These Top 5 Brain Supplements Can Help Sharpen Memory and Boost Cognition
Here are the key factors to look for in a top-notch cognitive health supplement, and how to spot the scams.
If you're experiencing more frequent brain fog, memory lapses, and "senior moments," it may be more than just a busy schedule or poor sleep. Age-related cognitive decline may be to blame.
A gradual decline in cognitive function is a natural part of aging. New research suggests this can begin as early as our 40s.
The brain relies on acetylcholine to store and retrieve new information. This neurotransmitter decreases as we age, making it harder to form new short-term memories.
This is why you may be able to easily recall people or events from decades ago, but struggle to remember where you parked your car or put your keys.
While we can't stop time, we can take steps to keep our minds sharp. A healthy lifestyle and a well-rounded cognitive health supplement can help recapture focus, concentration and mental clarity.
How to Tell a Good Memory Supplement from a Bad One?
New studies show that around 40% of people will have memory problems as they get older, especially over the age of 65. Our reliance on technology to remember names, dates, and numbers is making this worse. It's no wonder that demand for cognitive enhancement products is growing rapidly.
Not all brain supplements are equally effective. The rapid growth of the brain-boosting supplement market has attracted many companies that release ineffective supplements with questionable ingredients and little or no proof of effectiveness.
That's why we decided to review the most popular brain supplements today and evaluate them for safety and effectiveness. We'll show you what to look for, what to avoid, and which products we recommend.
Many companies make unrealistic claims about the benefits of brain supplements. What results can you really expect?
When Will You See Results?
Most cognitive health products can start to improve your brain function within 30 days. However, it may take longer to fully restore your brain's cognitive function.
Here is a reasonable timeline to expect:
- First Month: You may notice some improvement in your memory, focus, and learning.
- Month 1-3: You may notice improvements in your mood, energy levels, and stress levels.
- Month 3: Your brain is working at its full potential. You may notice long-lasting improvements in your memory, ability to focus, and alertness. You may also feel more confident in your mental abilities.
Tip: For the best results, take your memory supplement every day for at least 3 months. This will allow each dose to build on the benefits of the previous ones, leading to exponential improvement over time.
So, what should you look for in a top-tier mind and memory product?
The 5 Must-Have Ingredients for a Good Memory Supplement
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. It is known to promote relaxation and improve cognitive function. L-theanine has been shown to increase alpha waves in the brain, which are associated with a relaxed and focused state. It can also help to improve working memory and attention span.
Huperzine A is a natural herb that has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function. It works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that is important for memory and learning. Huperzine A is also thought to protect the brain from damage.
Choline bitartrate is a nutrient that is essential for the health of the brain and nervous system. It is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in memory, learning, and muscle control. Choline bitartrate has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function in both adults and children. It's also known to help reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Alpha GPC is a nutrient that helps the brain function. It is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is important for memory, learning, and focus. Alpha GPC can also help the brain build new cell membranes, which can improve mental processing.
There are certain warning signs to be aware of when evaluating a cognitive enhancement supplement. These red flags can help you determine if a supplement is safe and effective:
Warning Signs of Potential Scams
Not all natural ingredients for cognitive enhancement are safe and effective. Be wary of supplements that list a long list of ingredients, as this may be an attempt to create the illusion of comprehensive support. More is not always better when it comes to your health. Some of the supplements we reviewed contained more than 10 unique ingredients!
Top 5 Cognitive Enhancers of 2023
Below, we break down our rankings and feature detailed reviews of the 5 best cognitive health products we analyzed, beginning with our top pick.
Our Rating
A+
Overall Grade
Overall Grade:
A+
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
We gave Noobru Advantage our #1 ranking because it is the only cognitive supplement that meets every one of our strict criteria.
Noobru is vegan, non-GMO, allergen-free, and sugar-free. Each ingredient nourishes your brain and helps it retain and process information faster. Noobru is great for people of all ages.
It contains all 5 of the ingredients we consider essential for optimal memory support, including L-Theanine, Huperzine A, Choline Bitartrate, Ashwagandha and Alpha GPC.
It's also easy to take. Just mix a sachet in water and enjoy the refreshing strawberry lemonade flavor!
It is available on Amazon, but we found significantly better discounts and shipping options on Noobru's website.
Overall, Noobru is our top pick for cognitive enhancement in 2023.
Click here to visit the product website.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
2. MemorAll
by Xymogen
Our Rating
A-
Overall Grade
Overall Grade:
A-
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
MemorAll by Xymogen is a cognitive supplement that contains three key ingredients: huperzine A, bacopa monnieri, and ginkgo biloba. These ingredients have been shown to improve cognitive function, but MemorAll also contains other ingredients that may not be as effective.
For example, the supplement contains acetyl L-carnitine, which can help to produce acetylcholine. However, acetylcholine can be easily obtained through a well-rounded diet. Additionally, acetyl L-carnitine is most effective when taken with alpha GPC, which is not included in MemorAll.
It is important to note that MemorAll has not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness in a placebo-controlled clinical study. This means that there is no guarantee that the supplement will work for you.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
3. Membrin
by Ortho Molecular
Our Rating
B
Overall Grade
Overall Grade:
B
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
Membrin by Ortho Molecular Products is a cognitive supplement that contains two key ingredients: huperzine A and ginkgo biloba. These ingredients have been shown to improve cognitive function by boosting cerebral circulation. The formula is free from fillers and additives and is made in the USA.
However, Membrin does not contain alpha GPC, Ashwagandha, or L-Theanine, each of which are critical to help promote optimal production of acetylcholine for better focus, faster recall, and improved neuroplasticity. Additionally, it is not advisable for women of childbearing age, as it may negatively impact fertility.
Overall, Membrin is a cognitive supplement that contains some effective ingredients. However, it also contains some ingredients that may not be as effective and that have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
4. CogniAid
by Designs for Health
Our Rating
B
Overall Grade
Overall Grade:
B
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
CogniAid by Designs for Health is a cognitive supplement that contains two key ingredients: huperzine A and bacopa monnieri. It also contains Memophenol, a proprietary extract of grape and wild blueberry, and NooGandha, a trademarked derivation of ashwagandha. These ingredients have been tested individually for safety and effectiveness in clinical studies, but the results were mixed.
For example, one study of college students indicated that Memophenol improved cognitive performance by 36%, but a larger study of elderly subjects found no significant effect on overall cognitive test scores. Meanwhile, the two studies available for NooGandha demonstrated improvement in short-term memory, but the statistical increases were small.
The product does not contain Alpha GPC, Choline Bitartrate or L-Theanine, which are other ingredients that have been shown to improve cognitive function.
To conclude, CogniAid is a cognitive supplement that contains some effective ingredients. However, it also contains some ingredients that may not be as effective and that have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
5. Ceriva
by Metagenics
Our Rating
B
Overall Grade
Overall Grade:
B
Pros
Cons
The Bottom Line
Ceriva by Metagenics is a dietary supplement that contains huperzine A and a polypeptide complex derived from colostrum. Huperzine A is a natural compound that helps to boost acetylcholine levels in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is important for memory, learning, and attention. The polypeptide complex derived from colostrum has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in some studies. However, it is not clear how these cognitive benefits occur.
The product is marketed as a way to aid the body's natural modulation of acetylcholine. However, it does not contain 4 out of the 5 ingredients that are considered to be essential for optimal acetylcholine production. While the polypeptide complex shows promise and huperzine A alone can help boost short-term memory, a stronger supporting cast of ingredients would be preferred. A clinical study would go a long way to validate the formula's efficacy.
If you are allergic to dairy or lactose-intolerant, you should be aware that this supplement's polypeptide complex is derived from milk.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
