A healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and exercise can help keep your brain young and agile, making you more productive at work and play. However, there are times when all of these factors may be less than ideal, particularly if you’re experiencing a bad bout of déjà vu or mild memory loss. When this happens, it may be a good idea to consider taking a drug to boost your cognitive function.
The problem is that there aren’t any established guidelines for when and how to use cognitive-enhancement drugs. As a result, it’s easy for doctors to give out prescriptions without having any idea of the long-term effects of the drugs being used.
Fortunately, that’s slowly starting to change. As researchers continue to investigate the benefits of various cognitive-enhancing medications, we’re beginning to see an emerging consensus about which ones are most effective in preventing or treating age-related memory loss and cognitive decline. Below, we’ll discuss the most promising drugs for female brain health and what you need to know about them.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that promotes sleep. It also has powerful antioxidant effects that help protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals. In line with these properties, numerous studies have linked melatonin to improved cognitive function and reduced odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Several clinical trials have also shown that supplementing with melatonin can help improve cognitive performance in people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in the areas of attention, working memory, and executive function. As a result, melatonin is likely to be one of the safest and most effective drugs for female brain health.
Chamomile Flower Extract
Chamomile flower extract is commonly found in supplements for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. However, this ingredient helps with more than just memory loss. Chamomile flower extract has been shown in studies to have beneficial effects on the behavior of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, including improved sleep and reduced anxiety and agitation. In addition, people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia who participate in clinical trials have shown significant improvements in their cognitive functions following supplementation with chamomile flower extract. Given its positive effects on behavior, sleep, and cognitive function, chamomile flower extract is a promising addition to any woman’s medicine cabinet for overall well-being.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an immune-boosting substance extracted from pineapple plants. It’s been shown in studies to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. Similarly, animal studies have shown that bromelain can help protect the brain from damage caused by a stroke or traumatic injury. This drug has been shown to boost cognitive function, making it a potential contender for the title of “brain healthiest pill.” Unfortunately, bromelain can also be harmful at excessive doses. It’s common for people to experience digestive upset or bleeding when they take higher than recommended dosages. To ensure you don’t experience any negative side effects, only take the amount recommended by your doctor.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a type of Asian herb that has been shown in studies to boost the immune system and protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals. Like melatonin and chamomile flower extract, ginseng has also been shown to improve cognitive function and decrease the odds of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Like melatonin, ginseng has also been shown to promote sleep. In line with these properties, ginseng has been traditionally used in China and other parts of Asia as a sleep aid. It can also be mildly stimulating, which some people may find useful in boosting cognition. Finally, ginseng has been shown in studies to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. As a result, ginseng is another potentially useful drug for women to consider taking for brain health.
Piracetam
Piracetam is a cognitive enhancer that has been shown to improve the cognitive functioning of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It does this by increasing the rate at which the brain uses energy. Piracetam has also been shown to reduce the mental agitation that people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia experience. This drug is another that has been traditionally used in Asia as a cognitive enhancer. While piracetam does have some positive effects on cognitive function, it can also cause anxiety, headaches, and behavior issues at excessive doses. Its efficacy in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia has made it a popular choice among clinicians, and it has been approved by the FDA for use in this population. However, it has yet to be established whether or not piracetam prevents or treats Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Because of this, it’s not recommended for use outside of clinical trials.
St. John’s Wart Flower Extract
Like chamomile flower extract and ginseng, St. John’s wart flower extract has been shown in studies to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. However, it also has been shown to enhance cognitive function and decrease the odds of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. This is likely due to its effects on the brain’s neuroplasticity. Just like chamomile flower extract and ginseng, St. John’s wart flower extract can boost the immune system and protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals. In addition, St. John’s wart flower extract has been shown in studies to improve sleep and decrease anxiety and agitation in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. As a result, this drug may be another useful option for women interested in boosting their brain health.
The bottom line is that there aren’t any bad choices among these medications. Instead, it’s all a matter of finding the right dosage for you. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you’re not sure how it will react with your other medications or supplements. As you consider the factors that make up your ideal wellness routine, including diet, exercise, and sleep, you may find that one or more of these medications fit the bill perfectly. In addition, if you think that your cognitive function could use a boost now and then, but you don’t want to put yourself in harm’s way, then one of these drugs could be just what you need to keep your brain healthy and strong.