The drug Ritalin is commonly prescribed for use in treating ADHD, but researchers also know that Ritalin boosts cognitive function in people without the disorder. How? The drug works in two ways. First, Ritalin increases dopamine activity in the brain, which enhances attention and learning. Second, it enhances neural plasticity – “changes in strength of the connections between nerve cells.” Research was published in Nature Neuroscience:
Rats given Ritalin were able to more quickly learn that a combination of signals–a flash of light and sound–meant they could get a sugar water reward. But if the rats were also given a drug to block one type of dopamine receptor, the effect was lost. Treated animals also focused more intently on the task at hand, engaging in less unrelated behavior. Another drug, designed to block a second type of dopamine receptor, blocked Ritalin’s ability to enhance focus.
Researchers say this study will help them to develop more targeted drugs with fewer side effects. It also provides additional evidence for what many college students already know – taking a cognitive enhancement drug can help them perform much better than they would unaided.