Brain boost drugs 'growing trend'
Increasing numbers of people are using prescription drugs like Ritalin to boost alertness and brain power, say experts.
Up to a fifth of adults, including college students and shift workers, may be using cognitive enhancers, a poll of 1,400 by Nature journal suggests. Neuropsychologist Professor Barbara Sahakian of Cambridge University said safety evidence is urgently needed.
Experts gather to debate this topic at a meeting in London on Monday evening. Professor Sahakian's own work shows 17% of students in some US universities admit to using the stimulant Ritalin (methylphenidate) - a drug designed to treat hyperactive children - to maximise their learning power.
