Improving Neuroprotection, Cognitive Function, and Mental Focus With Neurodegradation Countermeasure

Momentous proposes developing a military-specific adaptation of its Brain Drive commercial product (herein referred to as Military Brain Drive) to improve combat performance by increasing mental focus and protecting the brain during cumulative subconcussive blasts/impacts and concussive hits. Mental fatigue (poor mental performance) leads to mission failures through on-the-job accidents, poor decision-making, and near mishaps, leading to unnecessary risk exposure for troops and resources.  Under this effort, clinical research at the University of South Carolina will validate the intervention’s effectiveness for mitigating fatigue post-physical exercise in an ROTC population. The desired end state is a product that more effectively influences cognition and reduces fatigue, thereby decreasing the cognitive decline associated with taxing physical activities that are common in DoD settings and ultimately enhancing warfighter function.  Our solution is based on promoting the physiological processes that occur from the synergistic application of a moderate stimulant dose of caffeine with that of a compound known to double caffeine’s duration of effect.  The current literature on this combination strongly suggests that this will decrease overall caffeine need and use throughout the course of  day, extend (double) cognitive focus seen from caffeine, reduce caffeine metabolism-related “crashes” in energy, avoid downstream negative effects of altering hormone cycles and circadian rhythms, and prevent habituation (needing higher doses for continued effects).  This will result in an antifragile, resilient, and focused Airman that is further away from fatigue, error rates, cognitive decline, dysregulated sleep cycles, and excessive stimulant use.  “Fatigue is a critical safety issue to USAF flight and ground crew. While only 3.88% of all mishaps were identified as fatigue-related, they are associated with $2.1 billion of medical expenses and property damage, or 18% of the $11.7 billion total cost of all mishaps” (Gaines et al., 2020).  “Cognitive performance is crucial during military operations. It is suggested that impaired cognitive performance accounts for most of the accidents during training courses and actual battle” (Vrijkotte et al., 2016).