The term nootropics was coined in the early seventies, but nootropics themselves have only become popular in the past few years. Nootropics are more commonly known as smart drugs, cognitive enhancers, and brain boosters. These names arose from their promise to improve memory, focus, and overall brain function. Let’s take a closer look at the many benefits of using nootropics and why you should consider supplementing your diet with them.

Delaying the Age-Related Decline in Brain Function

Our brains tend to deteriorate as we age, though it isn’t as obvious as wrinkles and gray hair. This decline in brain function can take the form of worsening balance, deteriorating vision, poor memory and trouble solving problems. A poor diet and stress can make the problems worse, but taking nootropics can slow or even reverse these problems. Magnesium, for example, is often considered the best brain supplement because it improves cognition and protects against neurodegeneration. Or you could try acetyl-l-carnitine. It is promoted as a weight loss supplement, but the amino acid is also a memory enhancer.

Nootropics that improve overall brain health by increasing blood flow in the brain can help the brain fight against trauma. While your first thought may be about concussions, older adults will appreciate the way nootropics reduce the effect of a stroke. One nootropic was found to improve the health of stroke victims without causing any adverse side effects. However, you want to do everything you can to prevent strokes from striking in the first place.

Anti-aging nootropics may slow the biochemical process of aging. Then you’re fighting everything that deteriorates from age; you’ll fight the formation of wrinkles, hair loss, memory loss and impaired vision.

Increased Concentration

An inability to concentrate does more than leave you unable to focus during class or company meetings. If you can’t concentrate on what is said or being read, you are unlikely to remember the material. Nootropics can improve brain function by increasing your ability to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. Some nootropics boost mood and motivation, as well.

Mood Improvement

Mood and focus are related, but they are not the same thing. When you’re in a bad mood, it is hard to concentrate. Or you may be unable to concentrate on work and school because you’re focused on the source of your stress instead. This is why mood enhancers are so often considered a treatment for poor concentration. A side benefit of these nootropics is that improving your mood can give you more energy. If the mood enhancer reduces stress and social anxiety, this can improve your quality of sleep. Then you don’t spend a ton of time in bed without ever feeling rested. An inability to sleep because of stress or anxiety will actually make things like stress and depression worse. The solution in this case is mood enhancing nootropics.

Memory Boosting

Concentration is great, but if your memory is bad, you won’t be able to retrieve what you just tried to commit to memory. Then there’s the fact that short term memory and long-term memory are different. What you recall while you’re concentrating may be forgotten tomorrow unless you take memory boosting nootropics.

There are several nootropics shown to increase brain cell growth and neuron connectivity, things that determine your ability to form and access long term memories. Nootropics that improve neuroplasticity improve overall brain function, as well. In a few cases, nootropics can make dementia grind to a halt, and in everyone else, these same supplements improve critical thinking.

Nootropics are a relatively new, safe class of supplements known for their ability to improve brain function. Many nootropics are versatile, capable of delivering multiple benefits at once.