As we age, memory can decline, but even young adults may struggle with occasional memory lapses due to stress, poor sleep, and diet. If you’re looking to enhance your memory, what are the best nootropics for memory?
The answer lies in a selection of nootropic supplements designed to improve cognitive function. While there isn’t one “best nootropic for memory,” several memory nootropics can effectively target the brain areas responsible for memory.
Stacking the best nootropic supplements may offer the most comprehensive benefits for short-term, long-term, and working memory. Read on to explore the best nootropic options for memory enhancement.
Best Nootrpics for Memory Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Memory-enhancing nootropic supplements come in many forms, from amino acids to herbs and even mushrooms.
A combination of memory-enhancing herbs may be the best approach to improving your memory since each works through different mechanisms.
Many memory-enhancing supplements also have neuroprotective effects, so you need to take them daily for the most benefit.
Quick Look: Best Nootropics for Memory
Ginkgo Biloba: May improve memory and cognition in dementia patients; promotes blood flow to the brain, potentially enhancing cognitive function.
Omega-3: Essential for brain health; low levels linked to cognitive decline. Diets high in Omega-3 improve memory and executive function.
Alpha-GPC: A choline supplement that boosts acetylcholine levels, enhancing learning and memory; used in some countries for Alzheimer’s management.
Lion’s Mane: Known as the “mind mushroom”; supports neurogenesis and cognitive performance, with studies showing improved memory in older adults.
Cordyceps: Functional mushroom that may enhance memory by improving blood flow and protecting the nervous system from oxidative damage.
Rhodiola Rosea: An adaptogenic herb that can enhance memory and learning, attributed to its antioxidant properties and ability to improve cerebral metabolism.
Grapeseed Extract: Rich in antioxidants, it may protect against neurodegenerative diseases and improve memory, attention, and cognitive function.
Let's dig into the details:
Top 7 Nootropics for Memory
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba, a supplement derived from one of the world’s oldest trees, has been traditionally used for improving kidney health, treating asthma and bronchitis, and for managing senility in older adults. Now, much of the research regarding Ginkgo’s potential benefits for memory centers around its ability to help improve memory and cognition in cases of dementia.
One study found that a standardized extract of ginkgo biloba called EGb 761 was clinically effective in treating dementia.
Another study furthered these results, suggesting that EGb 761 was safe and effective for stabilizing and possibly improving cognitive function and social behavior patterns in dementia patients.
Why does ginkgo have this effect? Researchers aren’t yet sure–but they theorize that it has something to do with Ginkgo’s ability to promote better blood flow to the brain, which may support nervous system functions and healing.
In fact, ginkgo may even help to prevent and repair neuronal damage. Research has found that Ginkgo Biloba may be capable of reducing nerve damage in the brain both in animal models and test-tube models.
Despite that ginkgo has been one of the most popular memory-enhancing nootropic supplements for hundreds of years, researchers aren’t sure how it may impact healthy adults. Some research has found marginal improvement in memory in healthy, young subjects, but other research suggests that it may have little to no impact.
Omega-3
Most researchers agree that a diet lacking in Omega-3 may speed up brain aging. A study published in Neurology® measured the mental function of 1,575 people with an average age of 67. These tests also evaluated their brain structure, body mass, and the omega-3 fatty acid levels in their blood.
The researchers concluded that people with low Omega-3 levels had lower brain volume and scored lower on tests involving visual memory and executive function, like tasks involving problem solving, multi-tasking, and abstract thinking.
Another study looked at the impact of a fish oil diet (or a diet containing plenty of omega-3) on fruit flies’ ability to learn. In this study, fruit flies fed the fish oil had a positive impact on learning and memory compared to fruit flies fed a standard diet.
Alpha-GPC
Alpha-GPC is a choline supplement known to promote the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps facilitate learning and memory. For this reason, it’s well-known as a memory-enhancing supplement. In fact, it’s sold as a prescription drug for managing Alzheimer’s disease in some other countries, but it exists only as a dietary supplement in the U.S.
Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane is a medical mushroom that’s often called the “mind mushroom” thanks to purported benefits surrounding memory and focus.
A 2017 study, for instance, found Lion’s Mane to increase object recognition and memory in mice. Further animal research found that the medicinal mushrooms may even help prevent cognitive decline caused by neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s.
Human evidence is limited, but one older study did evaluate the benefits of the medicinal mushroom on cognitive performance in older adults. This research concluded that daily consumption of mushroom extract for 4 months improved cognitive performance in adults between 50 and 85 years of age compared to the placebo control group. The cognitive performance scores decreased after discontinuing the extract.
Most significantly, though, Lion’s Mane may help to promote neurogenesis, the growth of nerve cells in the brain, which may help to improve memory from a less direct angle by improving overall brain function.
Learn more about Lion's Mane by reading:
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a functional mushroom that’s well known for its ability to promote blood flow in the body, which is usually translated to physical benefits like increased endurance and agility.
However, cordyceps may also have some memory-enhancing benefits according to one animal study that found it capable of improving memory and learning in mice by “scavenging oxygen free radicals, preventing oxidative damage, and protecting the nervous system.” Enhancing cerebral blood flow may be another mechanism by which cordyceps helps to improve memory and cognitive functions.
Learn more about cordyceps by reading:
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola is an herb that grows in cold, mountainous areas in Europe and Asia. It’s also known by the names “arctic root” and “golden root,” and has been well-known as a medicinal herb for hundreds of years.
The roots of this plant contain over 140 active ingredients–but most notably contain rosavin and salidroside, two compounds known to be potent adaptogens. Traditionally, the roots of this herb have been used to treat anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions, but now researchers believe it may have benefits for the whole brain, including the potential to improve memory.
One review of 36 animal studies concluded this to be true–stating that “R. rosea L. can improve learning and memory function” possibly due to its “antioxidant properties, cholinergic regulation, anti-apoptosis activities, anti-inflammatory, improving coronary blood flow, and cerebral metabolism.”
Grapeseed Extract
Grapeseed extract is rich in flavonoids that are thought to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which researchers believe may give grapeseed extract neuroprotective properties.
In fact, the flavonoids found in grapeseed extract have been shown to delay or reduce the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, like dementia. Gallic acid, one component of grapeseed extract, has been shown to inhibit the growth of beta-amyloid peptide clusters, which are usually present in cases of Alzheimer’s Disease.
One 2011 study found that grapeseed extract can help to lower or prevent oxidative stress in the brain. Various studies have found that grapeseed extract can improve memory, prevent memory loss, improve cognitive status and brain antioxidant levels, and reduce amyloid clusters and brain lesions.
One study involving 111 healthy human subjects found that taking just 150 mg of grapeseed oil daily could improve attention, language, and short and long-term memory.
How to Stack Nootropics for Memory
What is Nootropic Stacking?
Nootropic stacking involves combining multiple nootropic substances to create a synergistic effect that enhances cognitive functions more effectively than using a single nootropic alone. The idea is to leverage the complementary benefits of each nootropic to achieve a more powerful cognitive boost.
Why Stack Nootropics?
Stacking nootropics is done to maximize cognitive benefits by targeting different pathways in the brain. For memory enhancement, certain nootropics might support neurotransmitter regulation, while others might improve blood flow or provide neuroprotection. By combining these, you can potentially experience improved memory, focus, and overall brain health.
How to Stack Nootropics for Memory
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Combine Memory Enhancers: Start with nootropics known for their memory-boosting properties, such as Bacopa Monnieri, which supports memory consolidation, and Lion’s Mane Mushroom, which may promote neurogenesis and overall cognitive function.
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Add Cognitive Support: Enhance your stack with nootropics like Rhodiola Rosea or L-Theanine. Rhodiola can help reduce stress, which can negatively impact memory, while L-Theanine can improve focus and reduce anxiety, creating a more conducive environment for memory retention.
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Incorporate Neuroprotective Agents: Include nootropics like Ginkgo Biloba or Alpha-GPC, which can improve blood flow to the brain and support acetylcholine levels, respectively. This combination helps in protecting brain cells and enhancing memory recall.
- Monitor Dosages and Effects: Start with lower doses of each nootropic to assess how they interact. Gradually adjust dosages based on your response to find the optimal combination that maximizes memory benefits while minimizing side effects.
Benefits Beyond Memory
A well-designed nootropic stack for memory can also provide other cognitive benefits. For instance, improved focus and reduced mental fatigue can enhance overall productivity and cognitive performance. Additionally, stacking nootropics that support mood and stress management can create a balanced mental state conducive to better learning and memory retention.
In summary, nootropic stacking for memory involves combining various nootropic substances to enhance memory and cognitive function. By selecting complementary nootropics and carefully managing dosages, you can achieve improved memory while also benefiting from increased focus, neuroprotection, and overall mental wellness.
How Do Nootropics Affect Memory?
Nootropics impact on memory is of particular interest to many users looking to boost their cognitive performance.
Mechanisms of Action:
1. Neurotransmitter Regulation: Many nootropics affect neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. For example, substances like racetams and noopept are believed to enhance the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for memory formation and retrieval.
2. Increased Blood Flow: Some nootropics improve cerebral blood flow, which can enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery to the brain. This increased circulation can support better brain function and memory. For instance, ginkgo biloba is known for its potential to improve blood flow to the brain, which may help with memory and cognitive function.
3. Neuroprotection: Nootropics like bacopa monnieri and lion’s mane mushroom are known for their neuroprotective properties. They may help protect brain cells from damage and support brain health, which can contribute to improved memory function over time.
4. Cognitive Enhancement: Certain nootropics can increase mental alertness and reduce cognitive fatigue, which can indirectly support better memory performance. Improved focus and reduced distractions can help with the consolidation and retrieval of memories.
Scientific Evidence:
Research on nootropics and memory enhancement is ongoing. Some studies suggest that certain nootropics can have a positive impact on memory. For example, bacopa monnieri has been shown in some studies to improve memory and cognitive performance, while others are still evaluating the effectiveness and safety of various nootropics.
Health and Safety Considerations:
While nootropics can offer potential benefits for memory, they are not a substitute for healthy lifestyle practices. Proper sleep, nutrition, and mental exercise are foundational for optimal cognitive function.
Additionally, the effects of nootropics can vary from person to person, and not all nootropics are supported by strong scientific evidence.
In summary, nootropics can influence memory by modulating neurotransmitters, improving blood flow, providing neuroprotection, and enhancing cognitive function. However, it’s important to approach these substances with caution and consider them as part of a broader strategy for cognitive health.
Conclusion: Which is the best nootropic for improving memory?
If you’re searching for the best nootropic for memory, it can be frustrating to learn that there isn't a single supplement that excels across the board. Every individual responds differently to nootropic supplements because each person's body and neurological state vary significantly.
The truth is, many nootropics for memory can help improve cognitive function, and you may benefit from stacking memory nootropics to enhance their effects.
Let's explore the most well-researched nootropics memory options, and then we'll discuss how to use them to your advantage for optimal brain health and function.
FAQ - Best Nootropics for Memory
Can nootropics help with memory?
Yes, nootropics can help improve memory, especially in terms of recall, learning capacity, and long-term retention. Compounds like Bacopa Monnieri, Lion’s Mane, and Rhodiola Rosea are known for supporting cognitive function and memory enhancement.
Which supplement is best for memory?
Ginkgo Biloba is often regarded as one of the best supplements for memory enhancement. Others, such as Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and Rhodiola Rosea, also have research supporting their role in improving memory and cognitive health.
What is the best drug to improve memory and focus?
Modafinil is a prescription drug commonly used to improve both memory and focus. Additionally, Adderall and Ritalin are prescription drugs that are often prescribed for focus and cognitive enhancement, although they come with more risks. Natural nootropics may offer similar benefits with fewer side effects.
What is the best stimulant for memory?
Caffeine is one of the best stimulants for memory when taken in moderate amounts, often combined with L-Theanine to enhance focus and reduce anxiety.
Resources
- “Proof of efficacy of the ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 in outpatients suffering from mild to moderate primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type or multi-infarct dementia” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8741021/
- “A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia. North American EGb Study Group” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9343463/
- “An Updated Review of Randomized Clinical Trials Testing the Improvement of Cognitive Function of Ginkgo biloba Extract in Healthy People and Alzheimer’s Patients” https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.01688/full#B48
- “Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta-analysis” https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/hup.2259
- “Red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid levels and markers of accelerated brain aging” https://n.neurology.org/content/78/9/658
- “Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Fish oil Improve Learning and Memory in Drosophila melanogaster” https://jbs.camden.rutgers.edu/content/omega-3-fatty-acids-fish-oil-improve-learning-and-memory-drosophila-melanogaster
- “The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4595381/
- “Dietary Supplementation of Hericium erinaceus Increases Mossy Fiber-CA3 Hippocampal Neurotransmission and Recognition Memory in Wild-Type Mice” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5237458/
- “The Neuroprotective Properties of Hericium erinaceus in Glutamate-Damaged Differentiated PC12 Cells and an Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5133811/
- “Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18844328/
- “Improvement of Learning and Memory Induced by Cordyceps Polypeptide Treatment and the Underlying Mechanism” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5874985/
- “Rhodiola rosea L.: an herb with anti-stress, anti-aging, and immunostimulating properties for cancer chemoprevention” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6208354/
- “Rhodiola rosea L. Improves Learning and Memory Function: Preclinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6288277/