While the use of CNS stimulants has declined due to non-specific nature of their actions, a new class of drugs called 'Cerebral Activators' has been introduced. It is claimed that these drugs improve the brain functions particularly in dementia - a condition of brain characterized by loss of intellect and memory, and may have a role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. However their use is limited and the claims regarding their efficacy are not always fully substantiated.
Piracetam (Normabrain, Neurocetam, Nootropil)
This drug is supposed to directly improve the efficiency of the higher functions of the brain such as learning, memory, thought, and consciousness, both in normal and deficient situations. It does not have a sedative or psychostimulant effect. These changes are brought about by increase in nerve-to-nerve message activity and energy supply to nerve or those parts of brain which are involved in learning and memory. It variably improves brain function in senile dementia and mental retardation in children. The drug should be taken with caution in kidney or liver disease, and during pregnancy.
Dosage: The recommended dose for adults is 800 mg, three times a day and for children, it is 50 mg/kg of body weight in 3 divided doses.
Pyritinol (Encephabol)
This improves disturbed cerebral metabolism and activates glucose metabolism. It also improves cerebral micro-circulation. It has been tried in cerebro-vascular accidents, disturbed cerebral development in children and adolescents, in post-anaesthetic recovery, and alcohol withdrawal state. Its efficacy is doubtfu1.The prescribed dose is 200 mg, three times a day for 6 to 8 weeks.
Adverse Effects: It may cause disturbances, increased excitability, loss of appetite, headache, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Other Drugs
Other drugs of this group are dihydroergotoxine which is used in loss of memory, nimodipine which is useful in subarchnoid haemorrhage, nicergoline (SERMION), glutamic acid and piribedil.
Ginkocer (Ginkocer, Bilovas)
This is a dried extract of Ginkgo biloba. Besides bringing about some action like piracetam and pyritinol, the drug causes inhibition of the platelet-activating factor. It has been tried in the treatment of multi-infarct dementia (repeated minor strokes lead to dementia) because it improves blood supply in small brain vessels in the stroke area.
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a condition that occurs when there is a breakdown in the brain, in particular when there is a loss of communication among brain cells. Clear communication among brain cells is vital for the brain to function properly. If brain's networking capabilities deteriorate, cognitive skills (ability to think, reason and remember) are affected or lost.
Rivastigmine (Exelon)
This drug increases levels of a chemical (Acetylcholine) which is needed for nerve to nerve message transfer in the brain. It has strown improvement of brain function in Alzheimer's disease. Cognition, apathy, delusions and hallucinations improve with its use. Its usual doses is 1.5 to 3 mg twice a day.
Donepezil (Donecept)
It also improves cognitive functions by increasing acetylcholine levels in remaining nerves in the brains of Alzheimer's patient. It has a longer duration of action, so it is given once in 5 to 10 mg daily at night.
Other Drugs
Other drugs tried are Tacrine, galantamine and antioxidant vitamins (vitamin E, C). Interestingly, Ibuprofen a pain reliever has been shown to slow the course of disease. A new class of pain relievers (COX-2 inhibitors) are also being evaluated to treat this otherwise incurable disease.
Long thought to be the soul of the human psyche, the human brain weighs in at about 3 pounds or 1300-1400g. What we know about the brain expands almost daily as new science finds more and more nuances that control our perception of life around us. We know that it controls what keeps us alive: respiration, digestion, heartbeat and a number of other involuntary or automatic functions of the body. Without our brain constantly working in the background, we would not be able to live.
It also controls what we call -Our Higher Functions- or things we are consciously doing day-to-day - abstract thinking, reasoning, dreaming and thought. Considered superior to any other species, our brain is responsible for our culture, advancements and higher level thinking including reading, speech and extrapolation. Things like creativity and personality are associated with the brain. We make decisions, define colors and smells and that is just the tip of the iceberg. This very special organ perceives the world around us and our activity in it.
The human brain is strong and some may consider it invincible; however, many times as we age, we realize isn not going to stay that way forever. Like any other part of our body, the brain is subject to the ravages of time, and our lifestyles affect it to a greater or lesser degree. As we age, the brain becomes slower in its functioning and its ability to rejuvenate itself. But, through science, we have also discovered that this doesn not have to be the end of things. There are many ways to enhance and improve our brain power and forestall the slowing down that comes with aging. This article gives you four excellent tips to get your started in reversing the damages that time causes.
Tip #1: Healthy lifestyles are the key
Integral to our overall anatomy, the brain is probably the most important organ in our bodies because without it, we could not function. So, we need to treat it like the special organ that it is. For the person who drinks heavily, they are damaging their brain more than the person who is a modest drinker. We have long known that alcohol and other substances like drug use destroy brain cells. Most alcoholics will argue that since we only use 10% of our overall brainpower, we have plenty of spare brain cells to call on. This is more myth than reality. Drinking does nothing to activate the other 90% of our brain's capacity, and this fallacy will cause alcoholism to destroy our organ faster than believed. As a result, if you think of that 10% we're using as a lifetime organ, we should go to great lengths to preserve and protect it.
Tip #2: Eat well and your brain will thank you.
You know the saying: Garbage in; Garbage Out. This applies to healthy eating to keep the brain operating at peak efficiency. Consuming the correct sets of food definitely benefits the brain. Consider this: the brain is the most active part of the body. In order to keep the brain vibrant and alive, we must give it the best fuel available. The brain is always on even when we are sleeping, so having an abundance of good fuel will keep the brain fit and thriving. Good foods will be greatly appreciated by your brain, and in return it will deliver excellent computing and reasoning powers. Never underestimate the power of a balanced diet, exercise and adequate sleep when it comes to staying focused and alert.
Tip #3: Exercise Makes the Brain Grow Stronger
Taking the time to get proper exercise is an excellent way for the body and brain to operate at maximum effectiveness. Leading a well-balanced lifestyle goes a long way towards having a brain that is alive, fit and ready to tackle any problem that the world throws at it.
Tip #4: Relieving Stress is Essential
Exercise also releases stress which can cloud and slow the brains functioning and create a good mood and a sense of well being.
The brain is an organ that should be respected, cared for and cherished. We only have one, and it allows us to make choices, and live our lives to the fullest. A well-cared for brain will deliver healthy perceptions, and result in a more active and fulfilled existence.
Both Alien & Leon Edward are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Alien has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Fitness and Get Rid of Bed Bugs. AdvCare is one of the Canada leading websites. First established in January 2000, its mission is to become the number one site for. Alien's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.
Leon Edward has sinced written about articles on various topics from Small Business, Work From Home and Health Insurance. Get Your Free Brain Food and Nutrition report and , download the full IQ Mind Brain Library at. Leon Edward's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.