The Benefits
A few studies have indicated that at least some of these supplements are successful at providing most users with beneficial results. For example, scientists have looked at Piracetam, which some claim enhances focus, learning and memory as a possible treatment for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Neuroscientist and leading cognitive enhancement expert Professor Barbara Sahakian of the University of Cambridge has extensively studied these drugs and found that Modafinil does improve cognitive function, in areas such as memory retention and task-related motivation. Initial follow-ups with healthy volunteers have shown similarly encouraging outcomes.
The Costs
Not all smart drugs are created equal. Some don’t work, some only work for certain people, and yet others have adverse side effects. Modafinil for one can cause a range of side effects, from hallucinations, aggression, and chest pain, to headaches, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. Cognitive enhancers are also often taken for the long-term when little data on the safety of the use of these drugs in healthy people remains to be determined.
Another concern is the current supply route, which comes typically from unregulated international suppliers that may use dubious ingredients. Smart drugs also don’t come cheap. Aspery, for example, claims to have invested 15 years of his time and $300,000 in a quest to maximize his own potential. Their use also raises the ethical question of how far people are willing to go to outpace the competition.
The Bottom Line
Genius in a bottle? Perhaps. The reality is thought that when billions of dollars are at stake, for some looking to cash in, the potential benefits outweigh the risks. For now, we’ll stick to the basics: exercise, eating right, and sleep.