Editor's Summary
20 December 2007
Get smart
The idea that a drug or potion can enhance cognitive performance is not new — strong coffee to stave off sleep, something stronger to stimulate creativity. What is new is the array of drugs, developed to treat neuropsychiatric disorders, behavioural problems and brain injury, that can boost brainpower in a healthy individual. The line between clinical and non-medical use has already been crossed by shift workers, the military and early adopters: where will it end? Should it end? In a Commentary, Barbara Sahakian and Sharon Morein-Zamir raise some of the ethical and practical considerations involved. And we invite your views in an online discussion.
Commentary: Professor's little helper
The use of cognitive-enhancing drugs by both ill and healthy individuals raises ethical questions that should not be ignored, argue Barbara Sahakian and Sharon Morein-Zamir.
doi:10.1038/4501157a
