Lights, camera, cognition: Unveiling the Neurocognitive Effects of Modafinil in Actors

Abstract

In the dynamic intersection of cognitive enhancement and artistic expression, this article explores the cognitive neuroeffects of modafinil on the cognitive abilities of actors and investigates its potential impact on the inherent cognitive domains crucial to the entertainment industry. Employing a comprehensive experimental approach, professional actors of diverse backgrounds utilized modafinil to uncover its effects on sustained attention, working memory, creativity, emotional recognition, cognitive flexibility, and emotional intelligence. The findings reveal significant improvements in attention accuracy, working memory precision, heightened creative output, emotional recognition acuity, cognitive flexibility, and emotional intelligence within the modafinil group when compared to the placebo. These effects stem from the modulation of neural chemical pathways governing attention, memory, emotional processing, and cognitive flexibility by modafinil. The results affirm modafinil as a cognitive enhancer for actors, optimizing their executive intelligence while heightening ethical considerations and potential challenges. This exploration of modafinil's cognitive effects in the realm of acting contributes valuable insights to cognitive enhancement research and paves the way for the integration of pharmacological interventions in creative professions.