Whenever I forgot doctor’s appointment or not able to recall basics in a test or forget little vital things of daily life. There is always a question we ask ourselves “How can I remember things??”
I know this happens a lot with you too and it gets pretty frustrating.
So what is the answer?
There are lot of things you can do to improve your memory. Below some of them are listed
Ways to increase memory.
· Eat healthy
· Exercise at least 5 days in a week
· Have a good night sleep
· Play brain games
· Have a laugh
· Keep stress in check
· Identify and treat health problems
Apart from all these tips, there is also another way to increase memory. With nootropics you can also increase your memory power.
How Nootropic help to increase memory?
To improve memory there are various cognitive factors which plays an important role. The most important among them is neural plasticity. Neural plasticity is the ability of brain cells and neurons to make new connections and maintain old ones.
When neural plasticity is improved, you immediately begin to experience better learning and retention of memory.
Nootropics increases neural plasticity in 3 ways.
1. Increasing acetylcholine levels
Acetylcholine is one of the important neurotransmitters present in the brain. It makes connection between brain cells and neurons. When you take nootropic supplements, they increase the level of acetylcholine in the brain which directly contributes to increased neural plasticity and increased memory.
2. Increasing glutamate levels
Glutamate is found in abundance in brain and plays a significant role in communication between the neurons. It is another important neurotransmitter that improves neural plasticity. By taking certain nootropic supplements the glutamate level increases and it improves neural plasticity which in turn improves memory.
3. Increasing oxygen flow to brain.
Every activity that your brain does require oxygen. When more blood is pumped into brain, it increases oxygen level in the brain and you have more mental energy for your tasks.
Thus when you increase oxygen level, even a little bit with nootropic supplement, your brain gets more energy resulting in better memory recall.
Now that, you have known how nootropics increase memory. So instead of searching on google, I have made a list of best nootropic for memory.
These will definitely help you in increasing memory.
Best Nootropic for Memory
Nootropic Stack | Type | Dosage | |
|---|---|---|---|
Powder | 60 mg daily | ||
Powder | 1000 mg daily | ||
Capsules | 500-1000 mg daily | ||
Powder | 600-3000 mg daily | ||
Capsules | 400-1200 mg daily | ||
Capsules | 50-200 per day | ||
Capsules | 1500 mg daily | ||
Powder | 1600 mg daily | ||
Capsules | 200 mg per day | ||
Capsules | 90 mg daily |
1. Noopept
Noopept is a name given to N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, a synthetic Nootropic molecule. Noopept is one of the most effective and strongest nootropic present in the market today.
It has been found to increase learning capacity, improve memory and concentration.
Noopept is also considered to be neuroprotectant, as it has the capability to protect neurons in brain from getting damage.
Most of the people use noopept to increase their brain power and experience cognitive enhancement. Memory recollection speed is also improved.
How Noopept works?
When you take a dose of noopept, it gets absorbed from the body within GI tract where then it circulates into brain and crosses blood brain barrier with ease.
It is one of the fastest acting nootropic as it is capable of reaching maximum concentration within about 15 to 20 minutes.
Noopept after reaching brain travels to specific glutamate receptor sites and helps to inhibit breakdown of glutamate which is one of the most powerful neurotransmitters relative to cognitive function.
Noopept Dosage
If you are new to usage of nootropics then the proper way to use Noopept is to start low and increase its usage over time as needed. This means you might want to begin with a dosage as little as 5mg two or three times a day.
Some people take 40 mg dosage per day but it is normal to take 10-30 mg of noopept per day.
NOTE- Under no circumstances you should not exceed your dosage 20mg three times a day. As this will overstimulate glutamate receptors.
Noopept Stacks
Although this strategy is not recommended for beginners. Under some conditions users may stack Noopept with other Nootropics to enhance the benefits.
Popular Noopept Stacks are
· Noopept with Alpha GPC
· Noopept with Citicoline
· Noopept with Piracetam
Pros
- Reduces feeling of stress and anxiety
- Increases tolerance to stress
- Improves sleep quality
- Natural alternative to cofee
Cons
- Overdose of caffine may induce nausea
- L-theanine in green tea may have lower oral bioavailability
2. Pramiracetam
Developed in late 1970’s, Pramiracetam is a well-known nootropic in increasing the mental performance of your brain.
It belongs to Racetam family and is synthesised from Piracetam and is 5-30 times more time than Piracetam.
It is rapidly becoming famous among students, writers and anyone who is looking to increase their mental ability because of its unique action of improving your memory, learning capacity and focus.
This supplement is extensively studied as a potential treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and brain injury.
It is also being studied as a treatment of numerous central nervous system disorders.
How Pramiracetam works?
Like most of the racetam supplements the exact mechanism of action of Pramiracetam is not known. But it is believed that this supplement is absorbed into the bloodstream via lipids as it is fat soluble rather than water soluble.
Then generally within half an hour it reaches maximum concentration and get transported directly to brain. After reaching the brain it modulates the receptor sites of neurotransmitter known as Acetylcholine.
This neurotransmitter controls a number of cognitive functions like memory, learning and development of new neurons.
By attaching to the receptor sites of Acetylcholine, Pramiracetam increases its level within the brain which enhances alertness and improves cognitive abilities.
Pramiracetam Dosage
Pramiracetam is 30 times stronger than Piracetam from which it is derived. The recommended dosage of Pramiracetam is 500mg two times a day.
You may want to take one dosage in morning and one in afternoon. This is because taking two dosage of Pramiracetam will help to ensure that consistent level of this supplement is maintained in your system.
Pramiracetam Stacks
Stacking up Pramiracetam with other nootropics is great if you want great results.
Below are the ingredients of Pramiracetam stack that will help you to increase focus
· Aplha GPC
· Sulbutiamine
· Modafinil
· Pramiracetam
Pros
- Improve memory retention
- Improve alertness
- One study shows benefit to erectile dysfunction
- Improves neurotransmission
Cons
- May include mood and sleep disruption
- Negative effects for bipolar disorder patients
- Supresses the appetite
3. Bacopa Monnieri
Discovered in ancient India, Bacopa Monnieri is a plant based supplement that is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine.
It is also sometimes referred as Brahmi and is mainly consumed to improve memory formation and speed of recall.
It also acts as brain protectant as it protects neurons from several types of damages and has potential to treat dementia.
People also use Bacopa Monnieri to treat hoarseness, backache, mental illness, joint pain and sexual performance problems in both men and women.
How Bacopa Monnieri works?
Bacopa Monnieri increases your memory formation and cognitive abilities by improving synaptic communication. It increases the growth of dendrites (a branched nerve cell extension through which nerve impulse travels). This increase in growth of dendrites improves impulse transmission and increases your cognitive abilities.
Also Bacopa Monnieri increases the production of enzyme known as Tryptophan Hyrdoxylase (TPH2) which includes central nervous system activities. This increase in enzyme TPH2 forms new connections between neurons in your brain and this results in increase of your memory.
Bacopa Monnieri Dosage
Bacopa Monnieri is a safe nootropic and you will not experience any side effects if you follow recommended dosage guidelines and keep your body healthy.
The recommended dosage of Bacopa Monnieri is 500-1000 mg per day.
Bacopa Monnieri Stacks
Bacopa Monnieri works well on its own but it is also combined with other supplements for faster cognitive enhancement.
Below are the ingredients of Bacopa Monnieri stack that will help you to increase memory.
· Picamilon
· Galantamine
· Fish oil
· Bacopa Monnieri
· Lions mane
· Pramiracetam
· Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
· Uridine
Pros
- Improve mood and feeling
- Increase cognitive function under stress
- Improve attention and wakefulness
- Improve dopamine deficiency
Cons
- Cause stimulatory side effects
- Cognitive benefits
- Not suitable for individual with hyperthyroidism
4. Oxiracetam
Oxiracetam is a popular member of racetam nootropic family. This smart drug is used to enhance cognitive functions.
As this belong to racetam family, it is not found in food sources or in nature.
Being a water soluble supplement it is easy to consume and is offered in powder form but you need to make sure that you are following safe dosing practices to prevent side effects.
Many people use this supplement as a study aid because it improves memory and attention span.
How Oxiracetam works?
Much like other nootropics, Oxiracetam targets two main neurotransmitters in our brain Acetylcholine and Glutamate.
This supplement increases the level of Acetylcholine which increases concentration, helps you focus more effectively and you make more logical decisions.
Glutamate is responsible for forming memories, therefore when its level is increased you experience enhanced memory.
Oxiracetam Dosage
Beginners in the field of nootropics should take a lower amount of dosage initially and move up gradually.
The recommended dosage of this supplement is 600-3000 mg per day.
Oxiracetam Stacks
Below are the ingredient of Oxiracetam stack that will enhance your memory.
· Caffeine
· Adrafinil
· L-theanine
· Tianeptine
· Rhodiola rosea
Oxiracetam
Pros
- Increases choline level in brain
- Increases growth hormone in athletes
- Improves cognition in studies
- Promotes memory and synaptic plasticity
Cons
- Expensive than choline
- Highly Hygroscopic
5. Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC is a choline containing supplement that can be used in two ways- on its own or with other nootropics.
It is found in various food products which are rich in choline and also it is present in our body in very small amounts.
It boosts your brain power and have long term benefits for your brain systems as it repair and protect damaged cells of your brain.
It also improves the communication between neurons in the brain.
All these activities result in increased memory power, better learning, faster speed of thinking and increased metal clarity.
How Alpha GPC works?
A water soluble supplement, Alpha GPC is made up of choline, phosphate and glycerol. As it is a water soluble supplement, it immediately crosses the blood brain barrier as soon as you take it. After absorption it then metabolizes into a combination of choline and a byproduct called glycerophosphate.
This causes the level of Acetylcholine a neurotransmitter to increase which causes your brain to make more connections and increases the thought process.
It also increases the oxygen uptake, blood flow and energy metabolism in the brain which improves your mental energy, focus and concentration ability.
Alpha GPC Dosage
There are no specific guidelines provided by FDA or other health organisations about dosage of this supplement. But various users have suggested that nominal dosage of this compound is between 400-1200 mg per day.
Alpha GPC Stacks
Alpha GPC is a respected nootropic which works well on its own, but when combined with other nootropics it becomes a powerful nootropic that takes cognitive enhancement to a new level.
Following are the ingredients of Alpha GPC nootropic stack which will increase your memory.
· Alpha GPC
· Noopept
· Aniracetam
Pros
- Enhances Memory
- Exhibits significant neuroprotective effect
- Require lower dosage
- Promotes memory and synaptic plasticity
Cons
- Causes minor headache
- Stomach distress
- Can cause loss of apetite.
6. L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea. When you take this supplement it alters the level of various neurotransmitters, producing a calming effect which results in reducing the anxiety level.
It also works with caffeine to increase concentration on mental tasks, producing what tea lovers call “alert calmness”.
L-Theanine can be summed up as a relaxing agent without sedation something like lemon balm and is also involved in reducing the level of stress and also improves attention.
As some effects of L-theanine is associated with tea, it is marketed as a dietary supplement. At lower levels it is also used as additive in food and beverage, especially in Japan to provide a savoury flavour.
How L-Theanine works?
For all those who are interested in enhancing memory and improving the quality of their sleep, L-Theanine is a natural supplement worth looking into.
So, how does L-Theanine actually works?
Once you take this supplement it gets transmitted over the blood brain barrier and enters into the central nervous system moderating the alpha brain waves.
When it reaches the brain tissue, it targets neurotransmitters that regulate stress, pleasure, attention and arousal. By dampening their activity, L-Theanine produces sensation of relaxation and contentment.
L-Theanine Dosage
The general recommended dosage of L-Theanine is between 50 and 200 mg per day. It is safe to take this nootropic on daily basis or you may cycle it also to avoid any sort of tolerance from forming.
L-Theanine Stacks
L-Theanine alone has the ability to enhance memory and relaxation but it is most effective when combined in a stack with other nootropic.
Popular L-Theanine stack is L-Theanine and Caffine Stack
A combination of L-Theanine with caffine enhances cognition and attention. For this reason it is one of the most popular nootropic stack.
Pros
- Enhances Memory
- Boosts Motivation
- Increases mental energy
- Anti-anxiety and mood enhancing effects
Cons
- Limited clinical data
- Has bitter taste
7. Aniracetam
Aniracetam a nootropic supplement was developed in 1970s by a Belgium company known as Hoffman-La Roche.
This supplement tops in the class of nootropics known as Racetams, which are known for their ability to increase and improve a number of cognitive processes.
Aniracetam main function is to improve mental performance by increasing memory and enhancing learning capacity.
This drug starts working immediately, some will see strong effects and begin remembering everything while others may remember small and subtle details.
Rate at which this drug will affect you depends on your current mood than anything else. Those having nervousness or anxiety will see a calming effect.
How Aniracetam works?
The exact working of Aniracetam is not known completely but there are several theories about how this supplement works.
When you take a dose of aniracetam, it easily cross the blood brain barrier and binds to Acetylcholine receptors, causing this supplement to remain active in brain for a longer period of time.
By increasing activity in these chemical receptors sites, the supplement is able to help in areas of improving anxiety and other mood issues.
Aniracetam Dosage
Oral doses in the 1-2 gm range over the course of the day tend to be effective.
Also doses as low as 400 mg have also shown some results and it is common to take 1000 -1500 mg Aniracetam in two divided doses of 500-750 mg doses.
Aniracetam Stacks
To see stronger benefits a user may combine Aniracetam with different supplements. This process is known as nootropic stacking.
Some of the stacks with Aniracetam are
· Aniracetam go together well with Racetam supplements.
· Combining Aniracetam with Piracetam and Oxiracetam is also good.
Pros
- Very well balanced nootropic stack
- Increases memory and attention
- Significant mood booster
- Low risk of side effects
Cons
- High cost compared to other nootropic stacks
- May cause headache
- May cause restlessness
8. Piracetam
Used by millions of people worldwide, Piracetam is a nootropic supplement which improves your learning ability, boosts focus and concentration and improves your mood and motivation level.
Developed in 1860s, it is one of the most researched smart drug. Research suggests that its effect on improving memory is more on elderly adults than non-elderly adults.
Another researched on healthy individuals showed that by taking this supplement alone their memory increased by 8.6%.
This supplement is often combined with a choline supplement to provide greater effects and reduce potential for side effects.
How Piracetam works?
The working of Piracetam is not fully understood but studies shows that it improves your memory by improving the permeability of cell membrane. It also improves the flow of oxygen molecules to the brain which results in an increase in circulation to neural tissues.
Piracetam also creates better interactivity between NMDA receptors and L-glutamate receptors which stimulate growth of neural connections and improves memory.
Piracetam Dosage
Many people who take this supplement have suggested that the effective dosage of this drug is between 1200-1600 mg per day.
Piracetam Stacks
To boost memory, following are the ingredients of Piracetam stack.
· Aniracetam
· Piracetam
· Oxiracetam
Pros
- Significant increase in alertness
- Improvement in focus
- Increased motivation
- Improved memory
Cons
- Sleep difficulty
- Tolerance of ciltep increases
9. Huperzine A
Huperzine A also known as selagine is a natural nootropic which enhances your memory and cognition by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.
It is an alkaloid compound which is purified from a Chinese plant known as Club Moss.
The most common use of Huperzine A is to treat neurological problems such as Alzheimer’s disease.
It is also used to treat problems which are caused from learning deficiencies and memory losses.
Research on animal shows that Huperzine A is a relatively safe compound and shows no side effects when routinely taken.
How Huperzine A works?
Huperzine A is a Cholinesterase inhibitor i.e it blocks the action of Cholinesterase which increases the level of Acetlycholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter that send signals related to encoding of memories.
When the level of Acetylcholine increases, it supresses the release of glutamate which in turn reduces feedback excitation of the cortex. The net effect is that you respond quickly to relevant sensory input and increase memory recall.
Huperzine A Dosage
To improve memory, recommended dosage of Huperzine A is 100mg twice a day.
Huperzine A Stacks
Huperzine A works well on its own but stacking it with other supplements may yield better result.
Following are the ingredients of Huperzine A stack
· Huperzine A
· Alpha GPC
· Pramiracetam
· Omega-3
Pros
- Easy to take
- Simple Formula
- Increase alertness
- Improves attention
Cons
- Caffeine heavy
10. Vinopectine
Extracted from alkaloid found in periwinkle plant called Vinca minor, Vinpocetine is a biosynthetic nootropic that acts both as a neuroprotectant as well as brain booster.
It is used to enhance cognition, sharpen memory and improving mood.
The plant from which it is extracted is found in southern and central Europe and has been used throughout history in various cultures for numerous natural remedies.
At present is not as famous as other nootropics but has a huge potential for both anti-ageing and cognitive enhancement. Slowly but steadily it is gaining a positive reputation as a safe and effective nootropic.
How Vinpocetine works?
When you take this supplement it gets absorbed through intestines into your bloodstream. After this it is able to cross blood brain barrier and enters into the central nervous system.
After entering into the central nervous system, it increases the blood flow and circulation to the brain. This is done without increasing blood pressure in any other area, so there is no risk to your cardiovascular health.
This increased blood flow into the brain increase the oxygen level in the brain which improves mental clarity and memory.
Vinpocetine Dosage
Recommended dosage of Vinpocetine is 15-30 mg divided into three daily dosages.
Vinpocetine Stacks
To enhance memory Vinpocetine is combined with various nootropics. Following are the ingredients of Vinpocetine Stack.
· Aplha GPC
· Vinpocetine
· Pramiracetam
Pros
- Easy to take
- Simple Formula
- Increase alertness
- Improves attention
Cons
- Caffeine heavy
Over to you
After reviewing so many nootropics you might be wondering which one is the best. If you are going to use only one or two nootropic than we suggest you should use Oxiracetam or Aniracetam.
But you should try other nootropic also and see which has the best results on your body.
Try these nootropics and let us know how quickly you see an improvement on your memory!!