The demand for better memory

Q. Should drugs that improve cognitive functions (ex. memory and attention) be available to everyone or only to those with impaired functioning such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? What are the advantages and disadvantages of widespread use of such drugs among those who are unimpaired?

A. The demand for better memory and cognitive functioning is seen daily in the television and web ads that promote ginkgo-biloba supplements. If people were not buying this product, the ads would not exist. So there probably is a large demand, by otherwise healthy people, for something to help them with cognitive functioning. If neuro-enhancing drugs are available for use in this area, there could be some interesting scenarios created. What if a student who makes very good grades wants to reach the maximum points available? Their desired usage is far different from the student who is barely passing classes, and desires to better themselves by reaching the level of the student who makes very good grades. In this situation there could be a socio-economical disparity that prevents the student barley getting by from having access to the same medication as the student making good grades.

There are some interesting questions that arise from thinking about this topic. First, are there studies to show what the implications of using cognitive enhancing drugs as being beneficial to someone who is not cognitively impaired? Which makes me wonder, could using this type of medication actually have detrimental effects or unintended consequences? We automatically think that just because we have a good attention span, having an increased attention span would be better. The use of medication to treat Alzheimer’s patients is a good thing, but memory is a tricky thing. Our memories often times act similarly to a filter that allows some things to be retained, and not others. Remembering good things that happen in our lives such as the moment we met our spouse is a natural memory function. However, if we take memory enhancing drugs, will we remember things like sitting in the doctor’s office staring at the wall? Will the drugs be selective or comprehensive? Could we end up with a head full of things we would like to forget, or even repress?

I know I have answered questions with questions, but I think I made my point.

Here is a follow-up question: Alzheimer’s is sometimes described as losing one’s personality. If someone, who is totally obnoxious but unimpaired, uses drugs to enhance their personality, will it make them more obnoxious?

Just wondering…