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Post by Admin on Jan 29, 2019 13:49:57 GMT -4
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Janice Rhymer Martinez
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Post by Janice Rhymer Martinez on Jan 29, 2019 23:35:15 GMT -4
Smart pills are just vitamins with a fancy name in my opinion. Yes, these vitamins have shown to be beneficial but like the countless research and evidence suggests; there are no real link to actually making that person using the pill any smarter, more focus and/or more alert to their surroundings. Both Adderall and Ritalin are central nervous system stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and in my opinion, should be considered the real somewhat "smart pills". With no doubt these drugs, their research and evidences do show that they temporarily have that smart effect that one is looking for (focus, concentration, alertness etc) but at a cost. Exercise, meditation, reading and eating healthy are really and truly what one should do if they want to be smarter. Of course those that need the extra help (ei- people with ADHA etc) should always have it. The overall problem is that people want more but dont want to work as hard to get it. Maybe one day, with how technology and medicine is evolving there will be a smart pill, but for now people should just put in the work.
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Stefanny Santana Rivera
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Post by Stefanny Santana Rivera on Jan 29, 2019 23:52:51 GMT -4
This is a very interesting subject and increasingly popular amongst our group of colleagues. I know that while in basic sciences and while studying for the boards many of my fellow colleagues have tried these supplements and swear by them. However, besides the fact that they may pose dangers in health in the future, there is also the issue of, is it fair for other students who decided not to take these drugs to not have this advantage over those who used it? For example, professional athletes are not allowed to use steroids for competitions because that's considered cheating and an unfair advantage, therefore, could we argue that using these drugs is also considered an unfair advantage? Furthermore, I recently learned about a supplement called DMAE, which is being used as an alternative to stimulants in children with ADHD, for people with age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's, for boosting athletic performance and for skin care by preventing wrinkles. I have tried this supplement maybe 5 times, and I'm not necessarily sure if it has improved concentration or not. I have attached some articles about this supplement just in case anyone is curious in learning a little bit more about how it works. www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2004/11/aas/page-01www.verywellhealth.com/dmae-what-should-i-know-about-it-89941examine.com/supplements/dmae/ |
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Post by C. Njoki on Jan 30, 2019 10:46:04 GMT -4
I do use some of these " smart brain" supplements, mainly because my mother introduced them to me. My favorite is Ginkgo Biloba and Omega 3 supplements. I have never paid any attention to evaluate if there is any significant difference in enhancing my brain activity while taking them. My recent addition is MCT- medium chain triglycerides-powder derived from coconut oil.Recent studys state that it keep Alzheimers a bay. While these is still in debate I will take it just to insure myself. I think the only thing I pay attention to is the manufacturers of these products as most of then are not FDA approved. In the mean time I will keep "enhancing my brain" with my Ginkgo biloba, Omega 3 and MCT powder.
Carol Njoki
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Post by Davide Fox on Jan 30, 2019 11:51:35 GMT -4
The use of drugs that help with cognitive abilities in the military has been happening for years with supposedly great results. As a society I think we should strive to be the best we can be and if a drug or even just the placebo effect will help us reach our maximum potential and be healthy it should be given. The usage of the drugs should only be used if they are safe to the general public following the guidelines of the FDA should be used. In regards to ADHD medication abuse, this would not be the same as a smart drug as there is no proof in increases cognitive ability
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Post by Suhani Dalal on Jan 30, 2019 18:39:05 GMT -4
Addrell is a common drug well known to increase focus/attention spans and often used by students as a 'quick fix' under high stress situations. But does it actually help students get a better grade? Since Adderell results in increased concentration, staying up all night to study may become easier and more enjoyable for students, and hence, it is often assumed that this would result in higher grades.
Depending on how addrell is used in terms of studying (whether the student studies consistently/in intervals or crams at last minute), the grades from consuming address may change. One who studies in intervals will almost always get better grade than student who crams last minute. If both these students took addrell prior to when they studied, I don't think there would be any change in the grade that they both would get without taking addrell. Higher grade is not from taking addrell but rather based on how the student studied. Thus, I would imagine that it does not have a significant effect on intelligence or on the ability to get better grades.
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Post by David Wurbel on Jan 30, 2019 20:48:30 GMT -4
When I hear "smart drug" I think of a drug that will increase one's cognitive ability and as of yet I do not know a drug that does that. There are many supplements that are supposed to increase cognition such as Ginkgo Biloba and Omega 3. However, there is no clear study that points to these supplements as really doing anything to increase cognition. People will say that they work and I believe that the people that say Ginkgo Biloba and Omega 3 do work are experiencing a placebo effect. In that, when taking the Ginkgo Biloba and Omega 3 they feel like they can remember more and learn better. This is not because the Ginkgo Biloba and Omega 3 is actually doing anything but because they believe the Ginkgo Biloba and Omega 3 is doing something. Then there is the misuse of Adderall and Ritalin. These medications I believe do work and do change brain chemistry. They are effective treatments for ADHD by increasing the patient's ability to focus and concentrate on tasks. But it is this action that Adderall and Ritalin are doing in people that do not have ADHD that are misusing Adderall and Ritalin that they think they are "getting smarter". They are not getting smarter, they are just being stimulated and because of that stimulation, have an increase in the ability to focus and concentrate.
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Post by Sherise Drost on Jan 31, 2019 1:07:47 GMT -4
It is well known known that omega 3’s, physical activity, B-vitamins and antioxidants influence brain function. Increasing memory, focus and clarity. I see no problem taking them daily, what will it hurt even if they don’t work.
Prescription stimulants on the other hand, are different. They have many side effects and are addictive. I believe that ADHD has been over diagnosed. A Harvard study state that 5% was a realistic estimate for those who truly suffer with ADHD, while there are some states that have up to 33% of white boys being diagnosed with ADHD. While they have shown to be effective in a subset of those who have been correctly diagnosed with ADHD, those inappropriately diagnosed with ADHD or who take stimulants which are not prescribed is exposing them to more harm than good. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD is relatively new, most occurring in the 1980-90’s. There is still a lot that remains unknown as to how they affect people long-term. What we know is that the use of smart drugs is on the rise. We as providers need to be more aware of this and counsel patients on the effect that this can have on their lives.
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