
Do nootropics really work?
Also known as 'smart drugs', nootropics claim they are able to boost brain performance.
A nootropic – sometimes referred to as a ‘cognitive enhancer’ – is any kind of drug or dietary supplement that supposedly boosts your mental performance in some way. Caffeine has real benefits for concentration. But more controversial is the use of prescription drugs as cognitive enhancers, such as methylphenidate (used in the treatment of ADHD) and modafinil (used to treat narcolepsy).
While research is ongoing, the current evidence suggests that the benefits of such drugs for attention and memory performance is modest and should be weighed against any potential risks, including anxiety, dependence and over-confidence.
Read more:
- How do psychedelics affect the brain?
- Why do I always get an energy crash in the afternoon?
- Do different medicines work for everyone?
- Does sitting by a window help you work better?
Asked by: Fraser Stewart, Carlisle
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- This article first appeared in issue 373 of BBC Science Focus Magazine – find out how to subscribe here
Authors
Dr Christian Jarrett is a cognitive neuroscientist, science writer and author. He is the Deputy Editor of Psyche, the sister magazine to Aeon that illuminates the human condition through psychology, philosophy and the arts. Jarrett also created the British Psychological Society's Research Digest blog and was the first ever staff journalist on the Society's magazine, The Psychologist. He is author of Great Myths of The Brain and Be Who You Want: Unlocking the Science of Personality Change.
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