There are diametrically opposed views on drugs to improve memory. Some say that it is useful and helps to cope with increased intellectual stress, that it really and effectively helps.
Others say that this is just a myth, that there is no benefit in taking such drugs, that it can even be harmful and addictive to these drugs. Let's try to consider the two points of view in more detail and determine who is right.
Some memory
Memory is a mental function of higher nervous activity, with the help of which the accumulation, preservation and reproduction of previously received information occurs. Memory allows you to keep information about the outside world or the body's reactions to any impact for a long time, and it also allows you to use this information for the correct organization of activities in the future.
There are several different but related processes in memory.
- Memorization- entry of new data, sensations.
- Storage- the accumulation of data, sensations, includes their processing and assimilation. This process allows a person to learn, to develop his thought and his speech.
- Reproduction and recognition- actualization of elements, actions, feelings of the past. Reproduction is involuntary (things “float” in a person's mind without their will and effort) and arbitrary.
- Oblivion- loss of the ability to reproduce and recognize previously memorized items. It can be temporary or permanent. There is incomplete forgetting, when information is reproduced or recognized with error or in part.
Basic memory types
There are many types and subtypes in the memory classification. Let's talk about its main types.
- Sensory memory- preservation of information from the senses after stimulating them.
- Tactile memory- preservation of receiver information after touch.
- Motor memory- save movement information, many remember that there are movements that they perform automatically.
- Semantic memory- record information about facts, for example, learned stories, dates, a multiplication table.
- Short term memory- saves information for a short time. Has a small volume.
- Long-term memory- storage of information for an indefinite period of time, including life.
Laws of memory
Not many people know that there are a number of laws of memory. This is not an invention of the author, but real life models established and scientifically proven.
- 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 edge- information given at the beginning and at the end is better remembered.
- The Law of Understanding- if information has been deeply understood, it will be remembered better.
- The law of optimal line length- the amount of information stored should not exceed the amount of short-term memory.
- Installation law- a person who has given himself the facility he needs to remember this or that information, will remember it faster and better.
- Law of inhibition- when memorizing similar concepts, the old information "overlaps" the new.
- The Law of Context- memorizing things that can be associated with already familiar concepts goes faster.
- Law of Action- if what is memorized is used in practice, then memorization happens 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 disturbance of cerebral circulation, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor.
- Diseases of other organs and systems- diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system.
- External factors- poor ecology, sudden change in surrounding living conditions, stress, sleep disturbances.
- Age-related changes in the structure of the brain- a decrease in the number of interneuronal connections.
- Chronic intoxication- smoking, drug use, drug addiction, alcoholism, drug addiction (sedatives, tranquilizers).
Treatment of memory problems
Medicines are not prescribed immediately if memory improvement is needed. They first try to apply non-drug methods. These include:
- Quick walks in the fresh air. This increases the access of oxygen to the brain. This improves the efficiency of his work.
- Normalize sleepand wakefulness.
- Evening training- the habit of recalling all the events of the day in reverse order, i. e. first of all recalling what happenedin the evening, and in the end - the events of the morning, can become an unusual workout. It is better to do this before going to bed, lying in bed.
- Positive attitude, don't dwell on that- don't think you have a bad memory, no one canceled the effect of self-hypnosis. If at some point you don't remember something, don't worry, don't get angry, just get distracted, do something else, and then try to remember what you forgot again.
- Daily workouts- solve crosswords, puzzles, keywords.
- Education- learn poetry, foreign languages, do it regularly, gradually increase the amount of material you learn.
Drugs for memory loss
It is clear that learning poetry, a foreign language, solving puzzles is not easy, you have to "force", to walk and solve puzzles you have to allow extra time, which'a person who works hardly has any.
It's much easier to take a pill, calm down, and hope for the magical power of the drug - your memory will improve immediately and you won't have to do anything! A modern city dweller is so lazy and spoiled by the fruits of civilization that now few people are so determined and want to devote their time and energy to the formation of memory. So a person searches for an answer to his question - what are the pills for improving memory?
So consider two opposing opinions on this score:
Positive feedback
Supporters of the use of these funds claim that a number of drugs help to improve blood supply to brain cells, thereby improving their nutrition and providing more oxygen, which improves metabolic processes in neurons.
Nootropics and drugs that improve the rheological properties of blood contribute to this.
Herbal preparations have spread, which not only improve metabolic processes in neurons, but also enhance the effect of nootropic drugs.
But it should be remembered that any drug (absolutely everything) has its own contraindications and side effects, so it should only be prescribed by a doctor in each specific clinical case.
Negative opinion
According to a number of experts, there is also a downside to the coin. Several years ago, experts were baffled by the question: are these drugs effective or is it just a placebo effect?
As a result of numerous 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 showed that they had little effect, but not in severe cases.
Traditional methods and herbal preparations such as ginseng, vitamin E have virtually no research. The evidence base relates only to the use of herbal remedies in patients with dementia. But there are no data on the effectiveness of use in relatively healthy people.
In conclusion, I would like to say that when you think about the best medicines for improving memory, remember that they should be prescribed by a doctor. And the doctor should also assess the effectiveness in each case. Don't trust the advice of friends, neighbors or relatives.
If you think your memory has deteriorated, see a neurologist. This may not be the problem at all, attention may be disturbed, there may be other issues. It is also necessary to find the cause of this condition. And this can only be done by a qualified doctor.