Preparations To Improve Brain Function

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Preparations to improve brain function

Many, if not all, at least once in their lives noticed vivid manifestations of unpleasant symptoms characterizing the onset of organic changes in the brain: unreasonable headaches, ringing and tinnitus, memory problems, photopsies (a false sensation of light in the eyes), etc.

These symptoms speak of cerebral ischemia, or, more simply, a violation of cerebral circulation.

Cerebral ischemia is usually secondary and is caused by some other disease. In 95% of cases, this pathology is atherosclerosis. The essence of the disease consists in the formation of fatty layers (cholesterol complexes) on the walls of large vessels that provide blood to the brain, and the subsequent narrowing of their lumen.

Blockage (occlusion) of blood vessels leads to an increase in blood pressure. As a result, the vessel from excessive load can simply burst. This damage to brain tissue is called a stroke.

However, not only atherosclerosis, but also a number of other diseases and conditions lead to organ dysfunction. The most common among them are vegetative-vascular dystonia (VVD), migraine, traumatic brain injury, etc. The essence of these processes is not in occlusion, but in vasoconstriction (stenosis) as a result of spasm.

With these pathologies, the neurons of the brain also receive less blood, rich in oxygen and nutrients. As a result, characteristic symptoms grow more and more intensely and neuron cells die, which can lead to early dementia.

Thus, it is necessary to carefully monitor your health, and not to dismiss problems, hoping for "maybe".

Fortunately, circulatory failure can be compensated for with medication. Treatment of circulatory insufficiency is successfully eliminated with a complex of specialized drugs, some of which relieve spasm, others qualitatively improve blood characteristics (viscosity, etc.), thereby reducing the risk of thrombus formation.

Content:

• Preparations for vasodilation
• Preparations based on plant alkaloids
• Preparations that strengthen the walls of blood vessels
• Noopept
• Migraine medications
• Nutrition for violation of cerebral circulation

Preparations for vasodilation

Calcium blockers (calcium antagonists)

Calcium channel blockers prevent the penetration of calcium ions into the walls of blood vessels, thereby reducing the tone of the arteries. At the same time, the drugs do not have any harmful effect on the veins.

Calcium antagonists produce the strongest vasodilator effect. As a result, vasospasm subsides, blood supply returns to normal, and the brain is provided with the necessary amount of oxygen and nutrients.

At the moment, the third generation of drugs in this group is being developed.

The first generation blockers were developed back in the 60s and include the following names:

• Phenylalkylamine and its derivatives (verapamil, trade name Iso- and Finoptin).
• Dihydropyridine and its derivatives (nifedipine, trade names Adalat, Cordipin, Corinfar, Fenigidin, etc.).
• Benzodiazepine and its derivatives (diltiazem, trade name identical or Diazem).

The second generation drugs were characterized by greater efficacy and fewer side effects, as well as a longer duration of action:

• Amlodipine and other drugs ending in the postfix "dipin", except for Cordipine.
• Clentiazem.
• Anipamil and other drugs ending with the postfix "amil", except for verapamil.
• Lomir (Isradipin).

The group of calcium antagonist drugs has a lot of side effects on the part of most body systems, therefore, these drugs should be used with caution, in strict accordance with the dosage and must only be prescribed by a competent specialist.

All the drugs described above are of general action. This means that they do not act selectively, but affect to the same extent all vessels at once.

Specifically for the effect on the vessels of the brain, there are drugs that act purposefully, for example: Cinnarizine, Nimodipine and others.

Preparations based on plant alkaloids

Vinca-based preparations

A significant therapeutic effect is possessed by preparations based on an alkaloid contained in a common plant - a burial ground (periwinkle). The active substance from this plant has a pronounced antispasmodic effect, expanding the walls of blood vessels. In addition, the vinca alkaloid improves the properties of blood, increases the rate of circulation, thereby providing the brain cells with an optimal amount of nutrition and oxygen.

Among the drugs of the alkaloid group are common:

• Cavinton (and Cavinton Forte, which has a prolonged effect).
• Vinpocetine (or Vincetin).
• Bravinton.
• Vero-Vinpocetine.
• Telektol.
• Vincetin.

Herbal alkaloid-based medications are widely advertised on television and are well tolerated by patients. They have a minimum of contraindications and side effects, therefore, in moderate doses, their independent use is allowed.

However, any drug must be prescribed by a doctor, and often Cavinton alone or another drug in this group is not enough. Therefore, self-medication can be not only ineffective, but also dangerous, since the patient wastes precious time on empty chores.

Alkaloid medicines are available in both pill and injection form. The latter are much more effective, since they are injected directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. The optimal method of use is determined by the doctor.

Homeopathic remedies

The effectiveness of homeopathic remedies is controversial and most likely based on the Placebo effect. Despite the controversy, the drugs Cerebralik, Edas are quite effective. They have worked well in combination with other drugs, although the therapeutic effect is not fully understood.

Preparations based on Ginkgo Biloba

They are also widely advertised, but unlike many drugs of dubious quality, "laudatory odes" about this drug are sung quite rightly.

Preparations based on this plant have a whole range of useful properties: they reduce the tone of the arteries, increase the permeability of their walls, have a vasodilating effect, and in addition have a pronounced antioxidant effect and prevent the oxidation of cell structures (which is important for the prevention of oncology).

Medicines containing the extract of this plant also relieve swelling and improve the metabolism of the nerve tissues of the brain.

People suffering from nervous or cardiovascular diseases are most likely familiar with the names of these drugs:

• Tanakan
• Ginkor
• Gingium
• Bilobil

Medicines of this type are dispensed without a prescription, so there are no obstacles to purchasing and taking them. Some of them are not recognized as drugs at all, but are considered biologically active additives (dietary supplements). However, before taking them, the best solution would be to consult a doctor. Uncontrolled intake of even seemingly safe substances can turn out to be completely unexpected.

You should also know about drug compatibility. So, ginkgo preparations are not combined with aspirin, since they increase blood fluidity. Because of this, there is a risk of cerebral hemorrhage.

Nicotinic acid and its derivatives

Preparations, the main active ingredient of which is nicotinic acid and its derivatives (i.e., substances that have a chemical base similar to acid, but there are 1 or more substituents in the structure) have a double effect:

• First, they effectively eliminate excess "bad" cholesterol in the blood and thereby clear large arteries of cholesterol plaques.
• Secondly, nicotine drugs expand capillaries, improving blood microcirculation in small blood vessels. At the same time, veins and arteries are practically not affected, since the vasodilating effect is designed for small vessels, which are rich in all parts of the brain.

The drug is most often prescribed for atherosclerosis, due to its properties. The main form of administration into the body is injection.

Nicotine-containing medicines have rather unpleasant side effects and cause a strong burning sensation and heat, as well as redness of the skin. These manifestations are precisely associated with the expansion of the branched network of capillaries. In some cases, the doctor may find it more appropriate to take oral nicotine medications. Among the drugs in this group you can find: Nikoshpan, Enduratin and others.

All nicotine medications are dispensed only with a doctor's prescription, since taking them alone can lead to severe damage to the liver and excretory system.

Find out more: 15 Brain Boosting Substances and Memory Boosts

Preparations that strengthen the walls of blood vessels

Many cardiovascular diseases, which are accompanied by changes in the brain, significantly affect the vessels. The blood lines become brittle and lose their normal elasticity. Specially to increase the intensity of metabolic processes of blood vessels, restore their elasticity and permeability, drugs of a special group are prescribed.

As a rule, this group includes vitamins, as well as some minerals and trace elements:

• Rutin (P- vitamin). The collective name for a whole group of active substances, including flavonoids, anthocyanins and others. Promotes normal synthesis of cellular structures, therefore it is necessary to maintain optimal vascular tone. The greatest effect of the substance is achieved in combination with vitamin C, which prevents the repeated destruction of cells under the influence of oxidants.
• Trace elements Potassium, Selenium and Silicon. Vitamin complexes containing these microelements will be a good help in improving the blood vessels of the brain. In addition to vitamin complexes, it is also recommended to take some dietary supplements, food additives based on plants-adaptogens.
• Dihydroquerticin. Dihydroquerticin has the ability to dilate blood vessels and maintain their stable tone.

Within the dosage indicated in the annotation to these drugs and vitamin complexes, self-administration is allowed. Active substances are useful not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of disorders of the functioning of the brain.

Noopept

Among the nootropic drugs described above (Piracetam, Aminalon, etc.), the most effective new generation nootropic drug is Noopept.

Nootropic drugs are aimed at stimulating the brain, improving memory and protecting the brain from adverse effects. The pharmacological action of this group of medicines is based on improving blood circulation through capillaries and large blood vessels, as well as increasing the intensity of metabolism in the vessels.

Noopept stands alone in the group of nootropic drugs, since it has a prolonged effect and has practically no side effects. It is prescribed to persons with pronounced ischemic manifestations resulting from trauma, atherosclerotic changes, etc.

Nevertheless, despite the effectiveness of the drug, manufacturers do not recommend taking it to persons under 18 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, as well as to persons with impaired liver and excretory system. The drug is characterized by a minimum of side effects. However, you should not take Noopept uncontrollably.

Migraine medications

Migraine is a complex neurological pathology that affects blood vessels. In the course of development, it goes through a number of stages, at each of which the vessels undergo one or another change.

• The vascular tone decreases.
• A spasm occurs in the branching area of the carotid artery.
• The vessels of the head dilate, but at the same time remain in a spasmodic state, which makes them vulnerable to stretching.
• The vessel wall and adjacent tissues become swollen as the permeability of the bloodstream is reduced.
• The vascular tone is normalized, and the line returns to its original state.

Since the vessels at the time of the migraine attack are already in a dilated state, vasodilator drugs will not help here.

It is most effective to take the following complex of drugs: analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, serotonin antagonists (to eliminate excessive vasodilation). If everything is clear with the first two, serotonin antagonists include several drugs: Amerj, Zomig, etc.

Despite popular belief, migraines are far from safe and should be treated strictly under medical supervision. Self-administration of drugs is unacceptable.

Nutrition for violation of cerebral circulation

It is important to adjust your diet to reduce your risk of complications from brain dysfunction.

Be sure to use the following products:

• Cereal products. Bran, fresh bread, cereals provide the brain with the necessary B vitamins.
• Nuts and seeds. Essential for replenishing vitamin E “reserves”.
• Vegetables.
• Eggs.
• Berries (blueberries and black currants). Improves memory.
• Broccoli.
• A fish. Rich in phosphorus.
• Fresh fruits (especially apples). They prevent oxidative processes, increase brain activity. In addition, apples cleanse the vessels of harmful substances.

Thus, there is no panacea for brain disorders. Depending on the pathology, it is necessary to select a specific treatment. Often the problem of brain disorders lies not in one, but in several factors at once. In this case, the treatment will be complex. One way or another, it is impossible to cope with the problem without competent medical care.

The author of the article: Volkov Dmitry Sergeevich | c. m. n. surgeon, phlebologist

Education: Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry (1996). In 2003 he received a diploma from the Educational and Scientific Medical Center of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation.