weepmeep
sauronmaxxer && iqmaxxing professor
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Today I'll tell you everything I know about nootropics and cognitive enhancement. I've been in this field for over six years. I have had enough reasons to study this year after year and it has borne fruit for me. I have often been asked to shed light on this topic here, and I have found the time to systematize all my knowledge.
I wish you a pleasant reading. If this is useful for you, I would be glad to receive feedback in the form of a reaction and comment. I will also be happy to answer your questions.
I wish you a pleasant reading. If this is useful for you, I would be glad to receive feedback in the form of a reaction and comment. I will also be happy to answer your questions.
First, I want to set the goal. Our goal is to improve cognitive abilities, namely: speed and capacity of long-term and short-term memory.
The most important thing you should do before thinking about taking medications is to improve: sleep, blood pressure, mental health, nutrition.
Nootropics will only be effective if you follow all the rules described above. Now I'll go through this list briefly:
The most important thing you should do before thinking about taking medications is to improve: sleep, blood pressure, mental health, nutrition.
Nootropics will only be effective if you follow all the rules described above. Now I'll go through this list briefly:
1. Sleep
You should sleep at least 7-8 hours and no more than 9. If you have problems with this that you cannot fix on your own, consult a doctor.
2. High blood pressure
If you haven't had your blood pressure measured, you can't be sure it's normal. High blood pressure damages the brain and other organs; it's a very common condition, and if you have it, see a doctor immediately.
3. Mental health
A very important component of life. We will further consider pharmacological ways of increasing cognitive functions, and mental problems affect everyone at once. Mental problems have been scientifically proven to significantly reduce your intelligence. The time you don't treat them is simply wasted. If you are sick, I don't recommend losing too much, I also recommend visiting a psychiatrist regularly for check-ups.
4. Nutrition
A very important component for the functioning of the entire organism. I recommend calculating the optimal BJU for yourself and sticking to it. Personally, I prefer a Mediterranean diet and at least 1 g of protein per kg of body weight.
You should sleep at least 7-8 hours and no more than 9. If you have problems with this that you cannot fix on your own, consult a doctor.
2. High blood pressure
If you haven't had your blood pressure measured, you can't be sure it's normal. High blood pressure damages the brain and other organs; it's a very common condition, and if you have it, see a doctor immediately.
3. Mental health
A very important component of life. We will further consider pharmacological ways of increasing cognitive functions, and mental problems affect everyone at once. Mental problems have been scientifically proven to significantly reduce your intelligence. The time you don't treat them is simply wasted. If you are sick, I don't recommend losing too much, I also recommend visiting a psychiatrist regularly for check-ups.
4. Nutrition
A very important component for the functioning of the entire organism. I recommend calculating the optimal BJU for yourself and sticking to it. Personally, I prefer a Mediterranean diet and at least 1 g of protein per kg of body weight.
Now let's move on to pharmacological methods of improving cognitive abilities in more detail. We will look at several theories of improvement and figure out what will work best for us.
1. Monoamine theory. How monoamines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and others influence abilities.
2. The GAВА theory on how GAВА affects abilities
3. Growth factor theory: How brain growth factors affect abilities
4. Glutamate receptor theory
5. Acetylcholine theory
Now let's look at these theories in order.
MONOAMINE THEORY
It says that monoamines, as mentioned earlier, affect cognitive abilities. This is true, but there's a catch.
The thing is that our nervous system is not limited to the brain, we also have a sympathetic nervous system where there are also monoamine receptors. When we stimulate monoamine receptors, they are stimulated throughout the body, which leads to unpleasant side effects (increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, sweating, vomiting). But the most important thing is that scientists have proven that the effectiveness of monoamine drugs follows from the influence of ionoamines on growth factors, that is, we can use this target directly, bypassing unpleasant side effects. Next
GAВА THEORY
Now let's talk about GABA. It's worth mentioning right away that this is not a scientific theory, but a biohacker's misconception, and now I'll tell you why.
There is an opinion that slowing down the nervous system contributes to an increase in cognitive abilities, but this is a mistake based on the mechanisms of our brain's action. Our intelligence is built on two receptor systems that use glutamate and the acetylcholine receptor. Glutamate receptors are excitatory receptors that are antagonists of GABA. An increase in GABA leads to a decrease in glutamate activity in the brain. As for acetylcholine, increasing GABA can't affect acetylcholine receptors if they're functioning normally. So this is a losing target and a terrible misconception.
GROWTH FACTOR THEORY
This is one of the most advantageous targets, distinguished by two advantages: effectiveness and the absence of side effects. By using growth factors as a target, we go directly to the goal, bypassing problems.
The point is that our brain generates neurons only in the womb; later in life, these neurons develop, forming connections and neuroglia. Brain growth factors influence processes such as: synapsogenesis, growth of dendrites and neuroglia, axonal myelination. This leads to the optimization of our neural networks, which directly increases our abilities.
The main growth factors that play a role for us are: BDNF and its receptors Trk(B, D, C) (brain neuron growth factor is important to us first and foremost), NGF (Neuronal growth factor), CTNF (vascular growth factor), and others that are no longer of such great importance.
GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR THEORY
Now, let's talk in more detail about the mechanisms of our brain's work. We already talked about this when we refuted the GABA theory. Glutamate receptors are the primary mechanism for concentration and thinking. That's true, but there's a catch: overstimulation of glutamate receptors leads to neuronal death. No matter how odd it may be, this is the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. But this does not mean that we cannot consider this target. We will try to excite glutamate neurons and positively modulate.
ACETYLCHOLINE THEORY
When we discussed GABA, I already touched on acetylcholine and said that acetylcholine is also involved in thinking, namely in short-term memory. Unlike glutamate receptors, acetylcholine receptors are inhibitory and their increase leads to a decrease in the activity of glutamate receptors. But it is worth saying a few words about why the acetylcholine theory is even being considered then. The fact is that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. But the fact is that the pathogenesis of these diseases contributes to a decrease in the activity of acetylcholine neurons below normal, which is why short-term memory suffers (Perhaps you have seen how patients are able to speak adequately, but they talk complete nonsense and are incapable of anything other than projecting established images from the past). So if you don't have Alzheimer's disease or dementia, there's no point in increasing your acetylcholine.
2. The GAВА theory on how GAВА affects abilities
3. Growth factor theory: How brain growth factors affect abilities
4. Glutamate receptor theory
5. Acetylcholine theory
Now let's look at these theories in order.
MONOAMINE THEORY
It says that monoamines, as mentioned earlier, affect cognitive abilities. This is true, but there's a catch.
The thing is that our nervous system is not limited to the brain, we also have a sympathetic nervous system where there are also monoamine receptors. When we stimulate monoamine receptors, they are stimulated throughout the body, which leads to unpleasant side effects (increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, sweating, vomiting). But the most important thing is that scientists have proven that the effectiveness of monoamine drugs follows from the influence of ionoamines on growth factors, that is, we can use this target directly, bypassing unpleasant side effects. Next
GAВА THEORY
Now let's talk about GABA. It's worth mentioning right away that this is not a scientific theory, but a biohacker's misconception, and now I'll tell you why.
There is an opinion that slowing down the nervous system contributes to an increase in cognitive abilities, but this is a mistake based on the mechanisms of our brain's action. Our intelligence is built on two receptor systems that use glutamate and the acetylcholine receptor. Glutamate receptors are excitatory receptors that are antagonists of GABA. An increase in GABA leads to a decrease in glutamate activity in the brain. As for acetylcholine, increasing GABA can't affect acetylcholine receptors if they're functioning normally. So this is a losing target and a terrible misconception.
GROWTH FACTOR THEORY
This is one of the most advantageous targets, distinguished by two advantages: effectiveness and the absence of side effects. By using growth factors as a target, we go directly to the goal, bypassing problems.
The point is that our brain generates neurons only in the womb; later in life, these neurons develop, forming connections and neuroglia. Brain growth factors influence processes such as: synapsogenesis, growth of dendrites and neuroglia, axonal myelination. This leads to the optimization of our neural networks, which directly increases our abilities.
The main growth factors that play a role for us are: BDNF and its receptors Trk(B, D, C) (brain neuron growth factor is important to us first and foremost), NGF (Neuronal growth factor), CTNF (vascular growth factor), and others that are no longer of such great importance.
GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR THEORY
Now, let's talk in more detail about the mechanisms of our brain's work. We already talked about this when we refuted the GABA theory. Glutamate receptors are the primary mechanism for concentration and thinking. That's true, but there's a catch: overstimulation of glutamate receptors leads to neuronal death. No matter how odd it may be, this is the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. But this does not mean that we cannot consider this target. We will try to excite glutamate neurons and positively modulate.
ACETYLCHOLINE THEORY
When we discussed GABA, I already touched on acetylcholine and said that acetylcholine is also involved in thinking, namely in short-term memory. Unlike glutamate receptors, acetylcholine receptors are inhibitory and their increase leads to a decrease in the activity of glutamate receptors. But it is worth saying a few words about why the acetylcholine theory is even being considered then. The fact is that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. But the fact is that the pathogenesis of these diseases contributes to a decrease in the activity of acetylcholine neurons below normal, which is why short-term memory suffers (Perhaps you have seen how patients are able to speak adequately, but they talk complete nonsense and are incapable of anything other than projecting established images from the past). So if you don't have Alzheimer's disease or dementia, there's no point in increasing your acetylcholine.
We have now decided that the main targets that are suitable for our purposes are: increasing growth factors and modulating glutamate receptors.
Let's look at ways to increase growth factors:
Let's look at ways to increase growth factors:
1. Lithium (orotate, hydrochloride, carbonate)
Lithium is a proven neuroprotectant and lithium levels in drinking water are negatively correlated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease. It activates the GSK-b growth pathway, which leads to the release of BDNF. There are many studies on the use of lithium in people with malignant and cognitive disorders, where a noticeable positive effect has been proven.
Вut there is a pitfall, namely the dose. Lithium is toxic to the kidneys and thyroid in large quantities, but studies use small doses that do not cause harm. I recommend taking up to 50 mg daily, but only if you don't have any kidney or thyroid problems.
2. Tianeptine.
Atypical antidepressant and sigma-opioid receptor agonist. A noticeable increase in BDNF levels, higher than any SSRI. An ideal drug, but there is a risk of addiction. If you have no experience with drugs, then you are not at risk. The optimal dose is 6 mg in the morning and evening.
3. Cerebrolysin.
It is a concentration of modified peptides and growth factors from the brain of pigs (normal growth factors cannot penetrate the brain due to the blood-brain barrier).
It has proven efficacy and is well tolerated. Essentially, it modifies growth factors. There are indications for trauma, strokes and after brain surgery. It may make sense to take it daily, but practice shows the effectiveness of treatment in courses. Typically these are dosages of 2-5 mg for 1-2 weeks. It can be repeated every six months or every year.
4. ACD-856. (there is no known formula, what is sold under the guise of it is not so)
Positive TRK receptor modulator BDNF. Incredibly effective and tolerable. I mentioned it in case its formula is known in the future (from patents or anywhere else), but for now there is the veterinary ACD-855 and counterfeits.
5. Dihexa
It is a modified angiotensin 4, a c-met receptor agonist. It is 8 times stronger than BDNF. Regarding portability, not everything is so clear-cut here. There is a risk of developing cancerous tumors (namely, development, not appearance), and there is also a risk of developing anxiety. If you don't have cancer or mental disorders, I recommend minimum 5 mg daily (there's no point in taking it once a week). Also, don't buy crappy pills, this drug is not cheap, so look for proven laboratories.
6. PRL-8-53
Increases growth factors in the hippocampus and surrounding areas (unfortunately not in the prefrontal region). Clinically proven to improve memory and BDNF levels. Excellent tolerability.
I recommend 10 mg per day
Now let's talk about positive modulators of glutamate receptors.
7. TAK-653.
It is a protective modulator of AMPA receptors. Increases their activity in the prefrontal cortex (this is where we primarily achieve increased activity; the pituitary gland is a secondary, unimportant target). Let me just say right away that glutamate drugs are slightly less tolerable, but I choose what is known to be safe.
0. Experimental drugs
A very important criterion is tolerance and absence of risk. Experimental drugs are drugs that are in the early stages of testing or that have no data at all for use in humans. It's basically Schrödinger's cat; you won't understand it until you open it. I don't advise you to open it.
Lithium is a proven neuroprotectant and lithium levels in drinking water are negatively correlated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease. It activates the GSK-b growth pathway, which leads to the release of BDNF. There are many studies on the use of lithium in people with malignant and cognitive disorders, where a noticeable positive effect has been proven.
Вut there is a pitfall, namely the dose. Lithium is toxic to the kidneys and thyroid in large quantities, but studies use small doses that do not cause harm. I recommend taking up to 50 mg daily, but only if you don't have any kidney or thyroid problems.
2. Tianeptine.
Atypical antidepressant and sigma-opioid receptor agonist. A noticeable increase in BDNF levels, higher than any SSRI. An ideal drug, but there is a risk of addiction. If you have no experience with drugs, then you are not at risk. The optimal dose is 6 mg in the morning and evening.
3. Cerebrolysin.
It is a concentration of modified peptides and growth factors from the brain of pigs (normal growth factors cannot penetrate the brain due to the blood-brain barrier).
It has proven efficacy and is well tolerated. Essentially, it modifies growth factors. There are indications for trauma, strokes and after brain surgery. It may make sense to take it daily, but practice shows the effectiveness of treatment in courses. Typically these are dosages of 2-5 mg for 1-2 weeks. It can be repeated every six months or every year.
4. ACD-856. (there is no known formula, what is sold under the guise of it is not so)
Positive TRK receptor modulator BDNF. Incredibly effective and tolerable. I mentioned it in case its formula is known in the future (from patents or anywhere else), but for now there is the veterinary ACD-855 and counterfeits.
5. Dihexa
It is a modified angiotensin 4, a c-met receptor agonist. It is 8 times stronger than BDNF. Regarding portability, not everything is so clear-cut here. There is a risk of developing cancerous tumors (namely, development, not appearance), and there is also a risk of developing anxiety. If you don't have cancer or mental disorders, I recommend minimum 5 mg daily (there's no point in taking it once a week). Also, don't buy crappy pills, this drug is not cheap, so look for proven laboratories.
6. PRL-8-53
Increases growth factors in the hippocampus and surrounding areas (unfortunately not in the prefrontal region). Clinically proven to improve memory and BDNF levels. Excellent tolerability.
I recommend 10 mg per day
Now let's talk about positive modulators of glutamate receptors.
7. TAK-653.
It is a protective modulator of AMPA receptors. Increases their activity in the prefrontal cortex (this is where we primarily achieve increased activity; the pituitary gland is a secondary, unimportant target). Let me just say right away that glutamate drugs are slightly less tolerable, but I choose what is known to be safe.
0. Experimental drugs
A very important criterion is tolerance and absence of risk. Experimental drugs are drugs that are in the early stages of testing or that have no data at all for use in humans. It's basically Schrödinger's cat; you won't understand it until you open it. I don't advise you to open it.
Common misconceptions and ineffective drugs. This is worth talking about because there are too many misconceptions and errors; nootropics are usually of interest not to scientists but to people who want to increase their intelligence (which is quite likely stupid). So it is not surprising that in this area there are more lies than facts, and now in order
1. Racetams (piracetam, aniracetam, and others)
This group of drugs was discovered in the Soviet Union. There is no proven effectiveness for this group. It is still unknown even how it works, only theories. You shouldn't accept this.
2. Semax, Selank
More crap from Russia. Likewise, there's no proven effectiveness, and it also reduces acetylcholine activity by blocking receptors. You may experience memory loss, anxiety, and muscle weakness. Don't trust Russians; they're not qualified for medicine.
3. Donepezil, Alpha-GPC, Huperzine-A
Reread the acetylcholine theory. It's also worth considering that Alpha-GPC and Huperzine-A will not increase acetylcholine levels, the first because there is insanely little of it and most of it will not enter the bloodstream, and the second is an insanely weak acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
4. Any extracts and other shamanic nonsense, dietary supplements and all similar scams
Don't be idiots, guys, don't feed the gypsies. Learn some science.
This group of drugs was discovered in the Soviet Union. There is no proven effectiveness for this group. It is still unknown even how it works, only theories. You shouldn't accept this.
2. Semax, Selank
More crap from Russia. Likewise, there's no proven effectiveness, and it also reduces acetylcholine activity by blocking receptors. You may experience memory loss, anxiety, and muscle weakness. Don't trust Russians; they're not qualified for medicine.
3. Donepezil, Alpha-GPC, Huperzine-A
Reread the acetylcholine theory. It's also worth considering that Alpha-GPC and Huperzine-A will not increase acetylcholine levels, the first because there is insanely little of it and most of it will not enter the bloodstream, and the second is an insanely weak acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.
4. Any extracts and other shamanic nonsense, dietary supplements and all similar scams
Don't be idiots, guys, don't feed the gypsies. Learn some science.
That's all for now, thanks for reading.
@chadisbeingmade @SlayerJonas
