The Surprising Cognitive Benefits of a Laxative.

A study has found that prucalopride, a laxative known to activate serotonin receptors, can enhance cognitive function and memory by increasing functional connectivity between major cognitive networks in the brain. The drug also reduced connectivity in the brain's default mode network, which is activated during mind wandering. The results suggest that prucalopride and drugs impacting the 5-HT4 serotonin receptor could be potential treatments for depression and cognitive impairment.