Best Nootropic Agents for Memory and the Neurological Memory Test that can help

Nootropic agents are supplements that improve the cognitive functions of the brain and, consequently, memory function.

Several nootropic agents have been studied extensively, and their effects on memory and concentration have been reported in scientific literature.

One of the best natural nootropic agents is Alpha Lipoic Acid or ALA.

In this post, let’s take a closer look at this nootropic agent and how it can improve your cognitive function and memory, and what brain testing can help to see if there is a problem.

What is ALA?

Alpha-Lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural antioxidant that is found in every cell of the body. It is a sulfur-containing fatty acid that is essential for metabolism.

Lipoic acid acts as a co-factor for five enzymes in the body and is crucial for glucose oxidation to obtain energy. It is a very popular nutritional supplement as well.

It is often taken along with other nootropic substances to promote brain function and as an anti-aging substance.

One of the reasons it has such tremendous value as a supplement is its very strong antioxidant property due to the two sulfur atoms in its structure.

When taken as a supplement, it can neutralize the harmful free radicals that are generated due to metabolism. These free radicals are responsible for premature aging and are implicated in several neurological conditions and other diseases.

One of the unique features of this molecule is that it can act as an antioxidant in both water and fat. ALA also plays a crucial role in regenerating other natural antioxidants of the body, such as glutathione and vitamin C.

Health benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

The most important health benefit of ALA supplementation is slowing the aging process. This effect of ALA is attributed to the strong antioxidant effect of the compound.

Although there are not many definitive scientific studies on this effect of ALA, people regularly taking this supplement rave about the anti-aging effect of the compound.

Another health benefit of ALA comes in promoting brain health. ALA is known to promote the health of neurons (Brain cells).

The damage to neurons caused by injury, free radicals, or other toxins can be reversed by ALA supplementation.

There is also some evidence that ALA promotes brain function. This is one of the few supplements that can reach the brain due to its unique chemical composition.

Once inside the brain, this supplement promotes better communication within the neurons, improving brain function. The improved communication may lead to an improvement in cognition and memory.

ALA is also helpful in combating oxidative stress in the brain and other parts of the body, owing to its strong antioxidant properties.

People with diabetes usually have high oxidative stress due to an increased amount of glucose in their bloodstream. ALA can help to reduce this oxidative stress in diabetic patients.

It also amplifies the effects of other known antioxidant supplements such as Vitamin C and CoQ10.

Dosage of Alpha Lipoic Acid

The most commonly used dosage of ALA as a nutrient supplement is between 200 to 600 mg per day.

The general antioxidant effect is observed even at a lower dose, but higher doses may be required if you plan to take the supplement as a nootropic agent.

It is always a great idea to consult your primary physician before starting this or any other supplement.

Side effects of ALA supplementation

As ALA is a naturally occurring substance commonly found in the body, it is generally regarded as a safe molecule for supplementation. However, there are a few minor side effects that may be observed in some individuals. These include the following:

• Rashes
• Stomach Ache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

A few studies are available on the chronic use and side effects of ALA, so it is generally smart to avoid high dosages.

ALA in research

There has been significant research on ALA and its potential in treating many disease states, including cancer.

• According to the American Cancer Society, there is no real evidence for the use of ALA in preventing cancer. Still, several scientific studies are currently ongoing to delve deeper into its chemo-preventive effects.
• There is significant evidence that ALA supplementation helps diabetic neuropathy patients.
• Although there are not many studies available on the effects of ALA on improving cognition and helping with dementia, research is still going on in these fields.
• There is also some evidence of the benefit of this supplement in managing conditions such as Burning mouth syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis.

Does ALA improve your memory?

Similar to a host of other antioxidants, ALA can boost your memory. It predominantly acts by improving the ability of the brain to fight free radicals and slow down the aging process.

With more neurons surviving in your brain, there is an improvement in memory and cognitive function.

Are there other similar supplements to ALA?

Apart from ALA, there are other nootropics available on the market as well. One of the best nootropics that can improve memory is Docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. It is a fatty acid that is found in fish liver oil and has a potent antioxidant effect.

DHA supplements are also linked with improved mental skills and cognitive function. Fish oil supplements rich in DHA are available on the market and can be purchased over the counter.

Resveratrol, a flavonoid present in red wine, is also a good nootropic agent that can improve memory and cognition. Similar to ALA and DHA, it also exerts its effect by acting as a potent antioxidant.

Brain tests to evaluate memory

A neuropsychological evaluation is an in-depth brain test that assesses memory, thinking, and reasoning skills.

It can be used to diagnose conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, as well as to evaluate the effects of a stroke or head injury.

The test usually takes several hours to complete and involves a variety of tasks, including short-term memory tests, language tests, and problem-solving exercises.

Neuropsychological tests can be a useful tool for evaluating cognitive changes and determining the best course of treatment.

How Prime MD Plus can help

Prime MD Plus is a medical clinic that offers services for memory loss. The practice is run by a board-certified geriatrician.

The clinic offers a neuropsychological assessment, which is a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

The assessment may include neuropsychological testing, as well as a review of the individual’s medical history. If necessary, we will send you to a clinical neuropsychology office for very detailed neurocognitive testing.

The goal of the assessment is to identify the underlying cause of the memory impairment and to develop a treatment plan that will improve cognitive functioning.

Ultimately, Prime MD Plus can help individuals with memory loss to live fuller, more independent lives.

Conclusion

Several nootropic agents on the market claim to improve your memory. While not all those agents are worth the hype, ALA and DHA certainly can be recommended.

Both these compounds can improve your brain function and sharpen your memory.

That said, consult with your doctor before starting any nutritional supplement. Also, be aware that it can take a long time (months) to see any positive results from these agents.

Hence, patience is the key. Keep taking the supplements regularly, and soon your memory will get better.

A neuropsychological test can help to detect cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, depression, and other conditions that could affect the brain and spinal cord function.

Blood tests and brain scans may also be helpful to evaluate the causes of memory loss.

Consult a specialized doctor for any kind of memory issues with Prime MD Plus, where you can connect with a board-certified geriatrician in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to help diagnose and manage any memory problems you may have.

Check out primemdplus.com for more information.