Best cognitive enhancers & nootropics for studying to nail your exams

Exam periods are fast approaching and that’s probably got you thinking about how to prepare for an exam if you have one scheduled. This article takes you through the field of nootropics & cognitive enhancers and their research. In it, you’ll discover natural ways which can safely boost your efficiency while doing cognitive tasks such as learning and memory retention.

Do cognitive enhancers work?

Cognitive enhancement may be defined as “a benefit-seeking strategy used by healthy individuals to enhance cognitive abilities such as learning, memory, and attention”, and yes, they do work[1 Trusted Source 2020 - Frontiers in Psychiatry Research evaluation The Psychonauts’ World of Cognitive Enhancers ] . Both non-pharmacological and pharmacological enhancers are sought by the general public to improve performance during studying and at work by increasing concentration and motivation via physical, behavioural and biochemical activities[1 Trusted Source 2020 - Frontiers in Psychiatry Research evaluation The Psychonauts’ World of Cognitive Enhancers ] . While you can boost your physical and mental performance with your way of life and a balanced diet, a lot of people also opt for nutrient supplements to make sure they are getting enough nutrients. While some people use high-quality supplements, others tend to turn a blind eye to all the possible health risks and opt for cognitive enhancer smart drugs or as people call them nootropics. With people having access to and demanding increasingly complex information, the need for optimal cognitive functioning is growing steadily. A great variety of interventions can be clustered into biochemical and behavioural enhancement strategies[2 Trusted Source 2018 - ACS Chemical Neuroscience Systematic and meta-analysis Hacking the Brain: Dimensions of Cognitive Enhancement ] .

What are the best nootropics for memory?

Among students and individuals engaged in mentally demanding tasks, brain supplements known as nootropics for studying to support their memory, focus and cognitive performance, are becoming more popular. So, what is the best cognitive enhancer supplement? Alpha GPC takes the lead. Let’s take a look at the most common nootropics taken by people all around the world.

Which nootropic is best for studying?

From caffeine and vitamins to choline; all of them benefit cognition, however, choline is the champion when it comes to memory. Choline can boost your exam performance as your body uses this nutrient to make the learning and memory chemical called acetylcholine. You can find choline in certain foods like protein-rich foods and in a supplement form. Which nootropic is for memory and learning? brain feed developed the world’s 1st 500mg memory chemical precursor called Alpha GPC capsule containing 99% Alpha GPC in 2018. The levels of the memory chemical acetylcholine are boosted while we ingest Alpha GPC. Acetylcholine is then released when you’re performing cognitive tasks, such as memory retention and learning. Alpha GPC naturally occurs in the brain. Studies show that boosting choline levels can help restore the bioavailability of acetylcholine[3 Trusted Source 1986 - Il Farmaco; Edizione Scientifica Animal study Changes in the interaction between CNS cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons induced by L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, a cholinomimetic drug ] ,[4 Trusted Source 1993 - Mechanisms of Ageing and Development Animal study Nerve growth factor receptor immunoreactivity in the cerebellar cortex of aged rats: effect of choline alfoscerate treatment ] , while supplementation with Alpha GPC indicated an increase in brain function directly related to the healthy supply of acetylcholine[5 Trusted Source 1992 - Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior Animal study Molecular mechanisms mediating the effects of l-α-glycerylphosphorylcholine, a new cognition-enhancing drug, on behavioral and biochemical parameters in young and aged rats ] .

New customers can get 15% off by using ‘NEW15’ code at checkout.

Caffeine

Caffeine is one of the most widely used cognitive enhancers[6 Trusted Source 2022 - WebMD 3rd-party source What Are Nootropics? ] . It acts as a stimulant which can help reduce fatigue and increase mental focus. A study conducted by German researchers found that only caffeine had a positive effect on sustained attention when compared to prescription drugs[7 Trusted Source 2021 - Psychopharmacology Systematic and meta-analysis Cognitive enhancement effects of stimulants: a randomized controlled trial testing methylphenidate, modafinil, and caffeine ] . Some people take it as a supplement, however, its popularity is so high as it’s a go-to morning drink for many.

Study drugs

Another type of nootropics are synthetic compounds which you can get over the counter in the U.S., but they’re considered prescription drugs in some other countries as young, healthy people are advised to steer clear of them[2 Trusted Source 2018 - ACS Chemical Neuroscience Systematic and meta-analysis Hacking the Brain: Dimensions of Cognitive Enhancement ] . Prescription nootropics largely consist of stimulants such as those in some ADHD or narcolepsy medications, like Modafinil and Adderall[2 Trusted Source 2018 - ACS Chemical Neuroscience Systematic and meta-analysis Hacking the Brain: Dimensions of Cognitive Enhancement ] . Which drug is best for studying? Although these work well for numerous people with diagnosed mental health conditions, people who simply want to improve their focus and attention should use different methods. Many students get these types of drugs illegally, and while they may seem to help in the short term, they pose a serious risk with a lot of serious side effects[2 Trusted Source 2018 - ACS Chemical Neuroscience Systematic and meta-analysis Hacking the Brain: Dimensions of Cognitive Enhancement ] ,[8 Trusted Source 2021 - Alcohol and Drug Foundation 3rd-party source Nootropics ] ,[9 Trusted Source 2022 - Nutrients Systematic and meta-analysis Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs ] ,[10 Trusted Source 2021 - Brain Sciences Systematic and meta-analysis The Use and Impact of Cognitive Enhancers among University Students: A Systematic Review ] . Read more about the best natural alternatives to Adderall & Modafinil. They can be particularly harmful to young people as their brains continue to develop into their mid-twenties[8 Trusted Source 2021 - Alcohol and Drug Foundation 3rd-party source Nootropics ] . Multiple studies, conducted in New Zealand, the UK, and Poland, have shown that students’ main goal in using cognitive enhancers was improving academic performance, concentration and staying awake[10 Trusted Source 2021 - Brain Sciences Systematic and meta-analysis The Use and Impact of Cognitive Enhancers among University Students: A Systematic Review ] ,[11 Trusted Source 2017 - Substance Use & Misuse Human study Attitudes Toward Cognitive Enhancer Use Among New Zealand Tertiary Students ] ,[12 Trusted Source 2021 - Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine Human study Students’ use of caffeine, alcohol, dietary supplements, and illegal substances for improving academic performance in a New Zealand university ] . Many students use dietary supplements, while some also use study pills. UK students also use recreational drugs and illegal drugs. Researchers from New Zealand also found that students who perceived cognitive enhancers to be more socially and ethically acceptable were more likely to use them and vice versa[11 Trusted Source 2017 - Substance Use & Misuse Human study Attitudes Toward Cognitive Enhancer Use Among New Zealand Tertiary Students ] . A review of multiple studies has shown that the most popular cognitive enhancers were prescription drugs and caffeine-related compounds which they largely obtained from friends and family, as well as via the Internet[13 Trusted Source 2021 - Journal of Further and Higher Education Human study Working smart: the use of ‘cognitive enhancers’ by UK University students ] . They also found that more males were using cognitive enhancers than females in the belief that these cognitive enhancers would improve their performance during examinations or when studying.

You’re probably wondering about how to improve focus and concentration safely and naturally, what supplements to improve concentration you should take and what additional behavioural strategies you can implement in your life to stay on top of your studying while boosting your cognitive performance safely. Some people are branching out to nutrient supplements, such as ginseng, ginkgo, tyrosine and Alpha GPC.

Ginseng and ginkgo

Ginseng and ginkgo are herbal supplements that have been traditionally used to enhance cognitive function. Some research suggests that these herbs may have neuroprotective properties and could potentially improve memory and mental processing speed[14 Trusted Source 2004 - Psychopharmachology Human study The Memory-Enhancing Effects of Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba in Healthy Volunteers ] ,[15 Trusted Source 2000 - Psychopharmacology Human study The memory enhancing effects of a Ginkgo biloba/Panax ginseng combination in healthy middle-aged volunteers ] .

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is an amino acid that serves as a precursor to an important pleasure and reward chemical dopamine. Because of its support in motivation, planning and reward-achieving, tyrosine is a popular supplement for many[16 Trusted Source 2021 - Journal of Biomedical Science Research evaluation Dopamine, behavior, and addiction ] .

Natural ways to increase focus and concentration: Sleep, meditate & exercise

Behavioural strategies are probably cognitive enhancers with the most widespread use and longest history; evidence shows that everyday activities such as sleep or physical exercise ameliorate cognitive functioning[2 Trusted Source 2018 - ACS Chemical Neuroscience Systematic and meta-analysis Hacking the Brain: Dimensions of Cognitive Enhancement ] . Also, well-established cultural activities such as musical training, dancing or learning a second language have been demonstrated to enhance cognition beyond the specifically trained skills[2 Trusted Source 2018 - ACS Chemical Neuroscience Systematic and meta-analysis Hacking the Brain: Dimensions of Cognitive Enhancement ] . In addition to these natural and cultural standard activities, several behavioural strategies have been developed to enhance certain brain functions intentionally, such as meditation training to enhance attention processes and mindfulness[2 Trusted Source 2018 - ACS Chemical Neuroscience Systematic and meta-analysis Hacking the Brain: Dimensions of Cognitive Enhancement ] ,[17 Trusted Source 2015 - Nature Reviews Neuroscience 3rd-party source The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation ] ,[18 Trusted Source 2015 - Frontiers in Psychology Human study Forever Young(er): potential age-defying effects of long-term meditation on gray matter atrophy ] . Read more on how to do well in exams to learn additional strategies you can implement for good grades.

Safe nutrient supplementation

While all people can benefit from a healthy and balanced diet, physical exercise, good sleep, and meditation, using biochemical cognitive enhancers is a bit trickier.
Ensure your intake of certain nutrients is in the recommended daily dosage when calculating your intake by combining your diet and supplements.
Make sure the supplements are high-quality and contain only the substances you need. For example, supplements of molecules that help our gut called probiotics are sometimes packed in a capsule with a molecule that boosts our immune system called L-glutamine. As this will be okay for some people, some might want to consider taking so-called ‘combination supplements carefully’.
Some studies also showed that ingesting certain vitamins like vitamin C and B-12 lowers their absorption. That is why you should steer clear of multivitamins and opt only for specific ones in which you’re deficient.
Nutrient supplements should be based on research evidence and produced in approved facilities to maintain high-quality ingredients and have sufficient dosage.
The dosage and time frame of your nutrient supplement intake should be in accordance with the manufacturer.

 

References