Drugs influencing cognitive function.

Drugs can influence cognitive function in several different ways. The cognitive enhancers or nootropics have become a major issue in drug development during the last decade. Nootropics are defined as drugs that generally increase neuron metabolic activity, improve cognitive and vigilance level and are said to have antidementia effect (1). These drugs are essential for the treatment of geriatric disorders like Alzheimer's which have become one of the major problems socially and medically. Considerable evidence has been gathered in the last decade to support the observation that children with epilepsy have more learning difficulties than age matched controls (2, 3). Anti-epileptic drugs are useful in controlling the frequency and duration of seizures. These drugs can also be the source of side effects including cognitive impairment. Since 1975, greater attention has been given to assess the cognitive effects of anti-epileptic drugs. By learning more about cognitive effects of anti-epileptic drugs, patients can be offered optimal therapy combining excellent seizure control with the least possible negative impact on intellectual functioning. This review is an update on information on drugs which can improve cognitive function as well as those which may produce cognitive dysfuction.