Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
26:41
Perspectives on Neuroscience
Published on: July 31, 2007
Neuroenhancement: status quo and perspectives
Claus Normann1, Mathias Berger
1Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center, Hauptstrasse 5, Freiburg, Germany. Claus.normann@uniklinik-freiburg.de
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
|December 5, 2008
Summary
Neuroenhancement drugs aim to boost cognitive function in healthy individuals, but current clinical trials show limited success. Further research may yield more effective drugs, necessitating a broader ethical debate.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Neuroenhancement involves using pharmacological agents to improve cognitive functions in healthy individuals.
- Research targets brain plasticity pathways for memory and learning enhancement.
- Drugs like modafinil and methylphenidate are explored for attention and vigilance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies and clinical trial outcomes in pharmacological neuroenhancement.
- To identify key areas of research including cognition, mood, and social performance.
- To highlight the potential future development of more effective neuroenhancement drugs.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials involving neuroenhancing drugs.
- Analysis of pharmacological strategies targeting cognitive pathways.
- Examination of research in mood, social, and sexual performance enhancement.
Main Results:
- Current clinical trials for neuroenhancing drugs have shown limited efficacy or failure.
- Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., rolipram) and NMDA-modulating drugs (e.g., donepezil) have been tested for memory.
- Modafinil and methylphenidate are investigated for attention and vigilance.
Conclusions:
- Despite limited current success, the high demand for neuroenhancement fuels ongoing research.
- Future development of more efficacious neuroenhancement drugs is anticipated.
- An extended societal ethical discussion is required due to potential advancements.
More Related Videos
06:42Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
06:11High-definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex to Enhance Metacognitive Sensitivity
Published on: September 26, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function. They...
01:26Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
Neurochemical transmission, the conduction of electrical impulses between neurons mediated by neurotransmitters, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Autonomic drugs exert their effects by modulating neurotransmission within the autonomic nervous system. For instance, drugs such as hemicholinium block the precursor uptake necessary for synthesizing acetylcholine, an essential autonomic neurotransmitter. Following synthesis, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. Metyrosine...
01:29Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase, which converts...
01:25Long-term Potentiation
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
01:21Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
01:30Psychosurgery
Psychosurgery, the surgical alteration or permanent removal of brain tissue to alleviate severe psychological conditions, stands as one of the most radical and controversial treatments in the history of mental health care. Its development and application have evolved significantly, marked by dramatic shifts in scientific understanding and ethical perspectives.
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...