Sharper minds (Drugs That Make You Smarter)

LA Times ^ | 20 December 2004 | Melissa Healy

[shrinkermd]

It would be hard to imagine improving on the intelligence of computer engineer Bjoern Stenger, a doctoral candidate at Cambridge University. Yet for several hours, a pill seemed to make him even brainier.

Participating in a research project, Stenger downed a green gelatin cap containing a drug called modafinil. Within an hour, his attention sharpened. So did his memory. He aced a series of mental-agility tests. If his brainpower would normally rate a 10, the drug raised it to 15, he said.

"I was quite focused," said Stenger. "It was also kind of fun."

The age of smart drugs is dawning. Modafinil is just one in an array of brain-boosting medications — some already on pharmacy shelves and others in development — that promise an era of sharper thinking through chemistry.

[shrinkermd]

FY perusal.

[martin_fierro]

Now they'll be administering urine tests to potential contestants.

[InvisibleChurch]

Cliff Claven sez:

"Well ya see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers."

[Publius6961]

BUMP!

[Names Ash Housewares]

"Dope is for dopes, drugs are for dummies" -Fat Albert

[FairOpinion]

Very interesting. Thanks for posting it.

Eventually they might find out that some of these drugs actually help the brain function better, and may allow people to keep a sharp mind throughout their life.

[AlaskaErik]

Reminds me of that song by Jefferson Airplane...White Rabbit.

[beavus]

Outstanding!

[beavus]

They might be applicable to folks with dimentia or mental retardation.

[EternalHope]

Hmmm...

[Riley]

If his brainpower would normally rate a 10, the drug raised it to 15, he said.

This could spell the end of the Democratic party.

[Billthedrill]

Great. I'm only a pill away from remembering where I put the dang car keys.

[nothingnew]

I did LSD many years ago. Many times. It did focus me on a number of things. When it stopped doing that, I stopped using it.

There are many drugs out there that can be a help.............right now I need some really good pain killers.

FMCDH(BITS)

[pgobrien]

ping for an Alzheimer's moment......

[RJL]

"Well ya see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers."

LOL... I didn't know that!

[shubi]

I don't see how I could get any smarter.

[Ryan Spock]

Very interesting story. I wonder if there are potential side effects though...for example, some chemical that our brains naturally produce, but stop producing when we take it synthetically, so that you are then addicted to these drugs in order to think normally...

[ColoradoAce]

That is extremely funny....thanks for the post.
K

[delacoert]

I can see it now... manditory drug tests after taking SAT, GRE...

[DannyTN]

Drugs make me both smarter and smooth