Memory is one of the most complex human brain functions. So it is no surprise that the demand for memory supplements is growing. But can nootropics enhance your memory? And if yes, which are the best nootropics for memory on the market?
Why Is Memory Important?
Memory is our ability to encode, store, retain, and recall information and past experiences in the human brain. [1] Experts divide memory into short-term and long-term memory. Long-term memory is further divided into explicit and implicit memory.
Short-term memory is a primary memory that ensures we can live and work the way we do it. Without it, we would enormously struggle.
Long-term memory, on the other side, stores the most relevant information. It is a core aspect of human learning.
No matter your IQ, if your memory works well, you will have great fundamentals for an outstanding life.
Do Nootropics For Memory Work?
No matter how old you are, having a great memory helps in all aspects of life. We used to believe that it was impossible to improve our memory. The same was right for our brain function and IQ. But with the development of science, we now know better.
Not just that we can improve our learning and memory, we can do that in no time. There are many ways to do it, but our favorite one is by taking memory nootropics.
Yes, you read it right. Such nootropics actually exist, and they are very effective.
Nootropics improve various types of our memory, but not all of them are equally effective.
Buying individual nootropics like a Bacopa Monnieri extract is one option. You can also buy nootropic stacks that contain multiple nootropics.
For 99,9% of people, we suggest buying supplements. You can go for individual nootropics only if you are a nootropic expert.
To clarify, even our team uses premade nootropic supplements.
So, let’s check out the best nootropics for memory. We’ll start with the most respected brain supplements.
Best Nootropics For Memory
#1 Mind Lab Pro
Mind Lab Pro is our top-rated nootropic supplement for memory, focus, productivity, and long-term brain support.
It is caffeine-free, soy-free, gluten-free, allergen-free, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly.
This supplement contains 11 research-backed nootropics that function as a complete brain optimizer. This means that it positively affects all areas of your cognition.
We recommend it to all people who want to improve their focus, brainpower, mental health, and brain performance.
PROS:
- Excellent for beginners and advanced users
- Safe for long-term use
- Outstanding results
CONS:
- The formula delivers no energy-boost
#2 Qualia Mind
Qualia Mind is the most advanced supplement for memory improvement.
Qualia Mind contains 28 nootropic ingredients that improve all aspects of cognitive functioning.
Neurohacker Collective designed Qualia Mind for active individuals who search for an ultimate brain supplement.
With 28 nootropics, you get all the crucial nutrients for optimal brainpower. However, it is a way more expensive supplement compared to Mind Lab Pro.
We recommend it to biohackers and highly-active professionals who can afford it.
PROS:
- Advanced formulation
- It improves memory
- It’s a premium product
CONS:
- It is double the price compared to our winning supplement
Use code YOURINCEPTION to get a 15% discount.
#3 Performance Lab Mind And Stim
Performance Lab Mind And Stim are advanced supplements for memory and brain performance.
PROS:
- 11 scientifically researched ingredients
- Advanced formulation
- High-quality ingredients
CONS:
- You need to buy 2 separate supplements for optimal results
- They contain caffeine
#4 Alpha Brain
Alpha Brain is a dietary supplement for memory, focus, and cognition.
Alpha Brain was designed to enhance memory and focus. It contains 12 unique nootropics that simultaneously affect our cognition.
It was developed by Onnit, a well-respected brand from the US.
Compared to our winning supplements, it lacks citicoline, our favorite memory nootropic.
Apart from that, Alpha Brain is an effective memory supplement.
PROS:
- Complex formulation
- 12 high-quality ingredients
- Popular among health experts
CONS:
- Its formula hasn't been updated since 2015
Use code YOURINCEPTION to get a 15% discount.
How About Individual Memory Nootropics?
Each nootropic supplement contains multiple nootropics, which make the supplement effective.
If nootropics are smartly combined, they can enhance our memory and cognitive function. If not, we will get no positive effects. In the worst-case scenario, we can suffer from side-effects like:
- a headache
- stomach pain
- brain fog
- nausea
1. Alpha GPC
Alpha-GPC is a cholinergic nootropic that people use for its cognitive-promoting properties. It is marketed as a memory-booster due to its proven memory-boosting effects. [2]
A study on mice and rats showed that supplementing Alpha GPC improved working memory, verbal memory, and learning. With other benefits, it’s one of the most recommended nootropics.
You can find Alpha GPC (or its alternatives) in all our top-rated nootropics.
The standard dosage of alpha-GPC is 300 – 1200 mg/day.
2. Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi)
Brahmi is a nootropic herb that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese medicine. Bacopa Monnieri is known for its positive benefits on longevity and cognitive function. [3] It was often used alongside Rhodiola Rosea to improve memory function.
The main benefit of this adaptogenic herb is its effect on improving memory in people. It also improves memory affected by age-related decline.
Since it’s also known for its anti-depression effects, it’s a great nootropic that can be taken as an individual compound or as part of a nootropic stack.
The standard dosage is 300 mg/day, but it has to contain at least 50% of the active bacoside compound.
Note: You have to take it for 6-12 weeks to get the memory benefits.
3. Centrophenoxine
Centrophenoxine is a synthetic nootropic used for memory enhancement. Compared to other nootropics on this list, it’s not yet well-researched and very rarely used in premade nootropic stacks. [4]
It carries the benefits of DMAE, and preliminary studies show that it boosts cognition in the elderly. The first potential is shown, but we need more research to confirm its efficacy and safety.
The standard dosage is up to 3 doses of 250 mg/day. We recommend consulting your doctor before supplementing centrophenoxine.
4. Citicoline (CDP-Choline)
CDP-Choline is a nootropic compound that provides several cognitive-promoting benefits. It is the most effective for improving memory. [5] Citicoline also slows down cognitive decline and increases attention.
Citicoline is the best memory nootropic in our opinion.
Studies on older adults show positive effects on memory. Studies on animals show similar positive effects.
The standard dosage of citicoline is 200 – 500 mg/day, which may be divided into two daily doses.
Note: Our favorite type of citicoline is Cognizin.
5. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is the most often used nootropic herb in the world. It’s been well studied, and it provides several benefits, including improvement of your memory. Ginkgo also slow down cognitive decline. [6]
Despite several positive benefits, its effects are mild compared to other nootropics on our list. That’s why we recommend combining it with other nootropics.
The standard dosage is 120 mg – 240 mg/day.
6. Huperzine-A
Huperzine-A is a nootropic known for its cognitive enhancing benefits. Scientifically, it degrades acetylcholine, the learning neurotransmitter. [7] Therefore, Huperzine-A affects our cognitive functions.
The standard daily dosage is between 50-200 mcg.
Due to to the lack of studies, experts recommend cycling Huperzine-A. Try to take it for 3 weeks and then stay off for 1-2 weeks.
7. Curcumin
Curcumin is the primary bioactive substance in turmeric. It’s known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies show that supplementing curcumin improves our memory. [8]
Curcumin is poorly absorbed, so we recommend taking it with piperine. Piperine is an alkaloid that enhances absorption.
The standard dosage is 500 mg of curcumin combined with 20 mg piperine up to three times per day.
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These are the most effective memory nootropics on the market. No matter if you buy them separately or as a part of a nootropic supplement, they are very effective for improving memory.
Among them, Citicoline and Bacopa Monnieri stand out.
We recommend buying a supplement that contains these 2 compounds in the right dosage.
Verdict
We covered a whole list of the most effective memory nootropics. They have proven benefits, are safe to take, we know the recommended daily dosages, and can be bought online.
For optimal results, we recommend combining different nootropics from the list.
That’s why we recommend buying Mind Lab Pro, our favorite nootropic stack for memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which are the best memory nootropics?
The best memory nootropics are:
- Alpha GPC
- Bacopa Monnieri
- Centrophenoxine
- Citicoline
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Huperzine A
- Curcumin
2. Are there different types of memory nootropics?
Yes, there are nootropics for memory recall, nootropics for memory retention, nootropics for memory loss, nootropics for working memory, nootropics for short-term memory, and nootropics for long-term memory.
