Cognitive enhancement

Cognitive Enhancement

Cognitive enhancement (pronunciation: /kɒɡˈnɪtɪv ɛnˈhan(t)sm(ə)nt/) refers to the improvement of cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and intelligence, through various methods. These methods can include pharmacological interventions, neurofeedback, brain stimulation, and cognitive training.

Etymology

The term "cognitive enhancement" is derived from the Latin word "cognitio", meaning "knowledge", and the English word "enhancement", meaning "to raise to a higher degree".

Pharmacological Interventions

Pharmacological interventions for cognitive enhancement involve the use of nootropics, also known as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers. These substances are designed to improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation.

Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that uses real-time displays of brain activity to teach self-regulation of brain function. This method is often used in cognitive enhancement to improve memory and attention.

Brain Stimulation

Brain stimulation methods, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), are used to enhance cognitive abilities by modulating neuronal activity.

Cognitive Training

Cognitive training involves a variety of tasks designed to improve cognitive abilities. These tasks can include memory training, attention training, and problem-solving exercises.

Related Terms

• Nootropics
• Neurofeedback
• Transcranial direct current stimulation
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Memory training
• Attention training
• Problem-solving

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