Learning unit: Nootropics, cognitive enhancers


Impact of the learning unit:

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurologic disease of old age. The aim is to review drugs with
procognitive and nootropic effect highlighting the multiple pharmacological mechanisms that are
targeted to achieve enhancement of cognitive brain functions and to slow down progression of the
dementia. Knowledge of pharmacology of cognition-enhancing drugs (anti-dementia drugs and
nootropics) is necessary for a proper use of these drugs in clinical practice.


Important terms


cognition-enhancers

anti-dementia drugs

                                reversible cholinesterase inhibitors

                                               donepezil

                                               galantamine

                                               rivastigmine

                                NMDA antagonists

                                               memantine

nootropics (“smart drugs“)

                piracetam

                pyritinol

                vinpocetine

                vasodilators of cerebral vessels

                               cinnarizine

                               pentoxiphylline

                               naftidrofuryl



Learning outcomes


Student knows basic pharmacological profile (mode of action, unwanted effects, indications and
contraindications) of cognition-enhancing drugs and nootropics.

Student lists pathological states treated with nootropics and anti-dementia drugs.


Recommended study materials

Rang & Dale's Pharmacology E - Book, Humphrey Rang, 8th edition, 2016

                chapter 48: CNS stimulants and psychotomimetic drugs, pages 594-595;

                chapter 40: Neurodegenerative diseases, pages  487-491

Study materials in IS aVLFA0822c and aVLFA08222p.


Exam questions

Special pharmacology: Nootropics, cognitive enhancers.

„Essential“ drugs: rivastigmine