Nootropic Drugs by Dr. Shikha Parmar

Nootropic agents are drugs, supplements, and other substances that may improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals.[1] While many substances are purported to improve cognition, research is at a preliminary stage as of 2019, and the effects of the majority of these agents are not fully determined.

Sometimes called smart drugs, brain boosters, or memory-enhancing drugs, the term “nootropics” was coined by scientist Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, who developed the compound piracetam as a brain enhancer, according to The Atlantic. The word is derived from the Greek noo, meaning mind, and trope, which means “change” in French. In essence, all nootropics aim to change your mind by enhancing functions like memory or attention.

Nootropics ostensibly work by protecting neurons in your brain from becoming damaged by toxins and aging. The theory is that they stimulate neurons and increase blood and oxygen flow to your brain, which supposedly leads to improvements in your attention span and other areas of cognitive functioning.

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