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These Top 5 Brain Supplements Can Help Sharpen Memory and Boost Cognition
If you’ve been experiencing more frequent brain fog, memory lapses, and “senior moments” lately, it might not just be due to a hectic schedule or a few restless nights. Age-related cognitive decline could be the culprit.
As we age, a gradual decline in cognitive ability is natural, with studies indicating this process can start as early as the early to mid 40s. The brain relies on acetylcholine to store and recall new information, forming crucial neural connections. Unfortunately, production of this essential neurotransmitter decreases with age, affecting the brain’s capacity to create new short-term memories. This explains why recalling people or events from decades ago might be easier than remembering where you parked or left your keys.
While we can’t halt time’s progression, a combination of a healthy lifestyle and a comprehensive cognitive health supplement can help maintain mental sharpness and recapture the focus, concentration, and clarity of years past.
How Can You Tell a Good Memory Supplement from a Bad One?
New research suggests that around 40% of individuals will encounter age-related memory lapses at some stage in their lives, particularly after reaching the age of 65. Furthermore, our increasing dependence on electronic devices to recall names, dates, and numbers exacerbates this issue. It’s hardly shocking, therefore, that there’s a rapid surge in public demand for cognitive enhancement products.
And yet, not all supplements are created equal. The fast-growing market for brain-boosting supplements has lured many companies to release ineffective supplements containing questionable ingredients with little or no proof of efficacy. That’s why our staff decided to review all the most popular mind and memory formulas today and evaluate them for safety and effectiveness. We will show you what to look for, what to avoid, and which products we determined to be the best.
In our analysis, we noticed a number of companies making exaggerated claims about the cognitive improvements you can realize by using their products, not all of which are likely. What kind of results can you realistically expect from a brain supplement?
When Will You See Results?
The ingredients in most cognitive health products can provide some noticeable improvements within 30 days. However, it may take additional time to restore optimal acetylcholine production and maximize your brain’s ability to forge new neural pathways.
Research suggests that 3 months of daily use helps significantly increase the likelihood of lasting improvement. Here is a reasonable timeline to expect:
- Month 1: You may feel less forgetful and more focused as you experience less frequent “senior moments.”
- Month 2: You may notice that your short-term memory feels considerably sharper with greater capacity and faster recall.
- Month 3: Peak cognitive potential is reached. You may experience long-lasting improvement in memory retention, greater concentration and alertness, and a renewed confidence in your mind.
The 5 Must-Have Ingredients for a Good Memory Supplement
- Panex Ginseng
Panex ginseng naturally occurs in the body as a precursor to acetylcholine, one of the key neurotransmitters in the brain’s neural network. As a supplement, this compound rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier and helps promote the synthesis of acetylcholine. In addition, alpha GPC encourages the development of cell membranes in the cerebral cortex, or “gray matter,” for improved mental processing.
- Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea has been shown to increase bioavailable levels of acetylcholine by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks it down, acetylcholinesterase. This fosters an ideal environment to form new neural connections and improve memory retention. Note that while huperzine A is extracted from huperzia serrata, they are not the same ingredient. Look for supplements that specifically contain huperzine A.
- Lion's Mane Mushroom
- Bacopa Monnieri
- Ginkgo Biloba
Perhaps even more important, there are certain red flags to be wary of when evaluating a cognitive enhancement supplement.
Warning Signs of Potential Scams
- Lack of Clinical Studies
- Unproven Ingredients
Top 5 Cognitive Enhancers of 2024
1.
A+
Overall Grade
Pros
- Clinically tested against placebo by independent third party
- After 30 days of daily use, study participants scored 51% higher* on a standardized cognitive test
- Contains all 5 must-have ingredients
- No fillers or artificial additives
- Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Available online in the United States, but not currently sold in retail stores
The Bottom Line
We gave Cerevra by Nutrify Health our #1 ranking because it is the only cognitive supplement that meets every one of our strict criteria.
Cerevra contains twice as many capsule servings as most competitors.
Cerevra contains all 5 of the ingredients we consider essential for optimal memory support, including alpha GPC, huperzine A, lion’s mane mushroom, bacopa monnieri, and ginkgo biloba. It is also produced in a GMP-certified laboratory in Ohio.
We found the best discounts on Nutrify’s website.
Overall, Cerevra is our top pick for best cognitive enhancement in 2024.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
A-
Overall Grade
Pros
- Contains 3 out of 5 must-have ingredients
- No artificial additives
- Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- Made in the USA
Cons
- No clinical study
- Does not contain alpha GPC or lion's mane mushroom
- Contains some ingredients with questionable efficacy
The Bottom Line
Prevagen by Quincy Bioscience includes 2 core brain-boosting ingredients, huperzine A (listed as huperzine alkaloids) and ginkgo biloba, along with another cognitive-enhancing compound clinically shown to boost cerebral circulation.
The formula is free from fillers and additives and is made in the USA.
They have not tested the product for efficacy in a clinical study. One final note: this supplement has been contraindicated for women of childbearing age, as it may negatively impact fertility.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
3.
B
Overall Grade
Pros
- Contains 2 out of 5 must-have ingredients
- No fillers or artificial additives
- Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- Made in the USA
Cons
- No clinical study
- Does not contain alpha GPC, lion's mane mushroom, or bacopa monnieri
- Focuses more on cerebral blood flow than acetylcholine production
The Bottom Line
Alpha Brain by Onnit provides effective cognitive support that includes 3 of the primary ingredients that we look for in a quality brain supplement: huperzine A, bacopa monnieri, and ginkgo biloba.
Acetyl L-carnitine, another ingredient in the formula, has been shown to promote the production of acetylcholine. However, it can be easily obtained through a well-rounded diet, and it must be paired with alpha GPC for maximum bioavailability.
Overall, we will recommend to pass on Alpha Brain.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
4.
B
Overall Grade
Pros
- Contains 2 out of 5 must-have ingredients
- No artificial additives
- Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free
- Made in the USA
Cons
- No clinical study
- Does not contain alpha GPC, lion's mane mushroom, or ginkgo biloba
- Contains some ingredients with limited proof of efficacy
The Bottom Line
Neuriva features 2 of the most essential ingredients for effective cognitive enhancement, huperzine A and bacopa monnieri, plus 3 other compounds for mind and memory support.
The formula prominently contains Memophenol, a proprietary extract of grape and wild blueberry, and NooGandha, a trademarked derivation of ashwagandha. Both of these ingredients have been tested individually for safety and effectiveness in clinical studies. However, the results were mixed.
We would recommend skipping Neuriva.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.
B
Overall Grade
Pros
- Contains huperzine A
- No fillers or artificial additives
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Made in the USA
Cons
- No clinical study
- Does not contain 4 out of 5 must-have ingredients
- Not vegan
The Bottom Line
Focus Factor contains huperzine A, one of the most powerful natural compounds available to boost acetylcholine and sharpen your mind. This ingredient is paired with a polypeptide complex derived from colostrum, which has shown neuroprotective effects for individuals with age-related memory lapses in several studies. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the mechanism of action behind these cognitive benefits.
* Results may vary and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using this product. Please visit product website for more information.