What is the name of the new drug that improves cognition?

Question

I was listening to radio 4 this morning and they were talking about this new psychoactive drug that improves memory and mental skills generally. What was it called again?

Answer 1

Whatever its name is, don't take it. It is tempting to  think that there is something out there that can make us smarter, sexier, stronger, or whatever, but f___ing around with our fundamental brain mechanics is dangerous.

    Caffeine and nicotine already exist, to improve alertness and short - term memory. They also sharpen mechanical rote skills like typing. Herbal supplements like gotu-kola, siberian ginseng (eleutherococcus senticoccus) and guarana and rhodiola help our brains, but they are not NEW. B vitamins are the best thing for your nervous system, helping to keep it in good repair (esp B1 -thiamine-.)

    Any psychoactive substance, whether herbal, doctor - prescribed, or street drug, has SIDE EFFECTS which you might not want. Taking things could be setting yourself up for needing more drugs later, like antidepressants or tranquilizers.

   Don't fall for the modern trend. There are no pills that can make you a Brainiac. Only take medicine if you're SICK. But Oxygen is good for cognition. Exercise adequately to have good circulation, and eat a balanced healthy diet. Fish oils are a good brain supplement. Go as natural as you can.

Answer 2

What is Vinpocetine?

Wednesday December 26, 2007

Vinpocetine (pronounced vin-poe-ce-teen) is a synthetic compound derived from the lesser periwinkle plant. Although it's not very well known in North America, vinpocetine has been used in Europe since the 1960s to slow brain aging, improve memory and cognition and to treat tinnitus.

In fact, vinpocetine is a prescription drug in Europe and also in Japan, but in the United States and Canada, it's available in health food stores, some drug stores and online as a dietary supplement. Learn more about vinpocetine, including the benefits, studies, side effects and possible safety concerns. What You Need to Know About Vinpocetine

Answer 3

There is work being done now on Huperzine-A a derivative of a moss found in China.

Some 70 studies underway re use as a treatment for Alzheimers disease. Perhaps that is the one. It is not a prescription drug, and can be purchased on the internet. Does not seem to have any major side effects, but be aware it is under STUDY-- not yet proven.  I understand college students are buying a lot of it.