From the data reported in the literature , it emerges that nootropics may be an effective alternative for strengthening and enhancing cognitive performance in patients with a range of pathologies .
Although nootropics , and specifically the cholinergic precursors , already have a long history behind them , according to recent renewal of interest , they still seem to have a significant therapeutic role .
Drugs with regulatory indications for symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer 's disease , such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine , often have transient effects in dementia disorders .
Nootropics represent probably the first " smart drugs " used for the treatment of cognitive deficits .
The aim of this paper is to verify , by a systematic analysis of the literature , the effectiveness of nootropics in this indication .
The analysis was limited to nootropics with cholinergic activity , in view of the role played by acetylcholine in learning and memory .
Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter identified in the history of neuroscience and is the main neurotransmitter of the peripheral , autonomic , and enteric nervous systems .
Piracetam therapy does not enhance cognitive functioning in children with down syndrome.
BACKGROUND Piracetam is widely used as a purported means of improving cognitive function in children with Down syndrome . Its efficacy , however , has not been rigorously assessed . OBJECTIVE To determine whether 4 months of piracetam therapy ( 80 - 100 mg/kg per day ) enhances cognitive function in children with Down syndrome . DESIGN A r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled crossover study . PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Twenty-five children with Down syndrome ( aged 6.5 - 13 years ) and their caregivers participated . After undergoing a baseline cognitive assessment , children were r and omly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups : piracetam-placebo or placebo-piracetam . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The difference in performance while taking piracetam vs while taking placebo on tests assessing a wide range of cognitive functions , including attention , learning , and memory . RESULTS Eighteen children completed the study , 4 withdrew , and 3 were excluded at baseline . Piracetam therapy did not significantly improve cognitive performance over placebo use but was associated with central nervous system stimulatory effects in 7 children : aggressiveness ( n = 4 ) , agitation or irritability ( n = 2 ) , sexual arousal ( n = 2 ) , poor sleep ( n = 1 ) , and decreased appetite ( n = 1 ) . CONCLUSION Piracetam therapy did not enhance cognition or behavior but was associated with adverse effects
From the data reported in the literature , it emerges that nootropics may be an effective alternative for strengthening and enhancing cognitive performance in patients with a range of pathologies .
Although nootropics , and specifically the cholinergic precursors , already have a long history behind them , according to recent renewal of interest , they still seem to have a significant therapeutic role .
Drugs with regulatory indications for symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer 's disease , such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine , often have transient effects in dementia disorders .
Nootropics represent probably the first " smart drugs " used for the treatment of cognitive deficits .
The aim of this paper is to verify , by a systematic analysis of the literature , the effectiveness of nootropics in this indication .
The analysis was limited to nootropics with cholinergic activity , in view of the role played by acetylcholine in learning and memory .
Acetylcholine was the first neurotransmitter identified in the history of neuroscience and is the main neurotransmitter of the peripheral , autonomic , and enteric nervous systems .