Based on a systematic review and meta- analysis we show that expectations regarding the effectiveness of these drugs exceed their actual effects , as has been demonstrated in single- or double-blind r and omised controlled trials .
For methylpheni date an improvement of memory was found , but no consistent evidence for other enhancing effects was uncovered .
Modafinil on the other h and , was found to improve attention for well-rested individuals , while maintaining wakefulness , memory and executive functions to a significantly higher degree in sleep deprived individuals than did a placebo .
However , repeated doses of modafinil were unable to prevent deterioration of cognitive performance over a longer period of sleep deprivation though maintaining wakefulness and possibly even inducing overconfidence in a person 's own cognitive performance
The term neuroenhancement refers to improvement in the cognitive , emotional and motivational functions of healthy individuals through , inter alia , the use of drugs .
Of known interventions , psychopharmacology provides readily available options , such as methylpheni date and modafinil .
Both drugs are presumed to be in widespread use as cognitive enhancers for non-medical reasons .
Effect of Magnesium Pemoline and Methylphenidate on Memory Improvement and Mood in Normal Aging Subjects
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of magnesium pemoline ( Cylert ) and methylpheni date ( Ritalin ) on the memory and mood of normal aging persons . Seventy-eight subjects , aged 60 and over , were r and omly assigned in double blind fashion to one of the two drug conditions or to a placebo . Subjects were administered the WAIS vocabulary subtest , the Guild Memory Test , and a mood scale at the beginning of the study and the mood scale and alternate forms of the memory test in the middle and at the end of the experiment . Laboratory examinations were conducted at the beginning and end of the six week period and physical examinations were given weekly . Results showed no differential drug effects between the three groups on any of the six memory functions measured or between sub-groups of differing intellectual levels . There were , however , tentative indications that Cylert increased depression and worrisomeness and that Ritalin reduced fatigue . No physical side effects or significant changes in laboratory examinations were found on all but two subjects . These two individuals , apparently hypersensitive to Cylert , showed hepatic toxicity , but the result ant elevations on some tests quickly subsided when the drug was withdrawn
Based on a systematic review and meta- analysis we show that expectations regarding the effectiveness of these drugs exceed their actual effects , as has been demonstrated in single- or double-blind r and omised controlled trials .
For methylpheni date an improvement of memory was found , but no consistent evidence for other enhancing effects was uncovered .
Modafinil on the other h and , was found to improve attention for well-rested individuals , while maintaining wakefulness , memory and executive functions to a significantly higher degree in sleep deprived individuals than did a placebo .
However , repeated doses of modafinil were unable to prevent deterioration of cognitive performance over a longer period of sleep deprivation though maintaining wakefulness and possibly even inducing overconfidence in a person 's own cognitive performance
The term neuroenhancement refers to improvement in the cognitive , emotional and motivational functions of healthy individuals through , inter alia , the use of drugs .
Of known interventions , psychopharmacology provides readily available options , such as methylpheni date and modafinil .
Both drugs are presumed to be in widespread use as cognitive enhancers for non-medical reasons .