NE7.5 Cognitive enhancers

Age related changes to cognitive function:
- Declining performance of: ❌ of processing, working memory, ❌-term memory
- Preserved performance of: ❌

Mild cognitive impairment affects 10-20% of people >❌ years, and affects ❌ more than women. It is associated with ❌, polypharmacy, and uncontrolled ❌ risk factors.

Treatment options are related to neurotransmitters in the brain regions controlling learning and memory, and temporarily improve dementia symptoms.

❌ inhibitors:
- E.g. donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine
• For ❌-moderate cognitive symptoms
• SEs: ❌ dyspepsia; urinary incontinence; dizziness
• Serious SEs: ❌ block and sinus ❌

❌ ie Memantine
• Moderate-❌ cognitive symptoms OR when cholinesterase inhibitors ❌
• SEs: c❌ headache, dizziness, drowsiness

Nootropics or ‘smart drugs’:
1. ❌
• Rx: narcoplepsy, ADHD, ADD
• Blocks DA reuptake
2. ❌
• Rx: narcolepsy
• Mechanisms unclear (wake promoting neurons in tuberomammillary nucleus, DAT)
3. ❌
• Rx: essential tremor (section 29)
• Facilitates cholinergic, dopaminergic, noradrenergic neurotransmission

Long term side effects are unclear.
Short term:
❌, ❌ disorders, ❌ symptoms