Abstract
Humans have always striven to increase their cognitive capacities. The term cognitive enhancement usually characterizes interventions in humans that aim to improve mental functioning beyond what is necessary to sustain or restore good health. While public debate mainly concentrates on pharmaceuticals, according to the given characterization, cognitive enhancement also by nonpharmacological means has to be regarded as proper for enhancement. In this chapter we summarize empirical data on approaches for enhancing cognitive capabilities in humans using pharmaceuticals, nutrition, physical exercise, sleep, meditation, mnemonic strategies, computer training, and brain stimulation. Evidence for the efficacy of many pharmaceuticals currently in use for cognitive enhancement is still mixed, whereas a growing body of evidence demonstrates reliable cognition-enhancing effects for several nonpharmacological interventions. Differential and comparative research on the variety of existing cognitive enhancers is strongly needed to inform the public debate on cognitive enhancement.
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