Top 5 Brain Supplements 2024

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Our #1 Choice for 2024

These Top 5 Brain Supplements Can Help Sharpen Memory and Boost Cognition

We have identified the key factors to look for in a top-notch cognitive health supplement and how you can spot the scams.

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.

Tip: For best results, focus on consistency. Adding an effective memory supplement to your daily routine for at least 3 months promotes exponential improvement, as each dose builds on the benefits of the last.

So, what characteristics distinguish top-tier mind and memory products from the rest of the pack?

The 5 Must-Have Ingredients for a Good Memory Supplement

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 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.

Used for thousands of years by Buddhist monks to increase focus during meditation, lion’s mane mushroom helps improve cognition by enhancing activity of choline acetyltransferase, which is responsible for the synthesis of acetylcholine in the body. This brain-boosting mushroom also helps promote production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining and regenerating neurons.

Bacopa monnieri is an herb commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its positive influence on memory and focus. Studies indicate the bacoside compounds contained in this potent plant cross the blood-brain barrier and, like huperzine A, help boost levels of acetylcholine by limiting its breakdown by acetylcholinesterase. In this way, bacopa monnieri helps generate new neural pathways.

Ginkgo biloba, one of the world’s oldest tree species, has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine for its neuroprotective effects. Its root bark and leaves are rich in ginkgolide compounds, which help promote higher concentrations of acetylcholine in key regions of the brain responsible for decision-making and short-term memory recall. They are also beneficial for cerebral blood circulation.

Perhaps even more important, there are certain red flags to be wary of when evaluating a cognitive enhancement supplement.

Warning Signs of Potential Scams

Be wary of companies that cite the clinical efficacy of individual ingredients within a product rather than the effectiveness of the product as a whole. The highest indicator of quality in a supplement is the commission of a placebo-controlled clinical study for safety and effectiveness by an independent third party. This is of particular importance when assessing the claims of a brain supplement, as participants can be evaluated for quantifiable performance improvements on a standardized cognitive test. You expect the same high standard of research and testing before trusting a medication, so why wouldn’t you do the same before trusting a supplement?

There are very few natural ingredients for cognitive enhancement that are both potent and safe for consumption. Other herbs and compounds billed as nootropics have little clinical evidence to back their effectiveness. Watch out for supplements that include an extensive list of ingredients to create the illusion of comprehensive support. More is not necessarily better when it comes to your health. Some of the supplements we reviewed contained more than 10 unique ingredients!

Top 5 Cognitive Enhancers of 2024

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the top brain-boosting supplements available today, which provides a summary of our research and analysis:

Below, we break down our rankings and feature detailed reviews of the 5 best cognitive health products we analyzed, beginning with our top pick.

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

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 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.

It is available on Amazon.com, but we found significantly better 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.

2. A-

Overall Grade

Pros

Cons

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.

3. B

Overall Grade

Pros

Cons

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.

4. B

Overall Grade

Pros

Cons

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.

5. B

Overall Grade

Pros

Cons

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.

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Table of Contents

These Top 5 Brain Supplements Can Help Sharpen Memory and Boost Cognition

How Can You Tell a Good Memory Supplement from a Bad One?

When Will You See Results?

The 5 Must-Have Ingredients for a Good Memory Supplement

Warning Signs of Potential Scams

Top 5 Cognitive Enhancers of 2024

1.

Cerevra

A+

Overall Grade

2.

Alpha Brain

A-

Overall Grade

3.

Prevagen

B

Overall Grade

4.

Neuriva

B

Overall Grade

5.

Focus Factor

B

Overall Grade