The central nervous system is a fine and fragile structure. For dysfunctional disorders, a slight shaking is sufficient in the form of weakened blood circulation, changes in trophism and inflammatory processes.
All these phenomena are potentially dangerous, leading to neurological deficits from the 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 for improving memory is the generalized name for a number 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 pathological process).
- Maintain the central nervous system in a normal state, activate natural phenomena of regeneration.
Each effect corresponds to one or more groups of medicines at the same time. Let's look at them in more detail.
Medicines and particularities 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, including allergic reactions, are possible.
Cerebrovascular drugs
Simply put, cerebral circulation correctors. According to world statistics, trophic disorders of the central nervous system are one of the leading causes of death among the world's population. Conditions such as stroke, encephalopathy are well known even to a person without special medical knowledge.
All disorders of cerebral blood circulation unambiguously cause impairments in 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 a hundred items.
If you name the most popular and common drugs:
Cinnarizine
Basis of action - expansion of 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 channel at all, therefore 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 gives a minimum of side effects, is well tolerated and has a wide range of pharmacological activity.
Vinpocetine
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 stroke.
Warning: Unlike cinnarizine, it lowers blood pressure somewhat.
Portability is still good. It can be used as a medicine for the prevention of CNS pathologies.
Suitable for long term use.
Piracetam
Strictly speaking, it's not quite a cerebrovascular drug. This is a combined remedy that can be described as a corrector of trophism of the central nervous system and at the same time a nootropic. Piracetam improves brain activity, concentration and increases the ability to memorize information.
It is prescribed for patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, secondary disorders of the brain, neuroendocrine deviations and other dangerous conditions. It is universal in its own way.
Well tolerated, awarded by the courts. It is not recommended to use it for too long, because the effect is greatly reduced.
hemodeproteinized calf blood
It is a complex drug. It restores normal blood circulation in the brain, improves its functioning, corrects metabolic processes, promotes regeneration of brain tissue and increases efficiency.
The product is prepared on the basis of calf blood components. Proteins as such have enormous allergenic potential, so there is a risk of an immune response, an inadequate reaction from the body's defenses.
It is a good idea to gradually increase the dosage and monitor the condition closely.
There are also herbal remedies, but they are not considered medicine. These are food supplements, so you shouldn't seriously expect them.
Each of the above groups is represented by several other trade names (manufacturers register various variations).
The 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, have their own characteristics. The probability of side effects is determined individually; if any suspicious symptoms appear, you should contact your specialist again.
Nootropics
A large group of drugs, which partly covers other categories, which are presented and described here.
Drugs of this type affect your health in several ways:
- Stabilization of cell membranes. As a result, the resistance of the cytoplasmic membrane increases, the tolerance of charges at the micro level.
- Increased production of energy-rich compounds. Supplying the structures of the brain and nervous tissues with useful substances, thereby improving memory.
- Acceleration of glucose transport and utilization. Thanks to this, the brain cells receive more nutrition and absorb it better.
- Acceleration of the transmission of nerve impulses in brain structures.
Nootropics are memory pills, improving concentration, speed and quality of thought, they are represented by a number of subgroups:
Acetylcholine precursors
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 substance, they cause convulsions, psychotic disorders and disorders of the brain.
Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Pyrrolidine derivatives
Piracetam, Aniracetam, Dupracetam and a dozen other variants. In terms of clinical efficacy, they are roughly the same. Only the key indications differ: one drug is effective for prevention, another as a cure after stroke, etc.
Many of the names described are complex remedies that affect several aspects of the pathology: disorders 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 wisteria. The drug is universal, it is prescribed for both adult patients and children.
Has a rather meager specific activity. Therefore, it is not suitable for the correction of complex pathological processes.
To help with basic technique or disease prevention - it does a great job. Amino acids, like other organic compounds, can trigger allergies. Therefore, when receiving, you should exercise maximum discretion.
Peptides
Medicines to improve memory are prescribed as a preventive measure or to restore brain function after TBI, 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 illnesses of minor and moderate severity.
GABA analogues
Gamma aminobutyric acid et al. are inexpensive pills to stimulate brain activity. They mimic 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 agents, psychostimulants, sedatives. This is true, to a very small extent.
These funds are suitable for long term use.
Pyrodoxine derivatives
Strong drugs, stimulants of tissue metabolism. They help improve memory and brain function, eliminate excessive nervous tension, correct addictive manifestations (craving for alcohol, nicotine). But you can't take them for a long time.
Nootropics are not funny drugs. All the recommendations on “overclocking” the brain, which are so actively discussed on the net, are dangerous delusions.
Funds may only be withdrawn on indications, with direct physician approval. If the funds are badly drunk, according to the wrong scheme, at an excessive dosage, the biochemistry of the brain can be put into a chaotic state.
She is fraught with psychosis, increased risk of schizophrenia, extrapyramidal disorders (convulsions, problems with physical activity).
Most of the pills described for memory and improving brain function can only be taken by adults: the nervous tissues of the child, the biochemistry of the central nervous system have not yet stabilized, theRisks of mental destruction are high even if taken correctly according to the scheme.
Antioxidants and vitamins
Oxidative processes in cells are the phenomenon of the transition of electrons from the atoms in the shell of the cytological structure to a substance that aggressively affects tissues.
The result is a violation of the integrity of the membrane and cell death due to the inability to isolate itself from the external environment, normally transporting 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 whole tissues, the gradual degradation of bodily systems. The brain suffers too, and so does memory, attention, thinking.
Interestingly, these phenomena are quite physiological, they play one of the key roles in the aging process.
The challenge is to stop the unfavorable changes. Preparations from the antioxidant group can help.
They can be divided into 3 main categories:
- Enzymes and minerals. The former have the ability to speed up the body's natural processes. Including, the binding of free radicals and their rapid elimination from body structures.
Minerals are the building blocks of many organic molecules. Their systems do not know how to synthesize, the substances come from outside with the food. The key elements capable of fighting radicals are selenium, manganese and zinc.
- Flavanoids. Low molecular weight compounds. Due to their structural features, they can bind to free radicals on their own, attaching charged particles (ions) to themselves. By their nature, they are organic structures.
The best known are tannin, quercetin (found in tea and more), catechin (found in quality wines).
- Vitamins. A, E, B, C. In sufficient quantity, they reliably cover the body from dangerous threats.
Drugs for improving memory of the group of antioxidants act as a main treatment aid, their task is to prevent pathological processes in the central nervous system, slow down the aging of tissues, therefore, they are suitable for elderly patients.
Drugs for lipid metabolism disorders
Disorders of higher nervous activity can be caused by atherosclerosis of the vessels of the brain.
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 the brain structures suffers considerably. In the later stages of the disorder, stroke is likely.
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, cleanse the blood vessels:
- Statins. Inhibit the production of fat. This type of medication 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 treatment with statins.
- Nicotinic acid. Appointed only as directed. Because the drug is difficult to tolerate.
Correction of brain disorders is carried out using these means in different combinations.
Medicines to lower blood pressure
Disorders of higher nervous activity may be associated with increased blood pressure. The trophic tissue of the brain suffers. The result is problems with memory, attention.
These medicines are presented in several groups:
- Beta blockers. Metoprolol tartrate, bisoprolol fumarate, propranolol hydrochloride and a dozen other variations.
- Antagonists of calcium. Relax the blood vessels, liquefy the pressure level.
- ACE inhibitors. Medicines that slow down the production of a special substance, angiotensin. It increases the tone of the arteries.
- Diuretics. Drugs that remove excess fluid.
- Means of central action. They regulate the work of blood vessels in the brain itself.
All are applied strictly as indicated.
Warning: Incorrect combinations "plant" the kidneys, the heart. This is the situation where the treatment is more dangerous than the disease itself.
Means to increase blood pressure
Low blood pressure affects thinking and memory, and worse. Because with insufficient trophism of the brain structures, there are problems in the work of the brain: with memory, thinking.
Correcting hypotension is difficult. Herbal preparations are prescribed (Eleutherococcus, Ginseng, Schisandra). Also tonic drugs. All drugs that increase blood pressure are described in this article.
The main role is attributed to the treatment of the primary pathology, at the origin of the disorder. Changes in lifestyle and diet as well.
It 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 pose risks. To minimize them, it is worth keeping in mind a few nuances:
- Vitamins improve memory and attention, but only at dosages corresponding to physiological: the principle "more, more efficient" does not work here, the development of hypervitaminosis, heart disorders, of blood vessels, brain structures, connective tissues and endocrine systems.
- Nootropics in the wrong dosage lead to psychosis, destruction of nerve fibers. They cannot be used without the approval and direction of a physician.
- Products made from 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 tumors of the central nervous system, disorders of the type of multiple sclerosis in the relapsing phase. Because the pathological processes will accelerate and worsen.
No medicine should be taken alone. The treatment appointment is the last stage of the correction, the tip of the iceberg. It is preceded by a full diagnosis.
In all cases, you should contact your specialist doctor.
Required exams for memory impairment
Neurologists are studying the characteristics of the disorder. If necessary, specialists in cardiology and endocrinology participate in the case.
To make a diagnosis, you need the following procedures:
- Interview the patient.
- Collect anamnesis.
- EEG. To study the electrical activity of the central nervous system.
- Double-sided scan of brain vessels.
- An ultrasound technique that provides information about the structure and functional activity of arteries.
- X-ray of the skull.
- MRI on request.
- Blood pressure measurement: routine or daily.
- ECHO-KG, ECG. Cardiac research.
Memory medications are designed to fight the root cause. There is no sense in correcting higher nervous activity without eliminating the main culprit of the disorder.