Natural substances as treatments for age-related cognitive declines

Cognitive function has long been known to decline with normal ageing, and recent findings indicate that this decline starts in early adulthood. While these declines are recognised, there is currently no regulatory acceptance to encourage the pharmaceutical industry to develop medicines to treat these normal age-related deteriorations; and the industry is therefore currently focused on Alzheimer's and other dementias, as well as prodromes for Alzheimer's disease including Mild Cognitive Impairment. Recent surveys have shown that students, various professional groups, and the military are using 'smart drugs' like modafinil off-label to promote cognitive function, and such use is producing much controversy, due in part to the possible safety risks associated with such use. However, a growing body of data is accumulating showing that naturally occurring substances can enhance cognitive function, even in young volunteers. This provides an alternative strategy for individuals who wish to optimise their mental performance and to attempt to correct age-related declines, i.e. by consuming naturally occurring substances which are more widely available. Accepting that naturally occurring substances can have the same range of health risks as prescription medicines, this paper considers research findings that could provide a rationale for self-medication of cognitive function with natural substances