Final answer:
Ginkgo biloba is a dietary supplement used to potentially enhance cognitive function in the elderly and assist with peripheral arterial disorders, though strong evidence for its efficacy is lacking. Aerobic exercise is widely recognized for its cognitive benefits and potential in managing cardiovascular health. Supplements like carnitine and lipoic acid may also offer memory improvements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dietary supplement widely used to potentially increase cognitive functions in elderly people, and which may help with leg pain from intermittent claudication and other peripheral arterial disorders, is Ginkgo biloba. It is thought to be an herbal medicine that may improve brain function, although conclusive evidence of this is lacking. Ginkgo biloba also helps prevent clotting in patients who have had cardiovascular events, contributing to its popularity as a supplement for various cardiovascular conditions. Apart from pharmacological approaches like the use of ADHD and narcolepsy medications for cognitive enhancement, which target the monoaminergic and cholinergic systems, physical exercise has been extensively shown to have cognitive benefits, especially in older adults. Benefits include a reduced risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and better cognitive function overall. Aerobic exercise, in particular, has been correlated with improvements in several cognitive functions ranging from attention and memory to executive functions and information processing speed. Lastly, other supplements like carnitine and lipoic acid have been linked with improved memory performance and may be beneficial for conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. However, it's essential to note the need for further research into these areas and consider the potential risks versus benefits of long-term use of cognitive enhancement drugs.