We Still Don't Know Jack About 'Cognitive Enhancement'

Does this mean my search for my dad is useless? I don't believe that because while stuff may not be clinically proven it still may work and anecdotes are the starting point for research.
http://motherboard.vice.com/read/we-still-dont-know-jack-about-cognitive-enhancement

"The only large-scale trial we may see is the enormous but uncontrolled and poorly monitored trial of people using these drugs and devices on their own."