Introduction. Currently, there are drugs that can improve cognitive processes. They are nootropics. The term "nootropics" was introduced in 1972, when piracetam's memory-enhancing properties were discovered, and this group of drugs has served the human benefit for half a century. The purpose of the work is to analyze known facts and new trends in the development of nootropics as a pharmacological group. Materials and methods. Internet resources (PubMed, Google Scholar, CrossRef) are used to search for information. Original research articles, meta-analyses and systematic reviews are included in the study. Attention was focused on providing an up-to-date overview of known means. Main part. For classification, the distribution of nootropics according to the mechanism of action is proposed. Nootropics have both a receptor mechanism of action and improve the supply of glucose and oxygen to the brain, the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids and phospholipids, eliminate oxygen free radicals, have an antiplatelet effect, and optimize cerebral blood circulation. They are used for the treatment of psycho-organic syndrome. Nootropics are effective in providing benign senile disease, in children with minimal brain dysfunction syndrome, in case of encephalopathy and myalgic encephalomyelitis. Nootropics are indicated for patients with Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, hyperkinetic disorder. They are well tolerated. Their effectiveness depends on the dose, and after the disappearance of the disorder, the treatment should be continued for at least 2-3 weeks. Nootropics attract the attention of practically healthy individuals, in particular, students, but their use by healthy people is against concern due to the absence of clinical evidence of effectiveness, safety and social consequences. Some of the most famous nootropic drugs are piracetam, pyritinol, nicergoline, and vinpocetine, which have certain shades of pharmacodynamics, dosage, and side effects. Conclusions. Therefore, all nootropics improve cognitive function, especially in cases of the damage or degeneration, are well tolerated and should be prescribed by a specialist in each specific case. New research is needed to confirm or simplify the beneficial effects of nootropics in healthy individuals.
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