The perception of our life experiences are very much dependent upon the quality of our memories. Our memories define and guide us. Without a healthy functioning brain, many things would simply not be possible. We rely on memory to find our keys in the morning, remember what we put in the fridge, and to help us prioritize those long to-do lists.

Or perhaps you’re thinking and pondering the future of your children and grandchildren… wondering what their quality of lives will be like..no matter what you like to use your mind for, a good memory will help, and this is why I decided to learn more about the best brain supplements for memory, including nootropics, smart drugs, herbs and vitamins. As people age, “senior moments,” tend to increase and memory slowly but surely becomes a thing that can no longer be taken for granted.

While our magnificent minds allow us to take many things for granted when all is going well, why not be proactive? The vitality of your mind will deeply impact the quality of your life and for this reason, taking care to support and enhance the mind, even if things are working right, could lead to future memory benefits.

As we age, some brain functions may suddenly or gradually decline. Some of these memory declines are health related, some are due to nutritional deficits, and others may be due to the environment. As cognitive functions decline, there can be a great deal of irritability and confusion, sometimes contributing to co-concurring issues such as depression or mood swings. And ironically, some of those who suffer from the greatest memory impairments are not aware of it at all—and it may be friends and family who notice the cognitive deficits, such as when a loved ones forgets a recent visitor or repeats stories.

Because the ability to remember is such a key component of our identities and so absolutely necessary to function independently, maintaining a well functioning brain is a top priority for many of us, and because of this, I am putting together this section on nootropics and other brain supplements that show promise in slowing down normal cognitive declines that come with aging, as well as enhancing and nourishing what is already working well.

Will Brain Supplements Help Me Improve My Memory?

Some of these brain supplements may even be beneficial for those with more serious health issues such as after a stroke or various forms of dementia. Always remember to do your own research because every person’s needs and diets are bound to be different and new studies come out all the time. I am not a doctor, and this is not intended to be medical advice. I just wanted to share what has taken me many hours to research and distill. I hope this will make it a little easier to refresh my own memory!

WHAT ARE THE Best Brain SUPPlEMENTS?

While obtaining a degree in psychology, I was fascinated by classes on memory, biopsychology, and gerontology, which led to many questions about the best supplements for the brain. This  spurred research into piracetam, hydergine, choline, alpha-GPC, vitamins like thiamine, ginkgo biloba, and magnesium l-threonate among others. Some of these brain supplements have been on the market for decades, while others are less tried and true and still await further study.

One thing education has taught me, however, is that oftentimes research is astronomically expensive and time consuming, so if there is not a lot of money to be made, sometimes these important studies have difficulty obtaining the funding they need to get off the ground. Remember, this information is a work in progress and is being made available “as is” and may be incomplete or contain inaccuracies. You should discuss these brain supplements and “Smart drugs” with your doctor to help you decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks and whether or not you feel comfortable being your own guinea pig.

For more information on these brain supplements continue reading:

• Brainy Benefits of Piracetam: Dosage and Potential Side Effects
• Taking Choline With Piracetam: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
• Magnesium L-Threonate Supplements Improve Brain Function
• What is Hydergine and is it Right For You?
• Take Thiamine to Energize the Brain and Improve Memory
• 10 Quick Tips for a Healthy Aging Brain