Limitless Future with Cognitive Enhancers
Cognitive enhancers, what are they all about? Lauren Tough explains all.
I know I can’t be the only one who feels under strain with university work, especially around exam time when stress levels reach their peak and my brain saturates and agglomerates into a mass of discombobulation (well, it feels that way). Have you ever heard of cognitive enhancers and wondered whether a fellow student may be using them? New Scientist and Newsnight recently ran an anonymous online questionnaire, where 38% of the 761 people who partook in the survey had used cognitive enhancers, with almost 40% of users sourcing these from internet sites. Although the questionnaire is not representative of the population, it still provides insight into the area.
Cognitive enhancers, what are they all about? Cognitive enhancing drugs are prescribed mainly in conditions such as ADHD, dementia and narcolepsy. Modnafil has been found to increase long-term concentration and alertness. Susan Watts of Newsnight took the drug in a study to further investigate the effects, and akin to previous findings, had improved memory, planning abilities and impulsivity. One student from the University of Oxford who had used modnafil said: “I’ve taken it a few times, primarily for its ability to increase wakefulness and allow me to concentrate and stay awake for very extended periods of time”.
However, the use of cognitive enhancers is problematic. There are many dangers associated with buying drugs over the internet. First and foremost, the drugs have a number of contra-indications and side effects and, without medical assessment, the use of these drugs may be dangerous. That is assuming the drugs are of suitable standard. The reported effects from the questionnaire varied; some users experienced an increased ability to study for long periods of time, where others felt anxious and hyperactive. This may be due to online purchases of drugs, as most of the suppliers are not based in the UK and may not be regulated, resulting in fake or substandard medicines. It is also important to note that any long-term side effects of the drugs are unknown.
Finally, the ethical debates associated with the topic are vast in terms of the impact on society. How fair is it that some students are using cognitive enhancers and can they be labelled ‘cheaters’? Should all students be using these drugs to boost their overall performance and would this benefit society as a whole? The first thing I think of is sport; athletes are banned from using performance enhancing drugs. Is this not the same situation? If cognitive enhancers do become our norm, would this introduce a split in society between those who can and can’t afford the drugs? A huge grey area, yet to be properly explored. Could our future be limitless?
