List of Long-Term Memory Enhancing Drugs and Supplements

There are several long-term memory enhancing drugs on the market which support this specific type of cognitive function.

Unlike working memory, which is our ability to temporarily store and manipulate information in the short-term, long-term memory necessitates the formation of semi-permanent neural connections.

This action would not be possible without the neurochemicals we naturally produce from glands and acquire from food sources.

However, time and age coupled with dietary deficiencies can limit our ability to effectively make long term memories. Drugs to enhance long-term memory storage and recall can boost the brain’s ability to produce or retain these vital chemicals, while improving the health of brain tissue.

Here is a brief summary of how long-term memory works, and which supplements are best for preserving and enhancing its function.

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What Is Long Term Potentiation?

Long Term Potentiation is a way of describing the brain’s process of forging permanent long term memories. In the hippocampus, chemical signals are sent along synapses between neurons.

When two neurons are activated at the same time, signal strength increases for a period of weeks. Think of that famous phrase, “Neurons that fire together, wire together.”

Then a process involving the neurotransmitter glutamate further solidifies the synaptic connection between these neurons. Glutamine binds with AMPA and NMDA receptors, firing a process of depolarization, followed by a massive calcium release.

Calcium is crucial in a series of resulting reactions which strengthen the synapse and make this communication channel permanent. We call the resulting permanent connection a long term memory.

How to Improve Long-Term Memory

The entire LTP process is only possible if neural tissues exhibit a state of plasticity. This quality, caused by an abundance of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain, allows for the speedy growth of neural structures over time.

Long-term memory enhancing drugs help create this state of neuroplasticity, in order to encourage Long Term Potentiation to occur. So, supplements which support acetylcholine levels in the brain are generally beneficial for long term memory formation.

Prevent Long-Term Memory Loss over Time

As we age, our brains become less able to maintain balanced levels of acetylcholine and glutamate. We also lose calcium. The biochemical reactions required for long term memory formation falter, resulting in the gradual decay of memory functions.

As these conditions advance, more severe degenerative diseases can take hold, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. For this reason, long-term memory enhancing drugs can also be looked at as “neuro-protective.” This means that not only will they enhance memory formation today, they will also guard against the nearly inevitable future decay.

One way this can be accomplished is with supplements which boost cell membrane strength, such as Omega 3 fatty acids. Cell integrity is a major issue in fighting off age-related decline. Protecting the cell is at the heart of preventative strategies to foster long term memory functions throughout life.

Anti-oxidants are also valuable in guarding cells against damage from oxidation. You can also make sure your diet is contributing to excellent memory performance by looking into these cognition-enhancing foods.

Natural Long-Term Memory Enhancing Drugs

The best long-term memory enhancing drugs balance immediate results with long term protection. In recent years, many exciting nootropic supplements have hit the market which provide safe, natural enhancement for memory while simultaneously nurturing brain cells for maximum plasticity.

The first major nootropics to gain popularity were the racetams. These compounds are commonly taken for a full range of cognitive enhancing benefits, such as improved concentration, greater mental energy, and enhanced memory function.

Racetams like Piracetam stimulate acetylcholine receptors to boost overall neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, creating the ideal conditions for long term memory formation.

Combo Stacks for Memory Power

There are dedicated nootropic stack supplements which are intended specifically for long term memory protection.

The most popular product is CILTEP – Chemically Induced Long Term Potentiation. CILTEP employs a powerful combo of nootropics spearheaded by the herbal remedies Forskolin and Artichoke Extract.

These two plant-derived compounds boost and retain levels of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate), in the brain. cAMP is one of the substances required for the strengthening of synapse links between neurons once 2 neurons forge a sustained synchronous link.

CILTEP also contains Acetyl L-Carnitine to boost and maintain acetylcholine levels. Vitamin B6 is also added to enhance cell metabolism.

Neurohormones and Long Term Memory

The brain manufactures some neurohormones for the express purpose of accentuating long term potentiation. In addition to general functions like stimulating cell growth and balancing stress responses, these hormones can set the stage for long term memory formation.

Dopamine is probably the best known neurohormone, responsible for mental energy, thought acuity, and drive (all of which lend themselves to good memory function).

However, it is the natural neurosteroid Pregnenolone which is most associated with long term memory. This hormone is very active at NMDA receptor sites, just like glutamate. It improves communication between neurons and launches the process which strengthens synapses.

Pregnenolone is a somewhat rare supplement among long-term memory enhancing drugs. Similar effects of improved memory and better mental focus can also be had from the class of nootropic supplements known as cholinergics. These smart drugs lift acetylcholine levels and generate the neuroplasticity required for excellent long-term memory formation.

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