technology or to prevent diseases. Like other organic compounds, amino acids can cause allergies. You must therefore exercise maximum discretion when you receive it.
Peptides
Drugs to improve memory are prescribed as a measure of preventing or restoring brain function after TBI, strokes, and inflammatory processes.
They have no hormonal activity, as they cause practically no allergic reactions due to the high degree of purification.
Often used as the basis for the therapy of diseases of low and medium severity.
GABA analogues
Gamma-aminobutyric acid and others are inexpensive pills for increasing brain activity. They imitate the action of a special organic substance that accelerates the transmission of a nerve impulse in brain structures.
Medicines of this type also have other effects: antiplatelet drugs, psychostimulatory, calming. True to a very slight extent.
These funds are suitable for long-term use.
Pyrodoxine derivatives
Powerful drugs, stimulants for tissue metabolism. They help improve memory and brain function, eliminate excessive nervous tension and correct addiction manifestations (cravings for alcohol, nicotine). But you can't take it long.
Nootropics are not comic drugs. All recommendations for "overclocking" the brain, which are so actively discussed on the net, are dangerous delusions.
Funds can only be used for indications with direct medical approval. If the funds are drunk incorrectly in an excessive dosage according to the wrong scheme, the biochemistry of the brain can be put into a chaotic state.
It is full of psychosis, increased risk of schizophrenia, extrapyramidal disorders (convulsions, problems with physical activity).
Most of the pills described for the treatment of memory and to improve brain function can only be taken by adults: the child's nervous tissue, the biochemistry of the central nervous system have not yet settled, the risk of psychological destruction is high, even if it isis taken correctly 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 tissue.
The result is a violation of the integrity of the membrane and cell death due to the inability to isolate oneself from the external environment and normally transport substances. The reaction creates ions that can also destroy other structures.
If we ignore biochemistry, oxidation leads to the death of entire tissues and the gradual breakdown of the body systems. The brain also suffers and therefore memory, attention, thinking.
Interestingly, these phenomena are very physiological and play one of the key roles in the aging process.
The challenge is to stop adverse changes. The preparations of the antioxidant group can help with this.
They can be divided into three broad categories:
- enzymes and minerals. The former has the ability to accelerate natural processes in the body. Including the binding of free radicals and their rapid removal from the body structures.
Minerals are the components of many organic molecules. Their systems do not know how to synthesize; substances come from outside with food. Key elements that can fight radicals are selenium, manganese, and zinc.
- flavanoids. Low molecular weight compounds. Due to their structural properties, they can bind free radicals themselves and bind charged particles (ions) to themselves. These are naturally organic structures.
The best known are tannin, quercetin (not only contained in tea), catechin (contained in quality wines).
- vitamins. A, E, B, C. In sufficient quantities, they reliably protect the body from dangerous threats.
Medicines to improve memory of the group of antioxidants serve as an aid to the main treatment. Their task is to prevent pathological processes of the central nervous system, to slow down the aging of tissue, and therefore are suitable for elderly patients.
Medicines for lipid metabolism disorders
Disturbances of higher nerve activity can be caused by atherosclerosis of the vessels of the brain.
This phenomenon is associated with disorders of lipid metabolism in the body, the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. This creates a mechanical obstacle to the movement of blood.
The trophism of the brain structures suffers considerably. In the later stages of the disorder, a stroke is likely.
The pathological process can take years and gradually deteriorate the quality of memory and thinking. In this case, to restore the work of the central nervous system, special drugs will be enough.
To restore lipid metabolism, clean the blood vessels:
- statins. Inhibit fat production. These types of drugs must be used with caution. Especially the means of the early generations. They cause many side effects.
- Fibrates are prescribed for some forms of hyperlipidemia or as part of therapy with statins.
- nicotinic acid. Appointed according to information only. Because the drug is difficult to tolerate.
The correction of brain disorders is carried out with these means in various combinations.
Medicines to lower blood pressure
Disorders of higher nerve activity can be associated with an increase in blood pressure. The trophism of the brain tissue suffers. The result is problems with memory and attention.
These drugs are offered in several groups:
- Beta blockers. Metoprolol tartrate, bisoprolol fumarate, propranolol hydrochloride, and a dozen other variations.
- calcium antagonists. Relax the blood vessels, liquefy the pressure.
- ACE inhibitors. Drugs that slow down the production of a special substance called angiotensin. It increases the tone of the arteries.
- diuretics. Drugs that remove excess fluid.
- Central means of action. They regulate the work of blood vessels at the brain level.
All are applied strictly according to information.
Warning: Wrong combinations "plant" the kidneys, the heart. This is the situation where treatment is more dangerous than the disease itself.
Means to increase blood pressure
Low blood pressure readings affect thinking and memory and worse. Because with insufficient trophism of the brain structures there are problems with the work of the brain: with memory, with thinking.
Correcting low blood pressure is difficult. Herbal preparations are prescribed (Eleutherococcus, Ginseng, Schisandra). Also tonic. All drugs that increase blood pressure are described in this article.
The main role is played by the treatment of the primary pathology, the cause of the disorder. Also changes in lifestyle and diet.
This is not an easy task. I need the help of a competent cardiologist. Neurologists are involved if necessary.
Precautions
Medicines, even if used correctly, can involve risks. To minimize them, it is worth paying attention to a few nuances:
- Vitamins improve memory and alertness, but only in physiological doses: the principle "the more, the more effective" does not work here, the development of hypervitaminosis, disorders of the heart, blood vessels, brain structures, and connective tissueand the endocrine systems.
- Nootropics in the wrong dosage lead to psychosis and destruction of nerve fibers. They cannot be used without medical approval.
- Plant-based products, organic components (proteins, amino acids, enzymes) often trigger allergies. This is a consequence of their nature. That is why you need to take care of your health.
- Pills that improve brain function, including nootropics, cerebrovascular, are contraindicated for central nervous system tumors, diseases such as multiple sclerosis in the relapse phase. Because pathological processes accelerate and worsen.
No medication may be taken alone. The appointment of treatment is the final stage of correction, the tip of the iceberg. This is preceded by a full diagnosis.
In any case, you must contact your specialist.
Examinations required for memory disorders
Neurologists study the characteristics of the disorder. If necessary, cardiology and endocrinology specialists will take part in the case.
To make a diagnosis, you will need the following procedures:
- Interview the patient.
- Take anamnesis.
- EEG. Study of the electrical activity of the central nervous system.
- Duplex scanning of brain vessels.
- An ultrasound technique that provides information about the structure and functional activity of the arteries.
- skull x-ray.
- MRI on request.
- Blood pressure measurement: routinely or daily.
- ECHO-KG, EKG. Heart research.
Memory drugs are supposed to fight the root cause. There is no point in correcting higher nerve activity without eliminating the main culprit of the disorder.