What drugs improve memory and brain function: their principle of action

• What are the reasons for memory deterioration in old age?
• What are some brain medications for the elderly?
• What vitamins to take to improve memory for the elderly
• How Brain Medicines for the Elderly Help Improve Memory

Older people often exhibit age-related changes caused by malnutrition of brain cells, vascular atherosclerosis and the negative impact of hypoxia on brain function. Old people often complain about poor memory: they do not remember both recent events and a number of episodes from the past. Upon reaching the age of 50, in order to prevent such problems, it is recommended to take certain medications for the brain for the elderly and take courses of vitamins.

Memory problems and prerequisites for their development

The aging process is invariably associated with memory decline. This is understandable: gradually, naturally, nerve brain cells die. Such changes begin to manifest themselves at the age of 50+, reaching a peak at 70–75 years. First of all, short-term memory suffers: an elderly person does not remember where he put his money or keys, has difficulty navigating dates or events, and may forget about visiting a doctor or taking pills. In this condition, help is required, it is necessary to take medications to improve brain function and restore normal life.

A clear memory significantly makes the life of older people easier, helps them feel more confident, independent, and not depend on the constant supervision and care of loved ones.

Pensioners' memory can deteriorate for various reasons:

• The condition of the hippocampus (the area of ​​the brain responsible for memories) worsens.
• The level of proteins and hormones in the body, which protect brain cells and stimulate the formation of neural connections, decreases.
• Blood flow to the brain decreases, which does not have the best effect on a person’s memory and other cognitive skills.

A timely visit to a doctor by an elderly person will help to understand what exactly the existing problems are related to: ordinary forgetfulness or an incipient disease.

Recommended articles on this topic:

• Boarding home for the elderly: features and rules of choice
• Low blood pressure in older people: causes, symptoms and treatment
• Health of the elderly: old age is not a problem

Today in pharmacies you can find a huge number of tablets to improve memory, but you can take them only as prescribed by your doctor. It should also be noted that the opinions of doctors and scientists regarding the effectiveness of these drugs for the brain of older people vary. As a result of numerous experiments, only certain effective properties of the drugs are confirmed (and even those are not fully). In addition, a number of medications in large doses can lead to unpleasant side effects.

Supplement #9: Bacopa

The drug is made from the Bacopa monnieri plant, known for its beneficial properties. For many thousands of years, it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to maintain the tone of the nervous system and improve cognitive abilities. Scientific research has confirmed the medicinal effectiveness of the plant.

Useful properties of the drug bacopa:

1. strengthens capillaries;
2. has an antitumor effect;
3. promotes recovery processes;
4. relieves spasms;
5. stimulates oxygen delivery to the brain;
6. supports and strengthens the nervous system;
7. improves memory;
8. increases concentration;
9. promotes the development of thinking;
10. prevents the development of Alzheimer's disease;
11. reduces the effects of stress;
12. reduces inflammatory processes in nerve tissues;
13. prevents the aging of brain cells.

Large doses of bacopa can increase the pain threshold, but this may increase blood pressure.

Restrictions on taking the drug include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children under 18 years of age. To obtain a positive result, dietary supplements must be taken continuously and in long courses.

Nature's Answer, Bacopa, 500 mg, 90 Vegetarian Capsules

See price on iHerb

Quality dietary supplements, including Bacopa, are manufactured under the Nature's Answer brand. This subsidiary of Bio-Botanica began operating separately in 1972. Nature's Answer products are developed based on the latest scientific advances and modern technologies. Medicinal herbs, fruits, seeds, and healing minerals are used as raw materials.

Nature's Answer Bacopa comes in vegetarian capsule form, packaged in a dark jar with a white screw cap. The recommended dosage regimen is one capsule twice a day (breakfast and lunch) during meals.

Taking vitamins in old age

In the body of older people, there is often a lack of vitamins involved in metabolic processes. Therefore, when memory problems are detected, doctors recommend taking vitamin complexes with herbal supplements (for example, ginseng), since they have a nootropic effect. It is especially important for older people to drink vitamins A and B and ascorbic acid. But old people often simply forget to drink the medicine due to memory problems. Therefore, it is better to choose a complex that combines daily doses of all the necessary vitamins and supplements that improve the nutrition of brain cells and their functioning.

What brain medications can a doctor prescribe for older people? Pensioners are often prescribed medications containing glycine, an amino acid involved in the metabolic processes of various organs of the body. Indications for the use of medicine for cerebral vessels for elderly people are memory impairment, detection of atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels and amnesia.

Thanks to the tablets, metabolic processes are normalized, as a result, performance and brain activity increase, sleep is normalized, and anxiety states disappear. The advantage of such drugs is a small number of side effects. This is due to the fact that glycine is a natural substance for the body. It is extremely rare that an elderly person may develop an allergy to the drug or an individual intolerance to it. In some cases, we are talking only about mild drowsiness at first.

We recommend

“How to care for a bedridden elderly person” Read more

Supplement No. 7: L-carnitine

This is an amino acid that takes part in metabolic processes. Produced in the body in the presence of iron and vitamins C and group B.

L-Carnitine is prescribed in the following cases:

• increasing endurance in sports;
• increased muscle mass growth;
• activation of mental activity;
• stopping the aging of brain cells;
• improved attention;
• strengthening memory;
• with a lack of height and weight in childhood.

You can take L-Carnitine as a preventive measure to avoid age-related changes in the brain, for example, memory impairment, absent-mindedness, and decreased coordination of movements. It is useful to include in your diet for vegetarians who do not receive this valuable substance from food.

Restrictions on the use of L-Carnitine include pregnancy, breastfeeding and personal intolerance to the ingredients of the product.

Recommended regimens will vary depending on the reason for using L-Carnitine. The appointment should be a course course and repeated if necessary. You should consult your doctor about the use of L-Carnitine and discuss the dosage regimen.

Exceeding the dosage can cause an allergic reaction, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation. All symptoms disappear when you stop taking the dietary supplement or reduce the dosage. The manufacturer recommends taking one capsule three times a day, unless your doctor prescribes a different dosage regimen.

MRM, Acetyl L-Carnitine, 500 mg, 60 Vegan Capsules

See price on iHerb

Acetyl L-carnitine is produced under the American brand MRM. This is a sports nutrition company founded in 1996. The main focus of her work is the development and production of nutrition for sports and a healthy life. We use only natural raw materials for our products.

MRM Acetyl L-Carnitine comes in vegan capsules. They are packaged in a dark blue plastic bottle. Vitamin B6 has been added to the composition for better absorption of the main component. The formula Acetyl L-carnitine, in contrast to simple L-carnitine, is better absorbed by brain cells; this must be taken into account when choosing a product to improve brain activity.

Top 10 drugs for the brain and memory of older people

There are quite a lot of medications prescribed for older people to improve brain activity. The table lists the most common ones and also highlights their advantages and disadvantages.

The table data shows that Noopept is one of the most effective and safe nootropics today. The medicine improves cognitive functions (attention, memory), reduces the level of anxiety, irritability, and has vegetotropic and antiasthenic properties. The effect becomes noticeable, as a rule, after 2 weeks of taking the medicine; no side effects are noted.

To purchase such a medicine for brain function and memory for older people, a prescription is not required; it does not cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms. Patients of retirement age tolerate the drug well; it demonstrates effectiveness both in monotherapy and in complex treatment. In older people, sleep improves, anxiety levels decrease, memory and ability to concentrate improve. The medicine does not cause drowsiness, and it does not have a harsh stimulating effect.

We recommend

“A set of exercises for older people: body and breathing” Read more

Where to buy and how much they cost

Many pharmacies in Moscow offer products to improve memory and brain function. Medicines are available at all medical supply points.

• "Samson-Pharma" at the address: Altufevskoye sh., 89, has all drugs in stock (Glycine, Phenibut, Noopept, Piracetam, Nootropil, Phenotropil). Prices: 35.85-442.15 rubles.
• The “Solnyshko” pharmacy (Shipilovskaya str., 25, building 1) has all medications at prices ranging from 29.00 to 444.00 rubles.
• Planet Health does not sell only Piracetam. Other medications are available. Prices: 31.60-455.00 rubles. Address: st. Suzdalskaya, 34a.
• Online resources (Eapteka.ru and Apteka.ru) have each of the drugs at prices ranging from 13.60 to 427.00 rubles.

Find out more ways to improve your memory.

Alternative ways to improve brain function and memory for seniors

Along with drug therapy, it is recommended to use other methods of improving memory; the complex effect of treatment will be more effective.

It is necessary to pay attention to your diet, exercise, and, if possible, create an environment of comfort and tranquility around yourself. Of great importance is the organization of an adequate amount of night sleep and walks in the fresh air.

To train your memory you need to: read a lot (with the obligatory retelling of what you read), learn poetry, foreign languages, learn to play musical instruments, you can master any of the existing types of mnemonics, pay attention to studying the details of the surrounding world.

1. Proper nutrition.

In old age, nutrition plays a huge role in maintaining brain function.

It is necessary to eat simple and healthy foods for brain function that contain all the necessary microelements and vitamins: groups B and C, E, K, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, selenium, boron, phosphorus, iodine. The diet should include:

• fruits;
• beef, liver;
• sea ​​fish;
• vegetables;
• nuts;
• dairy products;
• olive oil;
• honey.

2. Physical activity.

Constant moderate physical activity has a healing effect on the entire body, including the functioning of the brain. Regular exercise activates blood circulation, so the brain is better supplied with nutrients. Swimming, Nordic walking, and walking have a beneficial effect on memory.

It is better to first consult with your doctor to find out if there are any contraindications and determine which set of exercises will be optimal.

3. Healthy environment.

It is very important in what environment an elderly person lives: the preservation of cognitive functions of the brain directly depends on this. Being under constant stress impairs memory, attention, etc., so retirees need to protect themselves from nervous tension.

To do this, you need to, if possible, eliminate the causes of stress (disturbing information, scandals, etc.) from your life. A calm and friendly environment will be the key to a speedy recovery.

Nootropics

Nootropics are a separate pharmacological group. They are designed to improve metabolism in the brain and normalize blood circulation. These products are produced in the form of tablets, capsules, injections, and injections.

Despite the differences in composition, the mechanism of action of these drugs is similar. Most of them can only be purchased with a prescription.

Piracetam

Piracetam is one of the most common drugs in the nootropic group. It is prescribed for serious pathologies of the brain, during the recovery period after traumatic brain injury and when symptoms of cerebral circulation pathology appear. They are manifested not only by improved memory, but also by problems with speech and coordination of movements, insomnia and other dangerous signs. An analogue of Piracetam is the drug Nootropil.

The product is available both in the form of tablets and in the form of solutions for intravenous administration. The prophylactic dose for adults is 150 mg/kg per day, it must be divided into 2-4 doses. The course of treatment lasts 2 months.

Cerebrolysin

The main active ingredient of the drug Cerebrolysin is a hydrolysate of animal brain. When it enters the body, it stimulates metabolic processes in the nervous system and has a protective effect at the cellular level. The drug is indicated for psychiatric disorders, traumatic brain injuries, as well as during the rehabilitation period after brain surgery.

The drug is available in ampoules. For preventive purposes, it is prescribed 60 mg per day for 1.5-3 months.

Fenotropil

Phenotropil is a drug from the nootropic group, which is available in tablets and can also be used for the purpose of prevention. Its active ingredients accelerate metabolism in the brain and have a protective effect. In conditions of ischemia (insufficient blood supply), it stimulates the utilization of glucose necessary for brain function.

A single dose of the drug is 100-250 mg, the maximum daily dose is 750 mg. The course of treatment lasts from 2 weeks to 3 months, the amount of the drug is recommended to be divided into 2 doses.

Encephabol

Enzphabol tablets contain pyritinol as the main active ingredient. It increases the uptake of glucose by nervous tissue, resulting in improved transmission of nerve impulses. It is recommended to take 2 tablets 3 times a day. The treatment is long-term, the course should last at least 2 months.

Cavinton

The drug Cavinton is recommended for the treatment of cerebrovascular pathologies of various origins. It is effective after traumatic brain injury, during rehabilitation after a stroke or brain surgery. It is also prescribed as part of complex therapy for cerebral atherosclerosis, post-traumatic and other forms of encephalopathy.

The drug is available in the form of a concentrate for the preparation of infusion solutions. It is recommended to administer 50 mg per day in 500 ml of liquid; at the first administration, you can reduce the dosage to 20 mg.

Picamilon

With long-term use, Picamilon tablets can improve brain activity. In addition, they are prescribed as part of complex therapy for migraines, infectious pathologies of the brain and traumatic brain injuries. The drug can also be used for general strengthening of the body under conditions of increased physical or mental stress.

To restore memory, it is recommended to take 60-80 mg of the drug for 4-6 weeks. For more serious pathologies that are accompanied by cerebral ischemia, the dosage can be increased to 150 mg per day.

Divaza

Divaza tablets are designed to improve the functioning of the nervous system. Their active ingredients have a pronounced neuroprotective effect and strengthen neural connections between the hemispheres of the brain. They also have a positive effect on neural plasticity, which increases the resistance of nerve cells to intoxication phenomena.

The drug is taken in the amount of 1-2 tablets three times a day. They contain lactose, so they are contraindicated for various disorders of its absorption.

Aminalon

Aminalon is a powder for dilution in water and oral administration. It contains GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is involved in the processes of nervous activity. When this component enters the body, glucose absorption improves, blood circulation and tissue respiration are normalized. The drug is recommended for the following indications:

• violations of memory, speech, coordination of movements;
• cerebral atherosclerosis;
• hypertension;
• to prevent motion sickness.

The course of treatment begins with taking 0.5 g of the drug twice a day, then the dosage can be increased by 2 times. Its duration is determined individually and can range from 2 weeks to 4 months.

Fezam

Phezam capsules are a combination of piracetam and cinnarizine. Both active ingredients belong to the group of nootropics and complement each other’s action. The drug is indicated for improving memory and attention, as well as for intoxication.

The daily dose for adults is 1 capsule twice a day for 6-8 weeks.

Phenibut

Phenibut is a nootropic drug that works by improving the transmission of nerve impulses into the central nervous system. It also affects the blood supply to the brain and the processes of glucose utilization. The drug is prescribed in a dose of 250-500 mg per day, the course of treatment can last up to 2 months. A drug with a similar composition and mechanism of action is Noofen.

Memory deterioration can be both a symptom of dangerous diseases and a sign of overwork or vitamin deficiency. When the first alarming symptoms appear, it is worth undergoing an examination and determining the functional state of the brain.

If the tests do not identify obvious deviations from the norm, you should take a course of vitamins, organize proper rest and, if possible, avoid stress.

To normalize cerebral circulation, nootropic drugs are prescribed. Most of them have contraindications, are available by prescription and are not recommended for self-medication.

Why do memory and attention deteriorate?

Medicines for memory and attention should be chosen based on the cause of its deterioration.

Situations that may affect failures:

• mechanical damage to the head as a result of trauma;
• destruction of brain cells due to viral diseases;
• prolonged stress or depression;
• frequent overeating, alcoholism and smoking;
• physical and mental fatigue;
• hormonal imbalances;
• problems with the digestive and cardiovascular systems;
• severe psychological trauma;
• atherosclerosis;
• diabetes mellitus, as a result of which the walls of blood vessels become clogged;
• Alzheimer's disease;

  

• thyroid diseases and iodine deficiency in the body.

Why do you need to improve memory and attention:

1. Attention and concentration allows you to control your thoughts, follow objects and remember them. As a result, it is easier for a person to manage his affairs, solve urgent issues, and organize his life.
2. The better the memory works, the better the thinking. That is why it is recommended to solve crosswords and logic problems. This helps to find quick solutions to issues, as well as the necessary information.
3. Imagination plays a significant role. This factor allows you to solve problems using new methods, as a result of which complex issues receive a new solution. To develop imagination, you need to train yourself by coming up with associations to objects and situations.
4. Memory training is necessary to keep brain cells in good shape. That is why it is important to exercise your brain throughout your life, otherwise your memory will only deteriorate over time.

Folk remedies

Medicine for memory and attention can be obtained from plant components. In some cases, traditional medicine helps to cope with absent-mindedness no worse than medications.

1. Swamp calamus. For consumption, you need a dried root, which is first ground into powder. Take the powder daily before meals and drink tea. The course of treatment is 2 months; Contraindications: renal failure and inflammatory processes.
2. Rowan bark. To prepare the raw materials, take 1 tbsp. l. dried bark, filled with water and placed on the stove for 20 minutes. The broth is infused for 5 hours, then filtered. Should be consumed every 3 hours, 1 tbsp. l. Duration of admission – 60 days. Repeat the course several times a year. Contraindications: pregnancy.
3. Mint and sage leaves. For cooking, take 5 tsp. leaves, pour boiling water over them and leave for 24 hours. The infusion should be consumed before meals, 50 ml. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks. If necessary, repeat after 2 months.
4. Elecampane root. First, the root is crushed and 500 ml of vodka is poured. The remedy is infused for a month. Before use, the tincture should be strained, then take 2 tbsp. l. in a day. Duration of treatment is 2 months. It is enough to undergo treatment once a year. Contraindications: pregnancy period and cardiac abnormalities.
5. Clover. The raw materials are placed in a liter jar and filled with vodka. The medicine is infused for 2 weeks. You should consume 1 tsp. every day a few hours before bedtime for 20 days. The course of treatment should be repeated every 20 days. This tincture relieves tinnitus, normalizes blood pressure and activates processes in the brain. Contraindications: pregnancy and heart failure.
6. Pine buds. 1 tbsp. l. kidneys should be poured with boiling water and boiled for 10 minutes. Use the tincture after each meal, 2 tbsp. l. This decoction normalizes brain function, helps to better absorb information and remember it. Has a positive effect on internal organs and the nervous system.

Additive No. 12: Lecithin

A universal remedy for improving brain function and strengthening the nervous system. The constituent substances of lecithin are responsible for coordination of movements, creative activity, and stimulate the formation of short-term memory. They affect mood and behavior, help reduce nervousness, anxiety, and reduce stress.

Constant use of lecithin thins the blood, lowers blood pressure, reduces the tone of blood vessels, and improves blood supply to internal organs. When taken with vitamin B5, brain activity increases, memorization accelerates, attention increases, and performance increases.

The main beneficial properties of the biological additive:

1. normalizes blood pressure;
2. helps restore memory in Alzheimer's disease;
3. increases performance;
4. improves blood supply to the brain;
5. improves metabolic processes;
6. is the prevention of atherosclerosis;
7. removes nicotine;
8. promotes the formation of the brain membranes and nervous system of the child in the womb;
9. helps cope with insomnia.

The drug is well tolerated and easily absorbed. It is contraindicated to take Lecithin if the body is individually intolerant.

Now Foods, Sunflower Lecithin, 1,200 mg, 200 Softgels

See price on iHerb

The well-known food supplement company Now Foods produces Lecithin in capsules. The gelatinous shell has a dark tint. The capsules smell nice, are large in size (1200 mg), but with enough water they are easy to swallow. Packaged in 200 pieces in a branded white plastic jar with a sticker - a description in English.

The recommended regimen for taking the dietary supplement is 2 capsules per day, unless a different regimen is recommended by your doctor. If you have liver disease, consultation with your doctor is required. The composition contains high quality olive oil, since the active substance is fat-soluble.

Fearn Natural Food, Lecithin Granules, 16 oz (454 g)

See price on iHerb

Many biological supplements are produced by the American company Fearn Natural Food, which has been producing health products for more than 70 years. Its products undergo strict quality control at all stages of production and shipment.

Fearn Natural Food brand lecithin is produced in fine golden granules with a pleasant aroma and taste of pine nuts. They should be taken according to the doctor’s recommendation, depending on the body’s needs. For example, to improve mental abilities, adults are recommended to take a large spoonful of lecithin, and for children, a small one. The granules can be mixed with food.

Classification of drugs to improve memory and attention

Medicine for memory and attention may include various components.

Based on their composition and mode of action, they are divided into:

1. Stimulants. Such drugs are aimed at the cerebral cortex. They increase performance and improve the quality of brain cells. Some of the stimulants are classified as drugs and are therefore used in exceptional cases. In general, all stimulants are prescribed by a doctor and are sold with a prescription. Example of drugs: Phenotropil, Modafinil;
2. Nootropic drugs. Active substances normalize blood circulation in the brain and restore affected areas. Such drugs are prohibited for pregnant and nursing mothers. These drugs include those available with or without a prescription. All of them are aimed at improving attentiveness and learning ability. Examples of drugs: Piracetam, Glycine, Noopet;

   

3. Supplements. The preparations are based on plant components. The course of treatment with dietary supplements should be at least 3 months. The substances nourish the brain, strengthen cells, while maintaining energy balance. Examples of dietary supplements: Omega-3, Folic acid, Vitamin B6;
4. Special biocomplexes. The advantages of such drugs are the presence of natural ingredients. This composition has a gentler effect on the body, so they can be used for a long time without harm to humans. The main components help normalize sleep, improve memory and memorization. Examples of biocomplexes: HeadBooster, Optimentis, BrainRush;
5. Nutritional supplements. Such drugs are not able to restore memory and improve mental state. They are used to support the body and fill it with the necessary elements. For effective treatment, it is recommended to use nutritional supplements together with drugs from other groups. Examples of food additives: vitamin complex, fish oil, amino acids.

What can’t people come up with?!

In this article I would like to touch upon another important topic related to the treatment of various diseases using non-traditional methods, which their inventors often call folk (probably because they were invented by someone from the people?). Recently, new and new recommendations have been appearing regarding the fight against oncological pathology, heart and vascular diseases, and improving memory and brain function has not gone unnoticed by “newly minted doctors.” We will not particularly criticize or condemn new methods, although sometimes they are simply absurd, we will not dissuade the use of some newly invented means, we will simply give the reader the opportunity to think for himself, so to speak, do brain gymnastics, and at the same time turn to the knowledge acquired At school.

Golden water?

We do not undertake to judge how much brain performance increases from drinking “golden” water, but people who have tried its effects on themselves claim that it is necessary to drink it (in addition to nutrition). However, before giving a recipe for preparing such “magic” water, I would like to remind the reader of some school chemistry lessons, in which teachers said that gold does not interact with strong acids, except for “aqua regia” (a mixture of concentrated strong inorganic acids - hydrochloric and nitrogen). So is it really possible that ordinary water, even if it is boiled for many hours in a row, will suddenly acquire unusual properties that allow it to dissolve at least some amount of this metal, which is resistant in all respects? Maybe “silver” water is easier to make? Or even better - make an “aluminum” medicine, maybe it will work? But “golden”, “golden”, all the same, patients seeking to improve memory using folk remedies without special material and labor costs will find these recommendations on some forum. Preparing “golden” water is simple: take any gold jewelry (earrings, chains, rings) without stones, put it in a container of water (water - 500 ml), put it on the stove and boil until half the volume of water has evaporated (250 ml). For some reason, the “golden” medicine is drunk in very small doses - 1 teaspoon (probably a larger dose is dangerous?) 2-3 times a day. They say that in two weeks not only will your head become clearer, but your heart muscle will also become stronger. Obviously, these recommendations may be of interest to someone who did poorly at school.

“Brain massage”?

The author has not tried the “Brain Massage” CD on himself, which is distributed on the Internet. People buy, listen on high frequencies in the morning for 45 minutes - the reviews are contradictory. Some argue that by entering a state of meditation in this way, concentration, memory, performance, and learning ability are noticeably increased. Others claim that, apart from dizziness and weakness, they received nothing from the new method. Some people arrange a brain massage without any disks: they simply engage in intense rinsing of the mouth for 5 - 10 minutes, causing activation of excitation processes, which, in turn, can turn out in the most unpredictable way (???).

There have been many examples of various non-traditional and even non-traditional treatments on the World Wide Web lately. We have cited two of them only so that our regular readers know in advance our point of view regarding certain, sometimes very dubious, methods of influencing the central nervous system, which, as we know, should be handled with care and caution. Conducting experiments on your own head, your mind and intellect can lead to even greater impairment of memory and attention, the appearance of dizziness, headaches and even convulsions. I would like to hope that the reader will approach improving his mental abilities thoughtfully and carefully, consulting with his doctor.