Comments on: Which Cognitive Enhancers Really Work: Brain Training, Drugs, Vitamins, Meditation or Exercise?

By: carl desantis

carl desantis — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:31:26 +0000

Surprisinly after a cat scan the contrast IV that had ample iodine..plus? in one hour had me winning debates with Lincoln Douglas etc,..
It was the most remarkable enhancer EVER.. All my pesonnel noticed a total difference.. lasted about 7 hours..
I've one kidney..possibly overdosed.. but WHAT A TREMENDOUS difference

By: HoverHell

HoverHell — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 07:17:00 +0000

Are there studies about other drugs than Modafinil?
For example, 'Cognitive enhancers' (Nootropics), like one popular in Russia called 'Phenotropil' (Phenylpiracetam).

By: Nanook

Nanook — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:25:00 +0000

Regarding naps; when I was younger they made me more tired not less, fuzzy.

Now at 49, my body often forces me to take them whether I want to or not and they do seem somewhat restorative. So perhaps it depends on the person and age.

By: ramonono | Maeghith

ramonono | Maeghith — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:43:00 +0000

Another unadressed claim is the one that adjusting the sleep-awake cycles with naps during the day can improve cognitive performance when you are awake.

By: Doctor Mind

Doctor Mind — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:34:00 +0000

Excercise, C Enhancers and Brain training are the ones for sure. All within anyone's reach wherever they are. It's all in the mind!

By: Duff

Duff — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:01:00 +0000

I find this topic quite interesting, but I'm disappointed that the common nootropics were not covered (lucidril, piracetam, etc.). These nootropic drugs have been around for a while and I believe there are a number of studies on their effects. Perhaps an idea for a future article?

As far as research on meditation goes, many people are doing research on the neurological effects of meditation nowadays. However, meditation is a psychospiritual technology not designed for cognitive enhancement, but for liberation from suffering, and to realize your true Self, and this is the reason to pursue meditative practice.

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:48:00 +0000

Nice post. I think some other methods of improving cognition are transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Using electricity to shape the brain's plasticity.

Check out my neuroscience/neurotechnology blog. I have discussed in the past various methods of cognitive enhancement using drugs and neurotechnology.

By: AlvaroF

AlvaroF — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:56:00 +0000

Hello Jeremy,

Very thoughtful post. I agree with much of the analysis, but not with the conclusion you infer. I wrote a post to elaborate on my reactions:

http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2008/06/10/brain-health-physical-or-mental-exercise/

Thanks for showing how blogs can create good public conversations.

By: Stu

Stu — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:58:00 +0000

Great post! It always amazes me how much popular opinion can vary from scientific fact. This reminds me of a study I wrote about that took personal growth exercises and actually tested them and it was amazing to see that some of these personal growth exercises being endorsed by `gurus` had little or no effect at all from a psychological standpoint.

I think though that unlike personal growth, cognitive enhancement has a lot of potential, particularly the drugs. I know for instance that much better versions of Modafinil are being developed.

I think too that the day will soon come when bio-engineering and bio-technology could legitimately be added to that list.