There is often a strong focus in research upon enhancing long term memory, but learning how to enhance short-term memory is equally important.
Boosting short term memory capacity allows for more functional intelligence in day to day activities.
This kind of memory is important for decision making skills, the ability to navigate on foot or in a vehicle, and even basic human safety behaviors.
This working memory function is fueled by a sophisticated harmony of neurochemicals in action. By learning how this brian chemistry works, and then taking supplements to balance it, we can greatly improve everyday functional memory.
What follows is a brief summary of what we know about short-term memory, and how to boost its efficiency and power through smart supplementation.

- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
- Boost energy, alertnes & memory
- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
What Is Working Memory?
Related Topics
- Best Brain Supplements
- What are Nootropics?
- Nootropics List
- How Do Nootropics Work?
- Natural Brain Boosters
- Brain Vitamins
- Increase your IQ
- How to Improve Concentration
- How to Improve Memory
- Focus Supplements
- Best ADHD Supplements
- Mood Enhancers
- Supplements for Anxiety
- Nootropics for Depression
- Best Brain Foods
- Does Brain Training Work?
- Brain Hacking
- Smart Drugs
- Brain Pills
- Cognitive Enhancement
Short-term memory is often referred to by the name “working memory.”
This name is actually a far more accurate way of describing how we deal with information storage and retrieval in any given moment.
The emphasis is more upon an active, dynamic memory process, as opposed to a fixed, static bank of information. Most people who are interested in how to boost short-term memory are actually talking about working memory.
Working memory employs a “central executive” which manages the functions of several smaller “slave systems.” Just like the CEO of a corporation, the central executive wrangles together the information and sorting processes of its subordinate systems, giving instructions and drawing larger connections.
Information might be stored in these smaller systems as sounds, images, or words. Other forms of information, like music, can also be held by these subordinate systems. The central executive synthesizes all data and “makes its case” in the form of thoughts that you think.
How to Enhance Short-Term Memory with Chemistry
Working memory may sound intangible, but it is actually fueled by the action of common neurochemicals in the brain. These chemicals are either synthesized in the body’s glands, or gleaned from food and supplement sources.
Neurochemicals transmit the infinitesimal messages or signals which comprise what we think of as “information.” They do this across pathways called synapses.
Acetylcholine, the most important neurotransmitter relating to cognition, promotes the healthy growth of these pathways and the neurons which receive information. Acetylcholine also facilitates communication from the basal forebrain to the hippocampus.
When looking at how to increase short-term memory, we also must consider the neurochemicals which correlate to energy systems.
Dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are crucial to providing the mental focus and stamina which fuel the mechanisms of working memory related to attention span and alertness. These are also the systems that are often impaired in cases of ADD and ADHD.
When looking for supplements to address this facet of memory, it’s important to use acetylcholine-boosting compounds like CDP Choline with dopamine enhancers like Tyrosine and Sulbutiamine. Often, we see nootropic stack products which bring together all vital points of stimulation for developing short-term memory, such as Alpha Brain.
Best Supplements for Short-Term Memory
The first supplement most people think of in conjunction with memory is Ginkgo Biloba. The leaves of this ancient tree have been a staple in Chinese medicine for 2500 years, and are known to improve memory, mental acuity, and learning.
It does this through bioactive flavonoids which nourish neural structures. Ginkgo is a great general cure-all, but may not provide specific enough therapy for acute short term memory gains.
Bacopa Monnieri is a creeping marsh vine which also famously improves memory. Bacopa is included in the popular memory and cognitive enhancement stack Alpha Brain expressly for its memory power.
The racetams are a category of nootropic supplement which dramatically boost the efficacy of cognition related nerve signaling. In particular, Piracetam, a renowned powerhouse cognitive booster, is known to amplify the effectiveness of acetylcholine already in your system, and thusly is often paired with choline supplements.
Finally, a very common method of how to enhance short-term memory is caffeine. Generally consumed in a daily beverage like tea or coffee, caffeine provides powerful mental energy and focus for brief periods of time – usually a few hours depending upon tolerance. Many nootropic users add L-Theanine supplements to caffeine to reduce its side effects and maximize its memory benefits.
Improving Short-Term Memory Review
Anyone who wants to know to enhance short-term memory should start with a basic supplementation program that creates the right neural environment. Supplements that boost acetylcholine set up the structures needed for communication between chief executive and slave memory systems.
Nootropics for mental energy via dopamine also fuel this process, in addition to providing the user with the clear-headedness and motivation to dive into tasks.
Racetams are well-known memory enhancers, both for short and long term capacity. Finally, herbal supplements can provide a natural boost to memory systems, as they have been for thousands of years. Whichever method you choose, remember to think of short-term memory as a participatory, active process –one you can successfully enhance with the right supplements.
Article last updated on: April 17th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
help me I have a short memory if I study I forget within 15minutes so don’t well at school what can I do.
Try natural products first: Bacopa Monnieri, Ginkgo Biloba, Lion’s Mane and Huperzine A. Then switch to racetams: Aniracetam or Oxiracetam with a choline source (Choline Bitartrate, Alpha GPC or citicoline).