Drugs to improve memory: neurologists recommend - Neurology and neurosurgery

What to drink to improve memory.

October 7, 2021
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Content

Why does memory deteriorate?
What medications negatively affect memory?
Groups of drugs to improve memory
Top 6 drugs to improve memory
Bilobil Forte
Sermion
Fezam
Memoplant
Vasobral
Tanakan

There are many reasons for memory impairment. To select one or another drug to improve memory, you need to undergo an examination - self-medication is strictly prohibited here.

Memory is given to a person in order, in simple words, to “record” data. If there are no problems, then at any moment the brain can reproduce the accumulated information. But if there is some kind of “breakdown”, the process of memorization and reproduction is disrupted.

Rules for taking Semax 0.1%

Reception 15 days
3 drops in each nasal passage 2 times a day

Course 3 bottles

the bottle contains 60 drops
instillation should be carried out strictly on the nasal mucosa, avoiding leakage into the nasopharynx

Both short-term memory suffers, as a result of which a person cannot firmly remember anything and constantly forgets events of the recent past, and long-term memory. Therefore, in order to preserve and improve the ability to remember, it is recommended to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, observe a sleep schedule, and undergo timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases. However, this may not be enough, and taking medications to improve memory and attention . To understand how an effective medicine to improve memory , you need to know the mechanism of assimilation of new information.

Why does memory deteriorate?

Exhaustion of the body due to prolonged stress, depression or lack of sleep.
Lack of B vitamins.
Atherosclerosis and cerebral circulatory disorders.
Use of drugs or alcohol.
General anesthesia or taking certain medications.
Traumatic brain injury, surgical treatment of the temporal lobes of the brain.
Dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, etc.
Psychiatric diagnoses.
Encephalitis or meningitis.
Benign or malignant brain tumors.

Can a child become addicted to a stimulant?

Psychostimulants are classified as addictive drugs. However, some research suggests that taking a stimulant to treat ADHD may actually reduce the risk of substance abuse during adolescence, rather than increase it.

But children and teenagers are still at risk of abusing their medications. If abused, they take it in higher doses to achieve a strong effect. To avoid these risks, keep the medication in a safe place, monitor the medication, and, if possible, have school staff monitor your child's medication while at school.

What medications negatively affect memory?

Side effects of some drugs include memory impairment. But this “side effect” does not develop in everyone, but is an individual reaction of the body to the main active substance. These medications include:

Antihistamines (used to treat allergies).
Typically these are first-generation allergy medications that suppress the central nervous system. The person feels drowsy and his vision becomes blurred. For example, allergy medications such as Diphenhydramine, Suprastin, and Tavegil have a similar effect. These drugs negatively affect the centers of the brain responsible for memory and learning. It has been proven that long-term use of such drugs can cause the development of dementia in old age. Therefore, it is better to choose new generation antihistamines (“Loratadine”, “Cetirizine”, etc.).
Medicines for angina and hypertension.
Similar drugs, which are prescribed for high blood pressure and pulse, act on adrenaline and norepinephrine (Anaprilin, Atenolol, Bisoprolol, Carvedilol, etc.). They slow down the pulse, but at the same time inhibit the functioning of the central nervous system - a person feels general weakness, fatigue and memory problems. Among the new generation of drugs are those that act only on the heart, practically without affecting the nervous system. Discuss with your cardiologist the possibility of taking selective adrenergic blockers such as Betaxolol, Nebivolol, etc.
Anticonvulsants.
Such drugs are prescribed mainly for epilepsy. The active substance of such drugs, valproic acid, reduces signals entering the central nervous system. Usually a person feels weak in his muscles and finds it difficult to concentrate. Due to the slowdown of the brain, its functions decrease, including memory. Among the new drugs for epilepsy with reduced toxicity is Lamotrigine.
Sleeping pills and sedatives.
Such drugs reduce brain function in its main parts, help you sleep and reduce stress (memory also suffers). Many of us know a drug called Corvalol (it is sold without a prescription, so we think it is safe). In fact, this product contains a serious substance called phenobarbital, which, when used regularly, accumulates in the body and poses a health threat. For anxiety disorders and seizures, doctors often prescribe benzodiazepines. But they are usually used for short periods of time to avoid negative effects on memory.
Antibiotics.
The gastrointestinal tract contains hormones and substances necessary for the brain. Antibiotics destroy not only harmful bacteria, but also beneficial components. If you take a standard course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, there will be no negative effect on your memory. But if you overuse self-medication or are forced to take antibiotics for a long time, you may have memory problems.

Hypnotics (non-benzodiazepine hypnotics and sedatives)

Representatives : eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien).

These medications help you fall asleep. But, just like the aforementioned sedatives, they can disrupt the connection between short-term and long-term memory.

“There are alternative medications and non-drug treatments for insomnia. Talk to your doctor about them. For example, melatonin at night in a dose of 3 to 10 mg helps restore healthy sleep. However, remember that abruptly stopping sleeping pills can cause side effects, so any changes in treatment should be made by your doctor,” says Dr. Neal.

Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your drug therapy.

Groups of drugs to improve memory

Memory impairment occurs due to impaired cerebral circulation. Typically, able-bodied people who engage in mental work notice this problem. This symptom cannot be ignored, because it often indicates organic brain diseases.

There are three main groups of drugs to improve memory:

Psychostimulants-adaptogens.
Usually these are products of natural origin that stimulate mental and physical activity.
Nootropics.
These drugs activate learning processes, improving the brain's resistance to negative influences.
Energy metabolism correctors.
Such natural-based drugs act gradually and improve brain function.

Top 6 drugs to improve memory

Our rating includes the most popular and proven effective drugs, which are most often prescribed by neurologists for memory impairment. It is important to remember that such medications should only be recommended by a doctor, having determined the cause of the problem and taking into account possible contraindications and side effects.

Causes of memory impairment

Photos from open sources

Bilobil Forte

Antihypoxic drug from ginkgo leaf extract. "Bilobil Forte" is prescribed for cerebrovascular accidents. This is an excellent remedy for memory problems, ringing in the ears and dizziness. "Bilobil Forte" improves metabolic processes in brain cells, improves blood circulation, dilates and strengthens blood vessels, and serves as a prevention of thrombosis. The memory drug nourishes the brain not only with oxygen, but also with glucose, relieves swelling and reduces the number of free radicals in cells.

Bilobil Forte

KRKA (KRKA), Slovenia

The drug Bilobil Forte is a drug used for dementia.
Improves cerebral circulation and supplies the brain with oxygen and glucose, prevents red blood cell aggregation, and inhibits platelet activating factor. It exhibits a dose-dependent regulatory effect on the vascular system, stimulates the production of endothelium laxative factor (nitric oxide-NO), dilates small arteries, increases the tone of the veins, thereby regulating the blood supply of blood vessels. Reduces the permeability of the vascular wall (anti-edematous effect both at the level of the brain and at periphery). from 152

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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.

Sermion

An adrenoblocker and antihypoxant, which contains nicergoline, which is capable of restoring neurons. Sermion improves cerebral circulation, stimulates metabolic processes and microcirculation in the blood vessels of the brain. The medicine has a positive effect on cognitive function and improves memory. With long-term use of Sermion, there is a significant improvement in mental activity, and the development of dementia is inhibited as much as possible.

Sermion

Pfizer (Pfizer), USA

Sermion improves metabolic and hemodynamic processes in the brain, reduces platelet aggregation and improves hemorheological blood parameters, increases the speed of blood flow in the upper and lower extremities.
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Picamilon and its analogues

To improve brain activity and restore cognitive functions, there are inexpensive but very effective tablets - Picamilon.

Contains sodium salt of gamma-aminobutyric acid. This substance is a powerful nootropic, but, unlike the remedies described above, it additionally dilates cerebral vessels.

Picamilon has a psychostimulant and tranquilizing effect, so it is taken when brain function deteriorates.

After taking the tablets, they normalize metabolism in the nervous tissue and significantly improve the speed of cerebral blood flow and vascular resistance. Also, when taking the drug, the risk of thrombosis is reduced, because it thins the blood. The medicine helps you sleep better, eliminates headaches, feelings of fear, and tension.

If a patient has speech or memory impairments, Picamilon will definitely help him, the treatment standards are as follows:

drink 20-50 mg three times a day, therapy does not depend on food intake;
course of treatment - 30-60 days;
The course must be repeated after 5-6 months.

The medicine is contraindicated in children under 3 years of age, nursing mothers, pregnant women, and severe renal failure. The price of the medicine is 150 rubles. There are a number of analogues of Picamilon in pharmacies - Amylonosar, Pikogam, Picanoil, Aminalon.

Fezam

A nootropic drug, a psychostimulant, which contains two active ingredients: piracetam and cinnarizine. Phezam improves memory and attention, stimulates neural connections, dilates blood vessels, and protects brain cells from oxygen starvation. Cinnarizine improves cerebral circulation, relieves vascular spasm, thins the blood, without affecting blood pressure. Piracetam improves cognitive abilities, improves metabolic processes in the ischemic zone, and regulates connections between the hemispheres of the brain. Phezam is prescribed for neuroses and exhaustion of the nervous system; the drug stimulates mental, emotional and physical activity.

Fezam

ZiO-Zdorovye, Russia

- cerebrovascular insufficiency (cerebral atherosclerosis, recovery period of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, after traumatic brain injury, encephalopathy of various origins);
- intoxication; - diseases of the central nervous system, accompanied by a decrease in intellectual and mental functions (impaired memory, attention, mood); — conditions after a traumatic brain injury; — psychoorganic syndrome with a predominance of symptoms of asthenia and adynamia; — asthenic syndrome of psychogenic origin; - labyrinthopathy (dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, nystagmus); - Meniere's syndrome; - prevention of kinetosis; - migraine prevention; — as part of complex therapy for low learning ability in children with psychoorganic syndrome. from 262

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Glycine

Glycine is the simplest amino acid with the structure NH2‑CH2‑COOH. In addition to the fact that glycine is part of proteins, this molecule functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The regulatory effect of glycine on the activity of glutamate NMDA receptors, GABAergic, alpha-adrenergic blocking, antioxidant and antitoxic effects, as well as the ability to inhibit spinal cord motor neurons are described. In this regard, the manufacturer describes such effects as:

reduction of psycho-emotional stress and conflict;
improved mood;
normalization of sleep;
increased mental performance;
improvement of social adaptation.

It is stated that glycine reduces the severity of vegetative-vascular disorders, reduces the toxic effect of ethanol and a number of drugs on the central nervous system, and can reduce the severity of cerebral disorders and reduce increased muscle tone.

In this regard, a number of indications are indicated for glycine (see Table 3). According to the instructions for use, this nootropic is prescribed for use by hyperactive children, children with “vegetative dystonia,” and is included in “metabolic therapy” protocols for patients with connective tissue dysplasia and patients with acute ischemic stroke. Very often, patients themselves decide to “drink glycine” to improve memory or to cope with stress. You will be surprised to learn the indications for taking glycine that evidence-based medicine offers. So, according to the Cochrane Library, taking glycine:

may partially improve the symptoms of schizophrenia when added to basic therapy;
may have a positive effect in ischemic stroke, but this assumption requires confirmation;
in combination with other amino acids, applied topically, can improve the healing of trophic ulcers in type 2 diabetes mellitus;
cannot be used as a drug to improve memory, protect the liver, prevent cancer and other conditions.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved glycine as a 1.5% solution for urological irrigation during transurethral surgery.

Memoplant

Angioprotector, the active substance of which is an extract from ginkgo leaves. "Memoplant" is prescribed for cerebral circulatory disorders accompanied by memory impairment, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and problems with cognitive abilities. The drug improves metabolic processes in cells, strengthens blood vessels, thins the blood and reduces the risk of thrombosis, nourishes the brain with oxygen and glucose, and reduces the number of free radicals. Memoplant is often prescribed to older people, since ginkgo-based preparations are considered very effective and safe. The only point: Memoplant cannot be taken in parallel with aspirin (and drugs based on it), since the risk of bleeding increases.

Memoplant

Dr. Willmar Schwabe, Germany

- disorders of brain function, incl.
age-related, associated with cerebrovascular accident and accompanied by the following symptoms: memory impairment, decreased ability to concentrate and intellectual abilities, dizziness, tinnitus, headache; - peripheral circulatory disorders (obliterating diseases of the arteries of the lower extremities with such characteristic symptoms as intermittent claudication, numbness and coldness of the feet, Raynaud's disease); - dysfunction of the inner ear, manifested by dizziness, unsteady gait and tinnitus. from 437

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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.

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Vasobral

This memory improving drug contains caffeine and α-dihydroergocriptine. “Vasobral” stimulates tissues to be resistant to lack of oxygen and blocks adrenaline receptors. The drug improves vascular function, has a diuretic effect, relieves excess drowsiness, and improves performance. Patients who took Vasobral note that this drug is well tolerated and really stimulates memory, mental activity and attention. Doctors say that a long course of treatment is required to achieve maximum effect.

Vasobral

Chiesi, France

A nootropic drug that is used for: Decreased mental activity, impaired attention and memory, impaired spatial orientation caused by age-related changes;
- cerebrovascular insufficiency (including due to cerebral atherosclerosis); - consequences of cerebrovascular accident; - migraine prevention; - vestibular and labyrinthine disorders (dizziness, tinnitus, hypoacusia) of ischemic origin; - Meniere's disease; - retinopathy (diabetic and hypertensive); - peripheral arterial circulation disorders (Raynaud's syndrome and disease); - venous insufficiency. from 879

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Tanakan

Another adaptogen and antihypoxant based on ginkgo biloba. "Tanakan" copes well with the main task - improving memory and performance. In addition, the medicine helps improve sleep, improve blood circulation in the brain, and reduce the number of headaches and dizziness. Tanakan is perfect for older people because it has a completely natural composition.

Tanakan

IPSEN (Bofur Ipsen), Ukraine

Tanakan is a herbal preparation, the effect of which is due to the ability of the active substance to influence metabolic processes in cells, improve the rheological properties of blood and microcirculation (blood movement in the smallest vessels of the body).
Used for: discirculatory encephalopathies of various origins (post-stroke, consequences of traumatic brain injury, senile), manifested by impaired attention and memory, sleep disturbance, decreased intellectual abilities of a person; neurosensory disorders (due to diabetic retino- or polyneuropathy, dizziness, hypoacusis, tinnitus); disruption of normal peripheral circulation, including as a result of Raynaud's disease; asthenic conditions, i.e. conditions characterized by signs of general exhaustion of the body due to psychogenic, neurotic, traumatic processes. from 490

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