ALZHEIMER’S STATISTICS

It’s safe to say that you and everyone you know is touched in one way or another by Alzheimer’s, and its rates are increasing – especially in Westernized countries. What follows are some alarming statistics about the disease:

• The estimated cost of Alzheimer’s is $226 billion in the US in 2015
• 1 in 3 seniors will die from Alzheimer’s (that number is sharply rising)
• Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in America
• Typical life expectancy of Alzheimer’s is 4-8 years after diagnosis

Until recently, scientists didn’t know the cause of AD. It is now thought that beta-amyloid proteins building up in the brain is a primary cause. And, although not 100% proven, more scientists are starting to believe in the beta-amyloid theory. It is believed that beta amyloid proteins accumulate and when the proteins clump, they can cause a build-up which can block cell-to-cell signaling at the synapses. In addition to this, beta-amyloid may cause an inflammatory response of immune cells that could set off a potentially neurotoxic chain-reaction.

HOW IS BETA-AMYLOID GENERATED?

There are multiple theories about how beta-amyloid deposits are created. It is believed that heavy metal accumulation from diet could be one factor. That being said, chelation therapy (heavy metal removal) has been shown to be beneficial in reducing these damaging deposits. Another factor of beta-amyloid accumulation is through the process of “sleep-debt”, or prolonged sleep deprivation. Both factors have been linked to increased rates of Alzheimer’s disease.

On the other hand, Melatonin, a brain “sleep-inducing” hormone, has been linked to the reduction of beta-amyloid accumulation. The hormone acts to regulate the circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle) and is known to be a potent brain antioxidant. Orexin, another chemical in the brain, is a wakefulness neurotransmitter, and it is the target of wakefulness nootropics such as Modafinil and Adrafinil. It has been proven that injections of Orexin increase the levels of beta-amyloid, which might be a concern for people who use Modafinil or Adrafinil as a wakefulness promoter.

CURCUMIN – THE SUSPECTED ACTIVE INGREDIENT OF TURMERIC

Turmeric is a yellow-colored Indian spice that has recently shown to be related to the reduction of Alzheimer’s disease. The substance Curcumin within Turmeric is what gives the spice its yellow appearance, and the substance has been used for quite some time as an anti-inflammatory agent in ancient Indian and Asian medicine. Furthermore, what’s really notable pertaining to AD is that incidences of the disease in India and Asia, where turmeric is rich in the Indian diet, correlate with lower rates of the disease in the general population.

By the same token, Curcumin, an ingredient in this spice, is believed to be the main active ingredient within Turmeric that has suggested health benefits. Curcumin is believed to make up anywhere from 5-10% of the spice. Recently, the spotlight has been put on curcumin as a possible prevention (or cure) for AD. Proponents state that it has several mechanisms believed to help in the reduction of Alzheimer’s symptoms, citing that it has been shown to decease beta-amyloid deposits. This mechanism may be direct through the binding of curcumin molecules to beta-amyloid itself or indirectly through binding to beta-amyloid aggregators which create an environment for beta-amyloid to flourish.

Curcumin/turmeric may have secondary mechanisms in the prevention of Alzheimer’s unrelated to beta-amyloid reduction/depletion, however. For instance, the curcuminoid is thought to help reduce inflammation, another likely suspect in Alzheimer’s progression. Curcumin may have neuro-protective qualities by reduction of heavy metal accumulation in brain (chelation). It is also a potent brain anti-oxidant that may reduce free radicals in the brain – another hypothesis reported to be the cause of Alzheimer’s.

CURCUMIN – ABSORPTION VS. BIOAVAILABILITY

Curcumin has poor bio-availability and absorption. It is important to know the difference between bioavailability and absorption, as the two are not the same. Absorption relates to the substance’s ability to absorb into the bloodstream, whereas, bioavailability is the degree and rate of which the substance enters the brain. Problems with curcumin entering the brain are two-fold. To illustrate, the ability for it to cross and enter the bloodstream (absorption) is problematic, and the ability to enter in the brain through the blood-brain-barrier (bioavailability) is an issue, as well.

Increasing the absorption rate of curcumin is fairly easy. Taking curcumin with a fat source will create a higher rate of absorption of the lipophilic compound. Most people take it with a fat source to help curcumin absorb easier into the intestinal wall. Taking them with a fat source such as coconut oil, high-fat milk, flax/fish oil is recommended when taking either curcumin or turmeric powder.

What is more, increasing curcumin bioavailability has been a source of intense research. As a result, some companies have created modified versions of curcumin such as the novel patented Theracurmin, which is essentially a unique preparation of turmeric. Theracurmin is technologically modified to be 100 times smaller than curcumin itself, and it is modified thusly to increase bioavailability through the blood-brain-barrier. Other companies are likewise studying various methods of increasing curcumin bioavailability.

One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to increase the bioavailability of curcumin is to take it with piperine – A constituent of black pepper. Piperine is a known inhibitor of glucuronidation, which breaks down certain substances in the gut and liver. Healthy human volunteers who took curcumin and piperine together saw an increase of 2000% bioavailability. They also saw a decrease in the elimination half-life of curcumin, meaning the substance stayed in the body longer. This evidence suggests that taking curcumin and black pepper together is an efficient and affordable method of delivery to transport and introduce the substance into the brain.

WHY TURMERIC OVER CURCUMIN POWDER?

You can buy both turmeric and curcumin powder; however, there is evidence that the former may be superior over the latter. Turmeric only carries 5-10% curcumin, whereas, curcumin extracted powder contains up to 95% curcumin. Regardless of this fact, there may be multiple mechanisms at play and curcumin itself may not be sufficient enough in itself. Some natural substances are more effective than their synthetically produced and isolated counterparts, as seen in the case of CBD oil, also.

Also, there is some continuing debate as to other medicinal benefits of turmeric. Other alkaloids and curcuminoids in turmeric such as desmethoxycurcumin are being investigated for co-current or cumulative health benefits. The reason for this being that curcumin may not be effective on its own and may rely on the synergy of other substances in the spice to deliver its benefits.

SAFETY OF CURCUMIN

Curcumin and turmeric are natural substances. It has been deemed safe in high doses and is even being investigated for multiple treatments including cancer treatment and as a chemotherapy aid. In fact, both have been used in high dosages for thousands of years in ancient medicine.

It is also important to note that curcumin and turmeric may induce rare side effects including allergic reactions in some people; therefore, it is recommended to test your tolerance and reaction by using small dosages first. Using piperine can additionally cause interactions with other medications so be very careful when using piperine to ensure sure that there are no harmful drug interactions.

The jury is still out on turmeric regarding whether it conclusively provides a host of wide-ranging health benefits; however, it is important to note it has not yet been approved by the FDA as treatments for any disease (and is unlikely to be without the funding of “big pharma”). Most doctors will allow the concurrent use of turmeric with your medicine regime, and it has been proven to be well tolerated in studies.

Turmeric looks VERY promising at treating many diseases, but researchers don’t yet know if it is 100% effective against all of them. Still, there is an overwhelming body of evidence that suggests this is so. If one can get past absorption and bioavailability issues of curcumin, this substance may be very beneficial to add to your typical brain-health stack regime. It is also cheap and affordable to use tumeric + black pepper every day, as these two spices are freely available for a good price.

If you really want to kick it up a notch, you may decide to use an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor as a nootropic or even add it to an existing stack. One of the most successful nootropic formulations, Alpha Brain uses an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor as one of its primary active ingredients. This article will go over the benefits and downsides of using these advanced cholinergic substances.

WHAT ARE ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS?

Acetylcholinesterase is an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine and it is needed within our bodies to terminate the movement of our muscles. Acetylcholine is a cognitive neurotransmitter but it also plays role in how our muscles and tissues work. It is needed within our brain to signal to our muscles and tissues. Without acetylcholinesterase, there would be a toxic build-up of acetylcholine that would eventually cause death.

Even though acetylcholinesterase is essential, does not mean that having it is particularly good for cognition. When acetylcholinesterase levels get too high, it can cause acetylcholine to be destroyed. Having too much acetylcholine destroyed causes cognitive defects and eventually decline.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are drugs that were developed to partially block and control the amount of acetylcholinesterase. These drugs were created as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s patients use these drugs to slow down the progression of the disease and partially reduce symptoms

ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS AS NOOTROPICS

So acetylcholinesterase inhibitors may benefit people with neurodegenerative diseases, but can they also benefit the healthy? Most people already have a healthy ratio of acetylcholine to acetylcholinesterase however this does not mean that one could not benefit from using an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor as a nootropic. In fact, Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors make excellent nootropics on their own and they are highly underutilized and overlooked.

There have been several studies involving the use of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in healthy subjects. Studies have shown improved learning as well as verbal and episodic memory when administered acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Other factors of cognitive functioning such as attention where also improved. So the fact of the matter is that using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors alone is a great idea.

USING ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS IN NOOTROPIC STACKS

Using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors with racetam nootropics like piracetam and noopept may have great benefits. An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor will essentially increase the amount of acetylcholine available in the brain. Since most racetams act as positive allosteric modulators of acetylcholine receptors, this should allow for more acetylcholine and a stronger nootropic effect from the stack.

Many people ask if they should combine a racetam + acetylcholinesterase inhibitor along with a choline or acetylcholine supplement. Generally, the answer is no if you are using a precursor to acetylcholine like choline itself. People may still decide to use acetylcholine supplements like alpha GPC and citicoline as these have entirely different mechanisms and seem to pair quite nicely with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Some people may experience side effects when combing alpha GPC or citicoline with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

One downside of adding in an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor is the chance of cholinergic side effects such as headache and mood problems associated with cholinergic “overactivity”. In some cases acetylcholinesterase inhibitors may be too strong for an individual. This is why one must be really careful when using these types of nootropics.

WHERE TO GET ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS

One can obtain acetylcholinesterase inhibitors very easily and even over-the-counter. Huperzine A is a natural ACHe inhibitor that works almost as powerfully as typical prescribed ones. If you decide to use huperzine A in your stack, just be extremely careful as this natural inhibitor is no joke and will cause the same side effects in high dosages as prescription acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

Another option for an over-the-counter acetylcholinesterase inhibitor is galantamine. Galantamine is a natural alkaloid that is prescribed for Alzhiemer’s disease. Even though it has medical use, it can also be obtained over the counter without breaking any laws. Like with huperzine A, be very careful with how you dose this product.

REFERENCES

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2014378/ – Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661810000617 – Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in healthy subjects

It is a common problem many of us come across when trying nootropics for the first time. It’s frustrating and discouraging to see no results after hearing about the awesome benefits people have claimed across the internet. The good news is that it may not be time to worry and jump to conclusions. The reason your nootropics are not working is not necessarily a cause for concern. Let’s review what may be happening and the causes of such problems.

NEED MORE TIME

This is perhaps the most common issue related to nootropics not working. Our bodies are all unique and this also relates to how substances affect us physiologically. It is true that many people will feel the effects of nootropics very quickly but does not mean you will have the same result personally.

If you compare two people taking Piracetam Powder for the first time, one may feel the full benefits within 15 minutes whereas, the other may feel nothing after several attempts. Why does this happen? We couldn’t tell you as these situations are common with any other supplement and drug. The good news is that this does not mean the supplement will not work for you in the future.

If your nootropics aren’t working, don’t flat out quit, give it a chance. Many people need to work them into their systems before they start to feel the effects. It can take up to several days or weeks to feel any effect. You have the product anyway, stick with it and try it for at least a month before throwing in the towel.

There was also a study preformed on Piracetam that indicated that it works much better after 14 days. The study showed that the group treated with Piracetam saw minimal cognitive improvements over the control after 7 days. At the 14 day mark, the Piracetam group saw significant improvements over the control. Here is the link to the study.

BUNK PRODUCT

This is the assumption everyone makes after not feeling the effects of their chosen nootropic products. We look for answers and try to blame the retailer for our personal mishaps. There are numerous reports of customers blaming their retailer as selling a “bunk product”. The truth is nootropic powders could easily be faked however this is rare as vendors are usually nootropic users themselves. This of course, does not mean this cannot happen and usually it is the vendor’s supplier or manufacturer that is to blame not them.

For this reason, PeakNootropics.com specifically selects only trusted manufactures with ties to other high scale sports supplement retailers. It is important to buy from a vendor that you can trust and stick with them in order to get a high quality product every time.

A good example of this would be in Alpha GPC for instance, the product can be purchased from manufactures at 50% (half filler) or 99% grade. Guess which is cheaper? We only buy the 99% purity and take a hit on our profit margin to provide the best product to the customer. Other retailers may not follow this practice. Sure, another nootropic retailer may give you their COA on Alpha GPC but who is to say it is the COA for that exact purity of Alpha GPC they are selling you? Just keep this in mind.

EXPECTING TOO MUCH

It is true you may not be very sensitive to nootropics or racetams. Often, we expect too much and overreact to the lack of results due to impatience. This problem can stem from putting too much promise in these products. They are no “magic pills” and will not magically turn you into a genius. Most people, including many who have tried intense pharmacological drugs, like LSD still feel the effects of nootropics. You may just be less sensitive to them or it may be a combination of you not waiting long enough for them to take effect.

Whatever it may be, take proper time to observe your reactions on nootropics. You may be doing something more efficiently and may not even notice the results. It may also be too subtle for you to realize but this effect can reduce over time as you start to take notice of the effects. As you become more aware, you may have an increased desire to experiment with nootropics further.

MAY NOT BE FOR YOU

In some occurrences, nootropics may not work no matter what you try. You’ve gained a trusted source, tried the product(s) for over 30 days and have decided give up. It may be that nootropics just aren’t for you. It is rare for someone to feel no effects from any of the nootropics but if you have tried everything from Piracetam to Noopept powder, move on and accept the reality.

Nootropics are generally used for studying but have all sorts of applications in work and everyday life. If you really need an “extra boost” whether in school, or just general use, don’t move on the prescription smart drugs. These have horrible side effects and will not offer much in value to your health. You may choose to do this but it is not a smart thing to do and although, it may boost productivity, it may damage your health. Stick with coffee and move on. If you find our products do not work for you after applying all the advice in this article, please contact our customer service.

If you’re already using or considering using nootropic supplements, then chances are you’re already fairly educated about supplement use and cognitive enhancement. However, one important thing to remember is that if you’re using substances to increase intelligence, the best way to do so is to utilize each of these compounds to suit your own chemistry.

It will be vital to ensure that you use each nootropic safely and efficiently in order to get the maximum return from your personal enhancement routine. Educating yourself about the basics of how these substances work such as how they interact with each other and the best way to use them should be your first step. After you have achieved this, you can begin “tweaking the control panel,” so to speak.

The simplest way to maximize the efficiency of your supplementation schedule and cut down on negative side effects is by adding to your knowledge base. This article will cover the interactions of neurotransmitters and their systems. Understanding these systems and how the brain works may help you understand your own personal chemistry.

HOW DO NEUROTRANSMITTERS WORK & INTERACT WITHIN THE BRAIN?

One important thing to keep in mind when attempting any major biological, physiological or psychological change is the function of homeostasis on the applicable biological system. The human brain seeks a constant state of homeostasis, which is the tendency of a system to self-regulate its internal conditions in order to create a balance.

When using supplements, drugs and nootropics, the brain strives for the correct balance. There are a series of complex systems that take place within the brain, ranging from every neuron firing to each neurotransmitter system working to create an action. These neurotransmitters work to activate signals within the brain that regulate every single activity of our lives. The delicate balance of these systems can sometimes be put off kilter, either naturally or through the use of drugs or supplements.

THE GABA & GLUTAMATE RELATIONSHIP

GABA and Glutamate are the two most abundant neurotransmitters within the brain, and they work in balance with each other. GABA is inhibitory, and Glutamate is excitatory. Glutamate stimulates our senses and enhances learning and memory. In fact, Glutamate receptor activation is the primary method of action of both the racetam and ampakine nootropic families. GABA on the other hand calms and relaxes the brain on a psychological and physiological level.

Too much glutamatergic activity can be a negative thing. For example, an overabundance of Glutamate within brain synapses can contribute to excitotoxicity, which is a high accumulation of Glutamate that leads to neuronal cell death. Excitotoxicity is one of the leading theories behind many neurodegenerative diseases. In essence, Glutamate receptor activity can be positive for cognitive function, but if levels of activity get too high, it could lead to brain damage through excitotoxicity.

GABA works alongside Glutamate to help reduce the levels of excitability. High levels of Glutamate can lead to advanced levels of excitability and increased brain function, but over-activity is known to cause brain damage. GABA is a calming neurotransmitter that is synthesized from Glutamate. GABAergic activity calms the brain and can help to decrease stress and anxiety, boost mood and reduce insomnia. When levels of Glutamate are high, the brain strives for homeostasis by increasing GABAergic activity. In this way, the brain regulates between excitable and inhibitory states. Too much Glutamatergic activity may lead to oxidative stress and even seizures, whereas high levels of GABAergic activity may lead to fatigue and cognitive impairment.

There are many drugs that regulate GABA and Glutamate. Ampakine nootropics may help to increase the level of Glutamate receptor activity, which may lead to increased learning and memory function. Most Ampakines aren’t believed to increase the level of Glutamate within the brain, but rather, activate the receptors. On the other hand, food additives such as Aspartame and Monosodium Glutamate directly increase or mimic the levels of Glutamate which may lead to excitotoxicity.

Drugs like benzodiazepines and Phenibut mimic GABA and activate GABA receptors. Over-using GABAergic drugs and supplements may lead to down-regulation of GABA receptors. Down-regulation will cause the brain to release and activate less GABA naturally. This is the main reason why using GABAergic drugs regularly can be very dangerous. Down-regulation of the GABAergic system may increase the levels of Glutamate, which in turn would lead to excitotoxicity. Due to this, there is a link between the use of benzodiazepines and Alzheimer’s disease.

Before you begin using any type of nootropic supplement, you should understand the link between GABA and Glutamate. Stay away from neurotoxins like MSG and Aspartame that are known to increase Glutamate. Also, taking certain brain antioxidants such as ALCAR may help to reduce free radicals associated with excitotoxicity.

Ampakines have not been shown to be neurotoxic. However, one should consider the risks when using Ampakines like Sunifiram as there could be dangers with these newer types of nootropics. They are less studied and long term use has not been established. Racetams with some glutamatergic activity are a safer bet than direct ampakines.

You should steer clear of down-regulating GABA receptors. You can help yourself avoid this potential issue by avoiding regular consumption of alcohol, Phenibut and benzodiazepines. The GABA-a subtype receptors are extremely hard to upregulate once they have been down-regulated. Benzodiazepines are the worst for doing this and some people experience brain damage and long-term withdrawals, consisting of persistent anxiety and insomnia even years of discontinued use. There is even a link between Alzheimer’s disease and regular benzodiazepine use.

THE DOPAMINE & SEROTONIN RELATIONSHIP

Dopamine and Serotonin are two complex monoamine neurotransmitters with opposing interactions. Both of these monoamine neurotransmitters can help regulate mood, memory, learning, emotions and social interaction. A dysfunction or any off-balance in either system can contribute to variety of impairments and disorders including cognitive impairment.

Dopamine is the “reward” neurotransmitter. It is excitatory and has a large role in memory, learning, focus, motivation and social behaviours. Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter thought to regulate our goals and desires. Low Dopamine can lead to depression and memory loss in some people. These low levels can even make us feel a lack of purpose or enjoyment due to the missing reward aspect.

It is also theorized that people with low Dopamine or dopaminergic activity may be more likely to become addicted to stimulant drugs like cocaine or highly dangerous and daring acts such as gambling and sexual promiscuity. These people are likely seeking the “high” associated with Dopamine and endorphin release that is missing from their natural chemistry.
Although Dopamine sounds great, high levels of Dopamine or a dysfunction of regulation can have extremely negative consequences. Disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder, Parkinson’s disease, Schizophrenia, ADHD and Psychosis have all been linked to Dopamine dysfunction. Apart from these disorders, high Dopamine has also been linked to aggressive and impulsive behaviour.

People with low Dopamine levels can benefit from many type of Dopaminergic drugs. Modafinil works as a wakefulness enhancer nootropic by increasing extracellular levels of Dopamine. Doctors usually prescribe Modafinil as an alternative to dangerous stimulants to combat daytime fatigue, narcolepsy and sometimes even as an off-label option for bipolar-depression and ADHD.

Other drugs and stimulants like Adderall, which work with the Dopamine and the related Norepinephrine system, are usually prescribed for ADHD. Amphetamine drugs are more dangerous and affect Dopamine as well as the closely related neurotransmitter, Norepinephrine. These drugs, while they may improve mood, focus and productivity, can also lead to addiction and psychosis from down-regulation or hyperactivity in the Dopamine system. They can also have negative benefits on physical health due to effects on the central nervous system (mostly related to Norepinephrine).

In some cases, other safer Dopamine drugs such as MAO-B inhibitors and NDRI’s may be prescribed for mood and anxiety disorders. People with low Dopamine activity or dysfunction may be able to improve mood, cognition and quality of life through the usage of these safer and less addictive drugs.

Serotonin, like Dopamine, also regulates cognitive function, mood, social behaviours, sleep cycles and appetite. Unlike Dopamine, Serotonin is inhibitory. Higher levels of Serotonin have been linked to stable moods, increased satisfaction and submissive behaviour. Because of these factors, Serotonin has become a target for most modern-day antidepressant drugs.

Serotonin has less of an impact on focus and motivation and more of a connection with memory and learning than Dopamine does. It is less of a nootropic neurotransmitter and more of a mood regulator than Dopamine. Although it has been a target for many antidepressant medications like SSRI’s, it generally has a stabilization effect. These drugs and supplements can also have a range of side effects.

Having healthy levels of Serotonin is generally good. However, high activity can have its downsides. Higher serotonergic activity has been linked to “emotional blunting”. This is perhaps the most common complaint received from patients who are prescribed SSRI’s. Emotional blunting is described as a reduction in emotional responses, including the ability to feel sadness, anger, irritability, sexual pleasure and desire. High levels of serotonergic activity can have serious sexual side effects in both males and females. It may also create a reduction in the ability to achieve goals or take risks due to a reduced desire for rewards.

All of this brings us to an interesting point about Dopamine and Serotonin. These two systems are striving for homeostasis, and raising the activity in one may affect the other. In fact, these systems have almost opposite effects. Dopamine controls risk/reward mechanisms, wakefulness, focus, motivation, sexual desire and appetite. Meanwhile, Serotonin controls mood stability, social submission, sleep cycles, hunger, contentment and learning.

Having higher or lower levels of either neurotransmitter activity can lead to variety of disorders or issues, depending on a person’s physiology. That is why some people experience negative reactions to certain drugs. It is important to understand this closely knit web that controls our quality of life. You are advised to be extremely careful when using drugs that modulate these systems because they may have the opposite effect rather than those that are intended. Supplement precursors such as 5HTP, L-Tryptophan, L-Dopa and L-Tyrosine are actually much safer if you have low levels of a certain neurotransmitter.

ACETYLCHOLINE

Acetylcholine and the Glutamate receptors are the primary targets of Nootropics such as Piracetam and the other racetams because they are believed to have fewer side effects and addictive potential than Dopaminergic targets. This section will discuss the actions Acetylcholine.

Although the Acetylcholine content in the brain is much less than the other neurotransmitters, it has a variety of important functions. These functions include learning and memory, muscle contraction and sensory perception. Just like the other systems, Acetylcholine, or the cholinergic system, is essential for our daily survival.

Activation of Acetylcholine receptors have been linked to increased learning and memory, reading skills, verbal fluency and test scores. Acetylcholine is synthesized from natural choline and is prominent in the brain and throughout our bodies. One can also raise Acetylcholine through supplements. It controls many nerve functions that operate muscle contractions. Cognitive function is also another believed action of this nootropic neurotransmitter. In fact, cholinergic drugs have been the topic of study for many potential treatments in cognitive impairments and diseases.

Like the other neurotransmitters, Acetylcholine also strives for homeostasis. This neurotransmitter is both excitatory and inhibitory, depending on its particular application.
Acetylcholine has a series of complex interactions with the other neurotransmitter systems. It has been suggested in rat studies that certain Acetylcholine receptor activation may cause Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Glutamate release in certain parts of the brain. The Norepinephrine release observed from Acetylcholine activation also appears to induce partial GABA release as a response to the release.

There is some evidence that Acetylcholine release may be mediated through Serotonin activation but not the other way around. It is possible that Acetylcholine receptor activation may not release Serotonin and actually lower the level in parts of the brain. This theory might explain why some people experience higher irritability and depression through elevated Acetylcholine production and receptor activation.

There are some claims that suggest racetams and cholinergics might have side effects such as irritability, depression and brain fog. This could be a result of indirectly increasing the Dopamine and Norepinephrine release in certain parts of the brain through Acetylcholine receptor activation. This release may in turn, reduce serotoninergic activity thus producing these side effects.

Some racetam users complain about experiencing brain fog and headaches when using racetams, and this may also relate to parts of the complex cholinergic activity. More study is needed to see why some people experience these effects and others do not because a combination of homeostasis of certain neurotransmitters and differing brain chemistry is likely a major factor.

The 2011 blockbuster movie “Limitless” depicts a character named Eddie, portrayed by Bradley Cooper, who is able to change his entire life by taking smart drugs. The fictional nootropic supplement from the film, NZT, has been compared to the real world Modafinil. Now CBS will be bringing “Limitless” back to life as a TV series, and this will almost certainly increase the level of interest that people worldwide have in Modafinil and other nootropics.

THE LIMITLESS TV SHOW

There have been several TV shows based on a movie, but “Limitless” will join the very short list that has managed to keep the main star on board. Although Bradley Cooper will not be in every episode, he is scheduled to reprise the role of Eddie on a reoccurring basis. According to IMDB, the show has been under production since March, and the first episode is slated to air on September 22. Instead of focusing on the business world that was such an important backdrop for the movie, the show will be an FBI drama instead. In other words, the main character in the TV version of “Limitless” will utilize the cognitive enhancements he receives from NZT to solve crimes.

WHAT IS MODAFINIL?

A long list of entrepreneurs and CEOs have praised the effects of Modafinil, including Dave Asprey, Timothy Ferriss and Daniel Tenner. NY Magazine interviewed one user, Peter Borden, in 2013, and the insights he shared made it clear that Modafinil has a lot of potential to be one of the best nootropics of all time. Borden claims that a single dose of Modafinil gave him almost instantaneous results, ranging from heightened senses to being able to produce a better quality of work than ever before.

Modafinil is technically a prescription medication that is used to treat narcolepsy. This means that Modafinil is also a controlled substance, and purchasing it through the mail for usage as a nootropic is technically illegal within the US. On the plus side, there is another nootropic, Adrafinil, which is reported to offer similar benefits without the potential for legal complications.

HOW DOES ADRAFINIL WORK?

Adrafinil has been reported by users to offer an extensive list of positive benefits, including enhanced focus and a higher level of alertness. It is believed that Adrafinil and Modafinil may help increase the naturally occurring hypocretin neurotransmitter. As the hypocretin increases, so do the quantities of norepinephrine, dopamine and histamine in the human body. When all of this is put together, people may experience a feeling of increased wakefulness, along with the several other perks.

The big difference between Modafinil and Adrafinil is that it is not necessary to obtain a prescription in the U.S. in order to purchase Adrafinil. Interestingly, there are many reports that indicate Adraifinil actually converts into Modafinil after it has been ingested, so it is truly not necessary to go out of your way to acquire a Modafinil prescription.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND ADRAIFINIL

A research study that was published in July 2000 showcased Adrafinil’s ability to increase locomotion, and it also indicated that this nootropic supplement has the potential to enhance the user’s cognitive functionality. Another study from the same year found that each test subject’s learning skills increased for at least two hours after receiving a dose of Adrafinil.

COMPARING NZT TO ADRAFINIL

Hollywood almost always seeks to make their subject matter bigger and bolder than its real world inspiration. Therefore, it is important to remember that Modafinil and Adrafinil will not produce results that are exactly like those shown in the “Limitless” movie and upcoming TV series. However, there have been numerous user reviews that praise Adraifinil and Modafinil for their strong nootropic properties.

It might not be fair to compare a Hollywood invention to the real thing, but you may still experience a big boost in your ability to focus, remain alert and ward off the ill effects of sleepiness. In Borden’s interview with NY Magazine, he stated that he was able to stay alert and on task for at least five hours at a time after taking Modafinil, and Adraifinil has the potential to offer similar results.

In the preview trailer for “Limitless,” an FBI agent portrayed by “Dexter” alumni Jennifer Carpenter makes the bold assertion that taking one NZT pill makes the user the smartest person in the world for approximately 12 hours. There are no known nootropics that can validate such a claim, but it may be possible to use Adrafinil in order to tap into more of your brain’s full potential for everything from taking a test to completing a mentally arduous work project. Now that CBS will be bringing the world of “Limitless” into the living rooms of people across America, the interest in Adrafinil and several other nootropics is virtually certain to skyrocket.