New drugs developed primarily for Alzheimer’s disease may soon be marketed as drugs that improve memory and intelligence.
While none of these so-called “intelligence drugs” are on the market yet, some are currently in clinical trials, and many others are in the intermediate stages of research. Most memory-enhancing drugs today are used for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by low levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Memory and thinking skills are the first functions that are affected in this disease. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are several drugs that treat the symptoms of the disease.
Many researchers have completed animal testing and have shown that healthy animals learn faster and remember longer when certain genes are manipulated or certain drugs are added.
Scientists have proposed that the same enhancements could occur in humans.
University of Wisconsin Professor of Psychology Ann Kelley said it is clear that certain drugs can be developed to improve memory and that depending on the mechanism of action of the drug, it could benefit individuals with Alzheimer’s as well as individuals who are not sick with the disease.
“Alzheimer’s drugs usually work through the same mechanism: they inhibit the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine to increase the levels of this neurotransmitter in the synapse of the neurons,” Thomas Rudy, UW professor of pharmacy said.
While the drugs that increase levels of acetylcholine can partially alleviate the symptoms associated with a decrease in cognitive function and emotional stability for Alzheimer’s patients, it is unlikely they could enhance the function of people without the disease.
Rudy says this is because it is more of a replacement, rather than enhancement strategy.
There are a variety of drugs in the process of development now, and the mechanism in which they work may differ from drug to drug.
“Determining whether [memory drugs] could enhance function really depends on how the drug is developed. Some drugs are potentially beneficial to everyone, for example stimulants, like caffeine,” Kelley said. “But if it is a replacement strategy, like giving insulin to a non-diabetic, the individual could experience negative effects, in this case insulin shock.”
There are usually side effects with every drug and this will be one of the most important aspects to consider when deciding whether to take any drug. One must make sure the benefits outweigh the risks of the drugs, Kelley said.
Many people question whether memory drugs could really make humans smarter. While they may improve memory or attention, intelligence may be more difficult to create with the use of a drug. Some scientists believe that a drug that can actually increase IQ probably cannot be created.
“There is probably not a drug that can make us more intelligent. Genetics and our environment are the main factors to consider for intelligence,” Kelley said. “We are a long way off from a miracle drug that makes everyone remember everything.”
Kelley added that the human brain does not work in this way.
Other scientists believe that with the recent increase in neuroscience research, intelligence drugs that will increase IQ may be available in the next few decades.
Rudy pointed out that ethical issues must also be taken into consideration.
“Is it fair that only those who can afford the drug can gain more intelligence? Should we give these drugs to our children? And there is also the question of how exactly [the drug] works. Is it permanent? Or should you only take [the drug] when studying?” he questioned.
