<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an agent for improving cognitive performance including all of sense, perception, recognition, judgement, action and suppression based on a higher brain function by administration for a short time. <P>SOLUTION: The agent for improving cognitive performance includes astaxanthin and/or its ester. The cognitive performance is, for example, at least one performance selected from the group consisting of judging ability, spatial attention-allocating ability, concentration on recognition of surroundings, and agility as determined by speed and/or accuracy of a body reaction which requires a higher brain function. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT 
AGENT FOR IMPROVING COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE