Neuroethical Issues in Cognitive Enhancement

Cognitive Therapy Importance of Cognitive-enhancing drugs Methods of boosting an individual's brain power Research for cognitive enhancers The interest in Cognitive enhancement The neuroethics associated with cognitive enhancements Observations The article titled "Neuroethical issues in cognitive enhancement" was written by the authors Barbara Sahakian and Sharon Morein-Zamir and was first published online on March 8, 2010. Neuroethics is a field that addresses the applied ethical issues that are brought directly or indirectly about by neuroscience advancements. One area is on the research and development of enhancers in pharmaceutical cognition.

These drugs are mainly developed for the treatment of cognitive disabilities and improving the quality of life of patients with brain injuries and neuropsychiatric disorders. This report endeavors to review the impact that such drugs have in both healthy and neuropsychiatric individuals and the overall implications on the society as a new development in the field of psychology (Sahakian & Morein-Zamir, 2011). Importance of Cognitive-enhancing drugs These drugs are also considered as smart drugs and are used in the treatment of cognitive disabilities.

They are also essential in enhancing the value of life for those individuals suffering from brain injury or having neuropsychiatric disorders. They also treat disorders like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity, Schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. These drugs slow down as well as compensate for the decline in behavioral and cognitive function. The cognitive enhancers are beneficial to both neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative disorders. For instance, it is commonly known that delusions and hallucinations are cognitive impairments that often impede the value of life of patients and impede their everyday function.

Methods of boosting an individual's brain power The pharmaco-cognitive enhancers are primarily used for this function. Other methods include transcranial magnetic stimulation, neuroprosthetics for cognition, physical exercise, education and cognitive training and cognitive activation. Research for cognitive enhancers Various methods are used in testing the effects caused by cognitive enhancers on perception. One of the methods is the use of double-blind placebo-controlled studies that require an individual to measure several facets of cognition like attention, executive functions, and memory.

According to research, methylphenidate is seen to improve spatial working memory performance in young and adult patients suffering from ADHD (Cakic, 2009). Psychopharmacological research includes the consideration of complex factors like neurotransmitter functions. For instance, different levels of transmitters are found across various regions of the brain. This suggests a complex interplay between drug administration and baseline levels. However, although some cognitive functions improve with the administration of drugs, they may worsen in others because they depend on the levels of neurotransmitters in play.

In order to increase one's brain chemistry, methods like animal models and imaging techniques, drug dosage, individual differences and the complex roles played by the pre-existing baseline levels are becoming apparent (Sahakian & Morein-Zamir, 2011). The interest in Cognitive enhancement It is increasingly becoming a mode of treatment for methylphenidate especially in the western countries. Perhaps, the use increases concentration, help one study, and enhance alertness. Another interest is in Germany where the drugs are administered to extend the life span of the aged as well as improve their memory.

The neuroethics associated with cognitive enhancements. Neuroethics is the study of the ethical, legal, and social issues arising when findings about the brain are undertaken. Neuroethics should be taught to students to instill in them responsibilities as members of the society and scientists.