Book chapter
Cognitive-Enhancing Substances and the Developing Brain: Risks and Benefits
Modern Approaches to Augmentation of Brain Function, pp 661-677
26 Aug 2021
Abstract
Growing competitiveness in education and workplaces has led to increased interest in cognitive-enhancing substances. Abuse of prescription drugs purported to offer nootropic potential is increasing, and new brands of over-the-counter nootropics are being developed. However, the majority of research into the effectiveness and safety of cognitive-enhancing substances has been performed on adults, and the prefrontal cortex, the brain region in control of higher-order cognitive function, does not finish developing until adulthood, raising concerns that adolescent abuse of cognitive enhancers could result in lasting changes to the brain. In this chapter, we discuss the current trends in cognitive enhancement among adolescents and adults, examine several prescription drugs commonly used or being examined for their potential cognitive-enhancing effects, and discuss the potential risks of each substance. We also discuss the state of over-the-counter nootropics and the lack of reliable research into their efficacy and safety.
Metrics
16 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Cognitive-Enhancing Substances and the Developing Brain: Risks and Benefits
- Creators
- Kimberly R. Urban - Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaWen-Jun Gao - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Modern Approaches to Augmentation of Brain Function, pp 661-677
- Series
- Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience
- Publisher
- Springer International Publishing; Cham
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Neurobiology and Anatomy
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85114247086
- Other Identifier
- 991019302021204721