The 5 Best Cognitive Enhancers for Memory, Alertness & Energy

Cognitive enhancers are a little-known class of supplements and drugs that can actually increase your brain’s performance on key intellectual measurements.

These cognitive supplements are also known as smart drugs and are referred to in the scientific community as “Nootropics”.

Cognitive enhancers supply the brain with higher levels of neurotransmitters and stimulate important receptors to improve memory, learning, reasoning, attention and mood.

The result is optimization of certain basic mental functions and higher scores of fluid intelligence.

While cognitive enhancers are still viewed as science fiction by most of the general public, there is extensive research from neuroscience and clinical trials that backs up their effectiveness. What are some of the best cognitive enhancers that you can buy?

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5. Piracetam

Without a doubt, Piracetam is the most popular cognitive enhancement supplement available.

It was first discovered in the 1960’s by a European pharmaceutical company and it has been examined in thousands of academic studies and trials since then.

While there are more powerful compounds on this list of cognitive enhancers, this is the supplement that most people start with and it does offer proven results for improving brainpower.

The main effect of Piracetam is on the acetylcholine neurotransmitter and the cholinergic system. Acetylcholine receptors are closely involved with the formation of new memories and the process by which your brain makes new connections.

The best dosage for Piracetam is between 1- 4 grams taken two or three times every day. You can purchase it either in pill format or as a bulk powder, but you will be substantially less if you buy it in powdered format. It is then easy to take this Racetam by mixing it in water or by dosing it sublingually.

You will notice that it has a bitter taste so you may want to mix it with juice to mask some of the flavor. For best absorption, Piracetam should be taken on an empty stomach. The results of this cognitive supplement are noticeable within 30-45 minutes and it will last up to three hours after ingestion.

It can take some time for it to build up in your system to reach full effectiveness, so you should wait at least two weeks before increasing your dosage.

4. Aniracetam

A natural follow-up to Piracetam is Aniracetam – a fat-soluble derivative of this original Racetam which is cited as being 5 times more powerful. The effects of Aniracetam are similar to Piracetam, but with heightened dopamine and serotonin influence.

Aniracetam also has greater modulation on the glutamate receptors which may result in better effects on concentration, motivation and energy. Aniracetam is also considered one of the best nootropics for anxiety relief and treating symptoms of depression.

Aniracetam specifically works on the systems of the brain that regulate neuroplasticity and the formation of new memories. This supplement may be able to reduce the rate of receptor desensitization in the hippocampus meaning that it could cause you to be able to remember more details even after a long day of work or studying.

Some reviewers say that when taking Aniracetam they are able to recall even the most specific facts after reading a highly technical article.

The recommended dosage of Aniracetam is 1,000 to 2,000 mg taken with milk or on a full stomach. Effects will be noticeable very quickly – within 15-20 minutes – but they do not last as long as some other nootropic cognitive enhancers.

3. Pramiracetam

One of the downsides of Aniracetam is that it has very low bioavailability and a short half-life. This means you end up taking a larger dosage than you would if it had better absorption into the blood. Pramiracetam corrects some of these problems associated with Aniracetam while offering similar benefits.

It is also a fat-soluble analog of Piracetam, but one that is believed to be 30 times more potent and it lasts much longer in the brain. Pramiracetam powder is a memory, learning, mood and energy booster like the other Racetams, but it is highlighted among all of these supplements for its effects on focus and concentration.

It may not be the best cognitive enhancement product for everyday use but, it is a well-regarded study drug for those times when you need to be especially productive.

Pramiracetam supplements are highly effective at a dosage of around 500 mg taken two or three times a day. The half-life of this smart drug is 5 hours so you may find that two administrations per day is plenty.

Remember that as a fat soluble Racetam, it works best on a full stomach or with some lipid source like a fish oil pill. It is considered to be very safe with few known mild side effects and no known dangerous side effects. If you are looking for the best cognitive enhancer for motivation, then Pramiracetam is the perfect choice.

2. Phenylpiracetam

Research into the Racetam category of supplements continues to this day and there are some promising new nootropics which may soon enter the mainstream. One of the most recently commercialized cognitive enhancers is Phenylpiracetam (Phenotropil) – a slightly modified version of Piracetam.

This nutraceutical was actually discovered in the 1980’s, but only in the past year or two has it been made available through mainstream nootropic providers.

Phenylpiracetam is so exciting to nootropic users because it is said to be 60 times stronger than Piracetam and provides a greater range of benefits. It can give you unprecedented levels of focus and mental drive with great clarity of thought. It is even useful for improving athletic performance, specifically in the areas of stamina and reflex time.

Using Phenylpiracetam can promote faster cognition, increase communication between the two hemispheres of your brain, and help you experience more creative thought. A dosage of 200 mg is sufficient to experience the benefits of this compound.

While Phenylpiracetam is more expensive than the other cognitive enhancement powders listed here, its high potency level is worth it for more experienced nootropic users.

1. Noopept

No countdown of cognitive enhancers is complete without Noopept.

This Racetam-derived compound actually falls into the category of supplements known as dipeptides. It has a more direct mechanism of being transported to the brain which is why this substance is considered 1,000 times more potent than the same amount of Piracetam.

The influence it exerts on your neurons is similar to the Racetams but with greater levels of stimulation. If you have never taken Noopept, you might be surprised by the stimulant-effect which is sometimes compared to Adderall or Ritalin.

Noopept is also effective at increasing learning, memory and reasoning skills and it has a similar range of mood-enhancement benefits as Aniracetam. Some of the highlighted effects of Noopept are in regards to increasing Nerve Growth Factor levels which is related to the health and development of new neurons and neurites. In this regard, Noopept may have even greater long-term effects on brain health and intellect.

It is also being used in some areas as an Alzheimer’s treatment and as a neuroprotectant for stroke patients. The dosage range for Noopept is between 10 mg and 40 mg taken up to three times a day.

Conclusion

The choice of which cognitive enhancer to use is best left to personal preference as there is no such thing as a single best supplement for brainpower. Different individuals will see different effects from the same supplements.

One person may find that Noopept is the best for helping them get motivated while another may prefer Pramiracetam. Someone might see the best mood-enhancement effects from Aniracetam while someone else might achieve better results with Piracetam. Which one you use is also dependent on your particular goals and needs.

To pick the very best cognitive enhancer for yourself, experience is the most valuable guide. Consider trying Piracetam or one of the weaker Racetams to start with and once you have some familiarity you can consider upgrading to Noopept or Phenylpiracetam.

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