Brain Boosting Drugs for Healthy Individuals

2008-12-11 03:25:29 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Health & Fitness, News)

Wired PR News.com – In a recent report in an online publication of the journal Nature, scientists have proposed that more research be put into drugs that would boost the brain function of healthy individuals. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), the experts contend that people should be able to use pills for improved brain function comparable to those used by aged individuals for memory and children for hyperactivity.

The demand for these kinds of drugs has reportedly increased over time, along with the number of college students who illegally use prescription medications to stimulate the brain, like Ritalin. The scientists in the publication are quoted as stating in the AP report “We should welcome new methods of improving our brain function.” The scientists further suggest that using drugs to enhance mental performance is no less a moral issue than eating healthy foods or getting adequate sleep.

Not all health experts agree with the findings in the report. Leigh Turner of the University of Minnesota Center for Bioethics was quoted by the AP as stating, “It’s a nice puff piece for selling medications for people who don’t have an illness of any kind.”

More information on the issue can be found by visiting the Nature website at http://www.nature.com/nature/.