Discover What Makes the Best Nootropic for Memory

Nootropics help enhance cognitive performance, but some are better at boosting memory than others. With so many options on the market, it can be daunting to determine which is the best nootropic for memory.  We will be covering many of these substances in this article, but first let’s look at the mechanisms that make your memory work.

How Does Memory Work?

Most people envision memory similar to the folder structure on a computer. In other words, they believe that memories are stored in a dedicated area of the brain, much like a hard drive. However, this is not the case. Memory isn’t actually relegated to a specific area of the brain but is a process that encompasses a number of different sections of the brain that work together. Each sensory element of a memory…sight, sound, emotions, words and so on, are stored in the same area that created the element. Recalling a memory activates those neural patterns from each area, bringing them together to create a single memory.

Likewise, we don’t have a single type of memory. Short term memories are saved and stored in one way and in certain areas of the brain, while long-term memories are saved and stored differently and in other areas of the brain. Clearly, it’s quite a complex process, and when it comes to improving memory, we have to look not only at what can improve saving and storage, but also recall.

On a biological level, neurons communicate with each other by way of special structures called synaptic connections. Neurons are able to communicate with each other through specific chemicals called neurotransmitters. The strength of these structures and connections from one neuron to the next determines how memories are formed. The stronger the connection, the better the chance of a memory forming. Additionally, the stronger this connection is and the more you maintain its strength, the better you will be able to maintain those memories and recall them.

How Can Nootropics Improve Memory?

As we discussed, maintaining the strength of synaptic connections is vital to having a high-performance memory. The ability of synaptic connections to grow stronger or weaker is referred to as synaptic plasticity. Nootropics can be used to increase the level of synaptic plasticity by increasing glutamate levels, increasing acetylcholine levels and enhancing the flow of oxygen to the brain.

Increasing Glutamate Levels with Ampakines

Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that has a significant impact on synaptic plasticity and slight increases of this chemical have been linked to an impressive improvement in the performance of memory, but also attention span and focus.

There is a category of nootropics that have been shown to be most effective at increasing glutamate levels by stimulating the NDMA and AMPA receptors and they are known as Ampakines. At the moment, the best nootropics in this class are racetams, such as Piracetam and Aniracetam. These two supplements also help to elevate acetylcholine levels, making them a great option for memory enhancement.

Elevate Acetylcholine Levels with Racetams and Choline Supplements

Acetylcholine is an essential neurotransmitter that enables the formation of synaptic connections and the higher the level of this neurotransmitter, the higher the degree of synaptic plasticity. And that’s precisely what we want to achieve.

Thus, the best nootropic for memory will have the capacity to promote acetylcholine production, but will also be able to slow the breakdown of this chemical.

Racetams are considered among the best nootropics to raise acetylcholine production, with oxiracetam, pramiracetam, and piracetam topping the list. While some effects will be immediately noticeable, it usually takes while to experience the full benefits.

A choline supplement is essential because acetylcholine is made from this compound, which makes supplementation a good idea. You can either get choline from foods such as fish and eggs, but you are better off using a supplement like Alpha GPC or CDP Choline so you can be sure you are getting the amount you need.

Boost Oxygen Flow with Vinpocetine

The brain needs oxygen for most processes, which means that the more blood flowing to your brain, the more oxygen will be present as well. And the better oxygenated your brain is, the more energy it will have to perform.

Your body, as well as all basic function necessary to keep you alive, receives oxygen before the brain, which means your brain gets leftovers. This is why even a small elevation in oxygen levels can have a significant impact, improving your energy, enhancing concentration, motivation, and awareness, as well as boosting your memory and capacity to learn.

While racetams have proven to help improve oxygen flow to a certain degree, the best nootropic to boost oxygen levels is Vinpocetine, which is an herbal compound.

So What is The Best Nootropic For Memory?

Now that you know the precise mechanisms that help improve memory, you’ll find it easier to choose the best nootropics for your needs or even build your own stack. However, if you’re still not sure which is the best nootropic for memory, you can be certain you won’t go wrong with a racetam such as Oxiracetam or Aniracetam or a cholinergic such as citicoline.

Nicole Sanders
 

Hi, I'm Nicole, chief editor at Nootropics Revealed. Learn more about me and my mission here.