Advertisement sponsored by Hi-Altitude Brands, the distributor of Stonehenge Health products.

The Top-Rated Brain & Memory Supplements of 2026

Peter Gold
Peter GoldHealth Editor

Peter is a practitioner of naturopathic medicine, applying his craft in the Pacific Northwest. His passion is preventive care and self-healing. His philosophy is healthy habits help people live their lives to the fullest.

This website is owned and operated by Hi-Altitude Brands. Hi-Altitude Brands may receive compensation from companies featured when you purchase through provided links.

How We Found the Best Brain and Memory Supplements

89 Nootropic Supplements

3 Experts Consulted

5 Top Picks

One of the most popular supplement categories today is focused on brain and memory health. These kinds of supplements are called nootropics, and they seek to improve memory, focus, mental energy, and problem-solving skills.1

The demand for brain supplements comes not only from the 73 million baby boomers living in America but also college students, investment bankers, career-minded individuals to even busy moms all looking to gain an edge.2

The popularity has led to hundreds of brain supplements flooding the marketplace. While these supplements all promise to deliver benefits, the reality is that many fall short. Some of the most popular brands use ineffective or insufficient doses of ingredients, and many contain low-quality fillers.

With so many options, it seems many of us might still be unclear about what to look for in a quality brain and memory supporting supplement. To help cut through the clutter, we have compiled months of research about which are the key ingredients that have been shown in studies to benefit your cognitive health.

This short guide will help you know what to look for and what to avoid so you can make an informed decision when it comes to your nootropic needs. We will also list out the top 5 brain and memory supplements sold today.

Let’s take a moment to understand precisely how nootropics work to improve your cognitive health and why it’s essential to add it to your daily routine.

Natural nootropics are comprised of natural or synthetic vitamins, amino acids, minerals, fatty acids, antioxidants, and other herbal ingredients stacked, or combined, in a supplement to improve cognitive performance.3

A ten-year study of over 7,000 adults aged 45-70 determined that cognitive decline begins as early as 45 years old. Even more troubling was the revelation that participants aged 65-70 years old had a 300% increase in cognitive decline compared to the 45-49 age group.4 This indicates that as you age your brain’s decline accelerates becoming more noticeable.

Studies have revealed that people experiencing cognitive impairment were deficient in essential vitamins and nutrients that play a protective role against cognitive decline.5 Scientists discovered that specific nutrients play an important role in cellular activity which is necessary to maintain optimal cognitive function.6

Research has shown that chronic stress can accelerate cognitive decline and impair memory function.7 Some nootropics contain ingredients that are considered adaptogens, meaning they help your body cope with stress and, in turn, improve cognitive function.8

A Good Nootropic Helps To:

Improve Memory 9

Promote Focus and Alertness 10

Enhance Learning 17

Support Verbal Recall 14

Support Analytical Thinking 17

Boost Mental Energy 9

Enhance Creativity 11

Reduce Stress 11

Fight Cognitive Decline 6

Top 4 Criteria For A Quality Brain Supplement

We spent months researching brain and memory supplements and gathering user feedback. There are specific ingredients that, when present in a formula, help differentiate high-quality brain supplements from generic ones. Below are the four most essential ingredients to consider before deciding on which nootropic brand is best for your needs.

4 Things To AVOIDWhen Buying A Nootropic Supplement

1. Formulas Lacking Essential Vitamins

The brain needs a steady supply of neuro-vitamins and nutrients so it can function properly. Avoid any formula which does not include a complex of B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, choline, and zinc.27-29

2. Not Backed By A Doctor

Creating an effective nootropic supplement requires a solid understanding of which ingredients to use and in what level of potency. Avoid a brand which is not supported by a credible doctor.

3. Insufficient Return Policy

A reputable nootropic supplement brand will demonstrate they have faith in their product by offering a 100% money-back guarantee policy. Some try to complicate their refund policies by placing limitations on what kind of returns they will take. Avoid any brand that does not have at minimum a no questions asked 90-day money-back guarantee.

4. Depending on Amazon Reviews

Research showed that in March 2019, there were 1.8 million new unverified reviews, with an average of 99.6% of them being 5-star reviews.30 Most of these reviews are from people paid to write them. These fake reviews inflate the number and overall star rating of a product. When deciding on a supplement that can impact your health, don’t rely on Amazon reviews as they can be extremely misleading.

2026’s Top Five Brain and Memory Support Supplements

Our review encompassed 89 different nootropic supplements, putting each through our rigorous Review Scout assessment process. To determine 2026’s Top 5 Nootropic Supplements, we look for predicted effectiveness, supporting studies, safety, pricing, return policy, and overall customer satisfaction.

#1 Stonehenge Health Dynamic Brain

Stonehenge Health Dynamic Brain
A+Overall Grade

#1 Stonehenge Health Dynamic Brain

  • OVERALL RATING9.6/10
  • Predicted Effectiveness9.7/10
  • Ingredient Quality9.6/10
  • Value9.5/10
  • Return Policy9.8/10
  • User Rating9.6/10
PROS

  • 40 Vitamins and Nutrients

  • Contains Phosphatidylserine, Bacopa Monnieri, and Huperzine A

  • Includes the nutrient Choline

  • Endorsed by a Doctor

  • Vegetarian Capsules, Non-GMO, Gluten, Lactose, and Antibiotic Free, No artificial ingredients or fillers

  • Verified 90-day 100% money-back return policy

CONS

  • Often out of stock due to high demand

Why We Chose It

Stonehenge Health’s Dynamic Brain earned our top recommendation because it delivers a comprehensive formula containing 40 vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts, and brain-supporting nutrients — including four of the most important ingredients we look for in a brain supplement for people over 50: Phosphatidylserine, BacoMind® Bacopa monnieri, Huperzine A, and Choline.

These ingredients work together to help support healthy memory, focus, learning, and cognitive performance while providing nutritional support for the aging brain. Dynamic Brain also includes a complete Vitamin B complex and numerous vitamins and minerals shown in research to play an important role in maintaining healthy cognitive function as adults get older.5

We also appreciate that Dynamic Brain contains no artificial fillers, is non-GMO, and is manufactured to high quality standards. Stonehenge Health backs every purchase with a 90-day money-back guarantee, allowing older adults to consistently use the product long enough to evaluate its benefits. The company is also one of the few brain supplement brands endorsed by a board-certified physician and offers savings through bundle pricing.

*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.
FIND OUT MORE >>

#2 Qualia Mind

Qualia Mind
A-Overall Grade

#2 Qualia Mind

  • OVERALL RATING8.5/10
  • Predicted Effectiveness9.4/10
  • Ingredient Quality9.5/10
  • Value6.8/10
  • Return Policy8.8/10
  • User Rating8.2/10
PROS

  • 28 Vitamins and Nutrients

  • Contains All 4 Essential Ingredients

  • Vegetarian Capsules, Non-GMO, and Vegan

  • Endorsed by a Doctor

CONS

  • Very expensive monthly price

  • Must take 7 pills per dose

  • Mixed consumer reviews

  • Return policy limited to first time purchase only

Why We Chose It

Qualia Mind is a popular brand thanks in part to their heavy web advertising. The product contains a robust array of 28 different vitamins and nutrients, including all three of our top recommended ingredients. However, Qualia has about 30% fewer ingredients than the top-ranked brand on our list, yet it is more than three times the price for a 30-day supply. It may not offer the comprehensive formula many seniors are looking for.

Qualia also enrolls customers in a monthly auto-ship program, which has an introductory price of $69.50 for the first month and $119.00 for each month after that. If you are not a fan of having your card automatically charged each month, then the price for a 30-day supply is a jaw-dropping $139.00. Qualia Mind is endorsed by a physician and is GMO- and gluten-free. However, consumers have provided mixed reviews on how well the product works. The company offers a limited 100-day money-back guarantee, as it only applies to your very first order.

*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.
FIND OUT MORE >>

#3 Genius Consciousness

Genius Consciousness
B+Overall Grade

#3 Genius Consciousness

  • OVERALL RATING8.2/10
  • Predicted Effectiveness8.1/10
  • Ingredient Quality8.7/10
  • Value8.4/10
  • Return Policy8.8/10
  • User Rating7.1/10
PROS

  • Contains Phosphatidylserine

  • Contains Huperzine A

  • Non-GMO, Soy and Gluten-Free

CONS

  • Does not contain Bacopa Monnieri

  • Does not come in capsule form

  • Does not contain essential vitamins and nutrients

  • Conflicting return policies

Why We Chose It

Genius Consciousness by The Genius Brand is a popular product that features ten different ingredients, but fewer clinically studied elements that support healthy cognitive aging in seniors. It is missing the essential Bacopa Monnieri. We were disappointed to see a lack of essential vitamins and nutrients, such as a B complex.

A drawback of this product is that it does not come in a convenient capsule but rather a watermelon-flavored powder, which some may find a hassle to mix with water each day. Consumers have also reported mixed reviews on the taste. The return policy for Genius Consciousness is unclear, as their website product page indicates a 30-day return policy, but elsewhere on the site indicates a 90-day return period.

*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.
FIND OUT MORE >>

#4 Neuriva

Neuriva
COverall Grade

#4 Neuriva

  • OVERALL RATING7.3/10
  • Predicted Effectiveness6.8/10
  • Ingredient Quality8.2/10
  • Value6.5/10
  • Return Policy6.6/10
  • User Rating8.2/10
PROS

  • Contains Phosphatidylserine

  • Caffeine and GMO-Free

CONS

  • Does not contain Bacopa Monnieri or Huperzine A

  • User complaints related to headaches, sleep issues, and allergic reactions

  • Very expensive for minimal ingredients

  • Contains allergen Soy Lecithin

  • Limited 30-day return policy

Why We Chose It

Neuriva by Schiff Vitamins is a relatively new product intended to improve brain performance. Neuriva comes in “Original” and “Plus” formulas, containing Phosphatidylserine and Coffee Fruit Extract, yet both product options are missing several nutrients commonly recommended for adults over 50. The “Plus” formula adds vitamins B6, B12, and B9. However, neither version contains our top-ranking ingredients Bacopa Monnieri and Huperzine A, and the vital nutrient Choline.

Neuriva’s key ingredient, Coffee Fruit Extract (Coffee arabica), has only one study to its credit, suggesting it improves cognitive function. We prefer to see ingredients that have more substantial evidence to support memory and focus claims. We were happy to see that Neuriva is both caffeine- and GMO-free. Users have also reported having sleeping issues when taking this product. Neuriva provides a 30-day refund period, but that is only for unopened bottles, which is not much of a guarantee if you find that you’re unhappy with the results.

*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.
FIND OUT MORE >>

#5 Prevagen

Prevagen
D+Overall Grade

#5 Prevagen

  • OVERALL RATING6.9/10
  • Predicted Effectiveness5.6/10
  • Ingredient Quality6.7/10
  • Value7.4/10
  • Return Policy7.2/10
  • User Rating7.8/10
PROS

  • Contains Synthetic Apoaequorin

CONS

  • Doesn’t contain Phosphatidylserine, Bacopa Monnieri, or Huperzine A

  • Does not contain essential vitamins and nutrients

  • Significant FTC and FDA Legal Issues related to False Claims

  • Very Expensive considering the lack of proven ingredients

  • Limited 45-day Return Policy

Why We Chose It

Prevagen by Quincy Biosciences is a product made famous thanks to its massive spending on television advertising. In recent years, the brand has also become infamous for its extensive legal issues related to false claims. This formula contains apoaequorin, a protein derived from jellyfish. Through their single clinical study, the manufacturer claims that Prevagen helps improve cognitive function and memory by replacing proteins in the brain that are lost during the aging process.

Unfortunately, it appears that not everyone agrees with this theory. In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the New York Attorney General sued Quincy Biosciences for making false claims. The primary issue asserted by the FTC is that proteins consumed orally, as in a pill or chewable tablet, go straight to the stomach where they get broken down into amino acids. In the form of amino acids, they can’t travel to the brain and then re-convert into a protein to replace any proteins lost due to aging. The story does not make sense from a science perspective. The FTC also charged Prevagen with making false claims stating the company’s own clinical study in actuality showed no statistically significant improvement in memory and cognitive function between those given Prevagen and those given a placebo.

In a non-related matter, the FDA has opened a case stating that Prevagen did not warn its users that seizures and strokes were some of the many adverse side effects of taking Prevagen.

While some users have reported benefits from taking Prevagen, it doesn’t include the essential vitamins and nutrients that help support healthy brain function as we age. We recommend avoiding the marketing hype and possible side effects. Choose a formula with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and neuro-nutrients such as Phosphatidylserine, Bacopa Monnieri, and Huperzine A, shown in studies over the years to help support memory and cognitive health.

*Results are based on user-generated experiences with these products, and individual results may vary. Please refer to the manufacturer’s product website for detailed information.
FIND OUT MORE >>
Citations
  1. Suliman, Noor Azuin, Che Norma Mat Taib, Mohamad Aris Mohd Moklas, Mohd Ilham Adenan, Mohamad Taufik Hidayat Baharuldin, and Rusliza Basir. 2016. “Establishing Natural Nootropics: Recent Molecular Enhancement Influenced By Natural Nootropic”. Evidence-Based Complementary And Alternative Medicine 2016: 1-12. Hindawi Limited. doi:10.1155/2016/4391375.
  2. Bureau, U.S. 2020. “By 2030, All Baby Boomers Will Be Age 65 Or Older”. The United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/12/by-2030-all-baby-boomers-will-be-age-65-or-older.html.
  3. Kulkarni, Reena, KJ Girish, and Abhimanyu Kumar. 2012. “Nootropic Herbs (Medhya Rasayana) In Ayurveda: An Update”. Pharmacognosy Reviews 6 (12). http://www.phcogrev.com/article/2012/6/12/1041030973-784799949.
  4. Singh-Manoux, A., M. Kivimaki, M. M. Glymour, A. Elbaz, C. Berr, K. P. Ebmeier, J. E. Ferrie, and A. Dugravot. 2012. “Timing Of Onset Of Cognitive Decline: Results From Whitehall II Prospective Cohort Study”. BMJ 344 (jan04 4): d7622-d7622. BMJ. doi:10.1136/bmj.d7622.
  5. Del Parigi, Angelo, Francesco Panza, Cristiano Capurso, and Vincenzo Solfrizzi. 2006. “Nutritional Factors, Cognitive Decline, And Dementia”. Brain Research Bulletin 69 (1): 1-19. Elsevier BV. doi:10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.09.020.
  6. Gómez-Pinilla, Fernando. 2008. “Brain Foods: The Effects Of Nutrients On Brain Function”. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 9 (7): 568-578. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. doi:10.1038/nrn2421.
  7. Sandi, Carmen. 2007. “Memory Impairments Associated With Stress And Aging”. CRC Press/Taylor & Francis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK3914/#ch12.r3.
  8. Panossian, Alexander, and Georg Wikman. 2010. “Effects Of Adaptogens On The Central Nervous System And The Molecular Mechanisms Associated With Their Stress—Protective Activity”. Pharmaceuticals 3 (1): 188-224. MDPI AG. doi:10.3390/ph3010188.
  9. 2020. Ujconline.Net. http://ujconline.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/3-UJEAS-1314-Rv.pdf.
  10. McGlade, Erin, Allison Locatelli, Julia Hardy, Toshikazu Kamiya, Masahiko Morita, Koji Morishita, Yoichiro Sugimura, and Deborah Yurgelun-Todd. 2012. “Improved Attentional Performance Following Administration In Healthy Adult Women”. Food And Nutrition Sciences 03 (06): 769-773. Scientific Research Publishing, Inc,. doi:10.4236/fns.2012.36103.
  11. Beaty, Roger E., Yoed N. Kenett, Alexander P. Christensen, Monica D. Rosenberg, Mathias Benedek, Qunlin Chen, and Andreas Fink et al. 2018. “Robust Prediction Of Individual Creative Ability From Brain Functional Connectivity”. Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences 115 (5): 1087-1092. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. doi:10.1073/pnas.1713532115.
  12. Glade, Michael J., and Kyl Smith. 2015. “Phosphatidylserine And The Human Brain”. Nutrition 31 (6): 781-786. Elsevier BV. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.10.014.
  13. Cenacchi T, et al. 2020. “Cognitive Decline In The Elderly: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Multicenter Study On Efficacy Of Phosphatidylserine Administration. – Pubmed – NCBI “. Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov. Accessed February 7 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8323999.
  14. Kato-Kataoka, Akito, Masashi Sakai, Rika Ebina, Chiaki Nonaka, Tsuguyoshi Asano, and Takashi Miyamori. 2010. “Soybean-Derived Phosphatidylserine Improves Memory Function Of The Elderly Japanese Subjects With Memory Complaints”. Journal Of Clinical Biochemistry And Nutrition 47 (3): 246-255. The Society for Free Radical Research Japan. doi:10.3164/jcbn.10-62.
  15. F, Russo. 2020. “Bacopa Monniera, A Reputed Nootropic Plant: An Overview. – Pubmed – NCBI “. Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov. Accessed February 7 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15898709.
  16. Stough C, et al. 2020. “The Chronic Effects Of An Extract Of Bacopa Monniera (Brahmi) On Cognitive Function In Healthy Human Subjects. – Pubmed – NCBI “. Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov. Accessed February 7 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11498727.
  17. Peth-Nui, Tatimah, Jintanaporn Wattanathorn, Supaporn Muchimapura, Terdthai Tong-Un, Nawanant Piyavhatkul, Poonsri Rangseekajee, Kornkanok Ingkaninan, and Sakchai Vittaya-areekul. 2012. “Effects Of 12-Weekbacopa Monniericonsumption On Attention, Cognitive Processing, Working Memory, And Functions Of Both Cholinergic And Monoaminergic Systems In Healthy Elderly Volunteers”. Evidence-Based Complementary And Alternative Medicine 2012: 1-10. Hindawi Limited. doi:10.1155/2012/606424.
  18. Aguiar, Sebastian, and Thomas Borowski. 2013. “Neuropharmacological Review Of The Nootropic Herb Bacopa Monnieri”. Rejuvenation Research 16 (4): 313-326. Mary Ann Liebert Inc. doi:10.1089/rej.2013.1431.
  19. Vollala, Venkata Ramana, Subramanya Upadhya, and Satheesha Nayak. 2011. “Enhancement Of Basolateral Amygdaloid Neuronal Dendritic Arborization Following Bacopa Monniera Extract Treatment In Adult Rats”. Clinics 66 (4): 663-671. FapUNIFESP (SciELO). doi:10.1590/s1807-59322011000400023.
  20. Vishnupriya, P., and V. Padma. 2017. “A Review On The Antioxidant And Therapeutic Potential Of Bacopa Monnieri”. Reactive Oxygen Species 3 (8): 111‒120-111‒120. https://www.aimsci.com/ros/index.php/ros/article/view/75.
  21. Sun QQ, et al. 2020. “Huperzine-A Capsules Enhance Memory And Learning Performance In 34 Pairs Of Matched Adolescent Students. – Pubmed – NCBI “. Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10678121.
  22. Thuy Trang Nguyen, Tuong Kha Vo. 2017. “Current Advances In Transdermal Delivery Of Drugs For Alzheimer’s Disease”. Indian Journal Of Pharmacology 49 (2): 145. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5497436/.
  23. Xu, Zhi-Qiang, Xiao-Min Liang, Juan-Wu, Yuan-Feng Zhang, Chun-Xia Zhu, and Xiao-Jiang Jiang. 2011. “Treatment With Huperzine A Improves Cognition In Vascular Dementia Patients”. Cell Biochemistry And Biophysics 62 (1): 55-58. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. doi:10.1007/s12013-011-9258-5.
  24. “Huperzine A, A Novel Promising Acetylcholinesterase… : Neuroreport”. 2020. LWW. https://journals.lww.com/neuroreport/Abstract/1996/12200/Huperzine_A,_a_novel_promising.20.aspx.
  25. Ved HS, et al. 2020. “Huperzine A, A Potential Therapeutic Agent For Dementia, Reduces Neuronal Cell Death Caused By Glutamate. – Pubmed – NCBI “. Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9141073.
  26. Yang, Guoyan, Yuyi Wang, Jinzhou Tian, and Jian-Ping Liu. 2013. “Huperzine A For Alzheimer’S Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Clinical Trials”. Plos ONE 8 (9): e74916. Public Library of Science (PLoS). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0074916.
  27. Yang, Guoyan, Yuyi Wang, Jinzhou Tian, and Jian-Ping Liu. 2013. “Huperzine A For Alzheimer’S Disease: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Clinical Trials”. Plos ONE 8 (9): e74916. Public Library of Science (PLoS). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0074916.
  28. Gibson, Gary E., Joseph A. Hirsch, Pasquale Fonzetti, Barry D. Jordan, Rosanna T. Cirio, and Jessica Elder. 2016. “Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) And Dementia”. Annals Of The New York Academy Of Sciences 1367 (1): 21-30. Wiley. doi:10.1111/nyas.13031.
  29. Harrison, Fiona, Gene Bowman, and Maria Polidori. 2014. “Ascorbic Acid And The Brain: Rationale For The Use Against Cognitive Decline”. Nutrients 6 (4): 1752-1781. MDPI AG. doi:10.3390/nu6041752.
  30. Amazon Flooded With Millions Of Fake Reviews In 2019 – Reviewmeta Blog “. 2019. Reviewmeta.Com. https://reviewmeta.com/blog/amazon-flooded-with-millions-of-fake-reviews-in-2019/.
  31. Zeisel, S. H. (2006). Choline: critical role during fetal development and dietary requirements in adults. Annual Review of Nutrition, 26, 229-250.Choline: critical role during fetal development and dietary requirements in adults – PubMed (nih.gov)
  32. Poly, C., Massaro, J. M., Seshadri, S., Wolf, P. A., Cho, E., Krall, E., … & Au, R. (2011). The relation of dietary choline to cognitive performance and white-matter hyperintensity in the Framingham Offspring Cohort. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 94(6), 1584-1591. The relation of dietary choline to cognitive performance and white-matter hyperintensity in the Framingham Offspring Cohort – ScienceDirect
  33. Wurtman, R. J., & Blusztajn, J. K. (2017). Choline phospholipids: normal brain development and aging. Nutrition reviews, 75(10), 463-474. Nutrients | Free Full-Text | Neuroprotective Actions of Dietary Choline (mdpi.com)
  34. Leermakers ET, Moreira EM, Kiefte-de Jong JC, Darweesh SK, Visser T, Voortman T, Bautista PK, Chowdhury R, Gorman D, Bramer WM, Felix JF, Franco OH. Effects of choline on health across the life course: a systematic review. Nutr Rev. 2015 Aug;73(8):500-22. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuv010. Epub 2015 Jun 24. PMID: 26108618.Effects of choline on health across the life course: a systematic review | Nutrition Reviews | Oxford Academic (oup.com)