Cognitive abilities, improving

There is considerable interest in the role of estrogen hormone replacement therapy as a cognitive enhancer in postmenopausal women. Although there is some evidence for improved cognitive abilities in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen replacement therapy, the effects reported thus far are modest. 

However, this improvement does not occur in all patients. It applies to a subgroup of schizophrenic patients characterized by higher cognitive abilities and less somatic and psychiatric symptoms. Interestingly, this differentiation is independent on the classical sub-types of schizophrenia (hebephrenic, paranoid, or schizoaffective). 

All age groups from children to the elderly that suffer from depression respond well to the antidepressants. Also, those elderly individuals with some loss of cognitive ability have shown some improvement in their skills, although the antidepressants do not return them to their former intellectual ability. 

Questions arise when discussing the necessary degree of control of plasma PA levels. While results from a variety of studies vary widely and there is no consensus what the optimal plasma PA level should be, current best evidence suggests that tighter metabolic control (low PA levels) correlates directly with improvements in IQ, motor skills, attention span, behavioral skills, and cognitive ability. In most of these areas, effects of lower PA levels have beneficial effects throughout the life of the patient (NIH Consensus Statement Online, 2000). 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) inhibit the neuronal reuptake of serotonin in the central nervous system and have shown mixed efficacy in the treatment of autistic symptoms (Moore et al., 2004). A number of studies have shown reductions in repetitive behaviors, lethargy, inappropriate speech, and improvements in the ability to relate to others, cognition, language improvement with fluoxetine (DeLong et al., 1998 Fatemi et al., 1998 Peral et al., 1999), fluvoxamine (McDougle et al., 1996b), and sertraline (Steingard et al., 1997). However, other studies have shown a lack of response with fluvoxamine (Martin et al., 2003) and citalopram (Couturier and Nicolson, 2002). 

By promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being without interfering with cognitive abilities, theanine allows for increased focus concentration, especially in those with high stress levels. This improves the ability of individuals to remember and learn. - ... 

This may not indicate a decrease in abilities, but it definitely does not indicate an improvement in cognitive abilities, which is what the question is asking. 

A number of small trials have demonstrated that ginkgo biloba is a powerful antioxidant. But the science remains mixed on whether it helps memory and other cognitive abilities by improving blood flow to the brain. The big question is, does ginkgo protect against dementia At least among those aged seventy-five or older, it appears not. 

McKay, H., Sinisterra, L., McKay, A., Gomez, H., and Lloreda, P., 1978, Improving cognitive ability in chronically deprived children. Science 200 270. 

Ongoing assessment of patients taking the cholinesterase inhibitors includes both mental and physical assessments. Cognitive and functional abilities are assessed using Display 33-1 as a guide. Initial assessments will be compared with the ongoing assessments to monitor die patient s improvement (if any) after taking the cholinesterase inhibitors. 

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