royalsociety | In addition to causing distress and disability to the individual,
neuropsychiatric disorders are also extremely expensive to society and
governments. These disorders are both common and debilitating and impact
on cognition, functionality and wellbeing. Cognitive enhancing drugs,
such as cholinesterase inhibitors and methylphenidate, are used to treat
cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease and attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, respectively. Other cognitive enhancers include
specific computerized cognitive training and devices. An example of a
novel form of cognitive enhancement using the technological advancement
of a game on an iPad that also acts to increase motivation is presented.
Cognitive enhancing drugs, such as methylphenidate and modafinil, which
were developed as treatments, are increasingly being used by healthy
people. Modafinil not only affects ‘cold’ cognition, but also improves
‘hot’ cognition, such as emotion recognition and task-related
motivation. The lifestyle use of ‘smart drugs' raises both safety
concerns as well as ethical issues, including coercion and increasing
disparity in society. As a society, we need to consider which forms of
cognitive enhancement (e.g. pharmacological, exercise, lifelong
learning) are acceptable and for which groups (e.g. military, doctors)
under what conditions (e.g. war, shift work) and by what methods we
would wish to improve and flourish.
