Hacking the brain: Dimensions of cognitive enhancement

Abstract

This review paper provides an analysis of cognitive enhancement interventions distinguishing seven dimensions: mode of action, domain of action, personal factors, time scale, side effects, availability, and social acceptance. Nonpharmacological strategies are typically behavioral and encompass sleep, exercise, video games, and mnemonic techniques. Medical interventions primarily involve stimulants, caffeine, modafinil, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or memantine. Transcranial magnetic and electrical stimulation and some video games fall under physical strategies. Pharmacological strategies primarily use smartphones, neurofeedback, or genetic modifications. All of these interventions show variable enhancement effects depending on the aforementioned dimensions. For example, age and sex are relevant personal factors since response varies across these groups. Stimulant side effects may include disturbed sleep, appetite loss, increased heart rate, anxiety, and so on. The social acceptance of a given cognitive enhancer depends on its invasiveness, naturalness, and directness of the mode of action. – AI-generated abstract.