Ethical questions regarding use of brain-enhancing drugs debated (12/26/2007)

The use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by ill as well as healthy individuals is the subject of a commentary published this week in Nature.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge highlight the growing use of brain-boosting drugs and the need for regulation.

Cognitive-enhancing drugs are currently prescribed for a wide variety of neuropsychiatric disorders and brain injury. Few would question providing such drugs to Alzheimer's patients, but what if they were being prescribed for healthy individuals with conditions such as jet lag? Meanwhile, non-prescription use of these types of drugs, which can improve memory, concentration and planning, has seen an increase, with many individuals purchasing them over the internet.

Professor Barbara Sahakian and Dr Sharon Morein-Zamir raise a number of additional stimulating questions regarding health considerations as well as the societal impact of the use of cognitive-enhancing drugs. They argue that many factors must be taken into account, including the precise drug, the benefits and risks, and the purpose for which it is used.

Professor Sahakian said: "We should be encouraging pharmaceutical companies to develop safer and more effective cognitive enhancers for improving the quality of life of patients with neuropsychiatric disorders and brain injuries."

Many of us drink caffeinated coffee, a well-known stimulant. Is taking a tablet any different? The authors raise the question that as you would not consider a strong cup of coffee as an unfair advantage, should the use of drugs be considered cheating?

Dr Sharon Morein-Zamir said: "There is a dearth of research on the prevalence and attitudes towards such cognitive enhancement in the general public, in the UK in particular. Public discussion about such issues also promotes consideration of how we view our society and how we expect and hope it will be in the future."

The authors advocate urgent action on the regulation of such drugs; specifically of concern are the long-term effects on the developing brains of healthy children and adolescents.

Professor Sahakian elaborates: "Any regulation must be evidence-based and a product of active dialogue between scientists, doctors, ethicists, policy-makers and the general public. We hope to stimulate debate on the many issues surrounding the use of cognitive-enhancing drugs.

"For example, why do healthy people within our society choose to use drugs when other options are available? For calm and efficient thinking, one can improve work-life balance and relaxation. Sleep, behavioural and other problems can be addressed through psychological treatments, and cognition can be enhanced with education and other means."

Professor Sahakian and Dr Morein-Zamir encourage readers to participate in an online forum on the social-networking site, Nature Network. They will be available to answer questions for two weeks following the publication of the commentary.

A link for the which can be found in the upper right hand corner of this page.

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by the University of Cambridge

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