Neuro-enhancement, the pharmacological improvement of cognitive performance, has been the subject of increasing interest in both basic scientific research and clinical trials, and also in the emerging field of neuroethics. An ever-increasing number of drugs are currently being developed, tested or are already in use for cognitive enhancement. Substances whose effects in defined medical conditions are known and which may gain significance as future neuro-enhancers in healthy persons include antidementia agents with neuroprotective or primarily symptomatic effects (dimebon, cholinesterase-inhibitors, memantine), ampakines (ampalax, farampator), antidepressants (e.g. fluoxetine), and stimulants (methylphenidate, modafinil). In order to assess potential benefits and risks, long-term pharmacological effectiveness and side-effects need to be evaluated in conjunction with potential ethical issues associated with a possible soft coercion in modern professional settings.
