Whether you’re a college student hoping to ace your exams, a busy professional striving for a promotion, or an older adult concerned about dementia, the idea of popping a pill that boosts your brainpower might seem appealing. So perhaps it’s not surprising that the use of nootropics — aka cognitive enhancers or smart drugs — is on the rise. But do they work? And are they safe?
The term “nootropics” first referred to chemicals that met very specific criteria. But now it’s used to refer to any natural or synthetic substance that may have a positive impact on mental skills. In general, nootropics fall into three general categories: dietary supplements, synthetic compounds, and prescription drugs.
Whether you’re a college student hoping to ace your exams, a busy professional striving for a promotion, or an older adult concerned about dementia, the idea of popping a pill that boosts your brainpower might seem appealing. So perhaps it’s not surprising that the use of nootropics — aka cognitive enhancers or smart drugs — is on the rise. But do they work? And are they safe?
The term “nootropics” first referred to chemicals that met very specific criteria. But now it’s used to refer to any natural or synthetic substance that may have a positive impact on mental skills. In general, nootropics fall into three general categories: dietary supplements, synthetic compounds, and prescription drugs.
What Researchers Say
Barry Gordon, MD, PhD, director of the cognitive neurology/neuropsychology division at Johns Hopkins Medicine, says there’s “no strong evidence” that any of the supplements now being sold for their supposed memory-boosting powers are helpful. “It’s not clear that they work and not clear that they’re safe,” he says. He’s also skeptical of the basic premise behind nootropics.
