Abstract: A method for enhancing cognition or inhibiting cognitive decline in a subject comprises selecting a Ca2+ channel blocker that is effective, when administered intravenously to an animal in a nontoxic amount, to increase NF-?B expression in the brain of the animal; and administering the selected Ca2+ channel blocker to the subject, via a systemic route that affords an adequate therapeutic window for cognition-enhancing or cognitive decline-inhibiting effectiveness of the selected Ca2+ channel blocker, in an amount within the therapeutic window. The selected Ca2+ channel blocker can be, for example, tiapamil or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof.