14 replies to this topic

[muhali3]

I think reaction time is one of the most objective measures of intelligence. It is a direct measure of how fast you are able to process information.

Recently, as a result of psychosocial stressors, I have noticed my reaction time decreasing, by more than 40ms over the past few months.

I was wondering if anyone had information on nootropics that improve reaction time.

Edited by muhali3, 03 December 2011 - 05:29 PM.

[muhali3]

so far the only things I take daily are: whey protein, a b-complex vitamin, 2 eggs in the morning daily. I take caffeine pills if needed. I have also ordered l-theanine as it has many synergistic effects with caffeine, but have not started taking it yet. ( http://www.ncbi.nlm....osocial theanin , http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/21040626, http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/18641209)

[Mikael Llerena]

If you wanna start somewhere that tackles the problem directly, the b6 derivative Pyritinol has been shown to improve reaction time, among other cognitive functions...

Edited by Mikael Llerena, 03 December 2011 - 07:12 PM.

[Mikael Llerena]

Although if you want to get into more accepted objective means of measuring intelligence, I should add that working memory is a notable cognitive trait to pay attention to, especially considering that several studies have shown its training to be effective to an extent in improving intelligence (fluid intelligence).

[JChief]

Dual n back can improve fluid intelligence as well. Great brain exercise from what I gather. You can do it for free.

Effect of piracetam on photosensitivity of the retina and timing of the visual-motor reaction with head injury
It is suggested that the increase in the sensitivity is related to the nootrope effect upon the GABAergic processes in the retina.
http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/12596538

Edited by JChief, 03 December 2011 - 09:26 PM.

[Propoxy]

Ginkgo might help cause of the increase brain blood flow. I've had results from lions mane also. Personal I play brain games on lumosity I believe it has help me and they have plenty of reaction time games.

Edited by Propoxy, 03 December 2011 - 10:54 PM.

[muhali3]

Although if you want to get into more accepted objective means of measuring intelligence, I should add that working memory is a notable cognitive trait to pay attention to, especially considering that several studies have shown its training to be effective to an extent in improving intelligence (fluid intelligence).

isn't reaction time the only way to measure working memory?

yes...my goal is to improve my working memory. i don't know of anything other than reaction time that gives a quantitative measure of it.

[SuperjackDid_]

Oxiracetam for memory reaction time
testosterone for physical reaction time .

good combine maybe.

[magister]

I remember vassopressin being very good for reaction time, but it is not available anymore.

There is some other replacement for it from non-bovine source but I have not tried it and
there are reports it is not so good or indeed does not make any noticable difference.

[Raptor87]

Reaction time? Do you mean have better reflexes or something else?

If its somekind of processing information thing then doing that task as much as you can would help. Cognitive decline often comes from atrophy, nothing else.

If its getting better reflexes then Im proposing modafinil with DMAE!

[zeropoint]

For me anyway definitly DMAE, needs to build up though, at about 100mg. per day in the morning. This was the active in the former medication DEANER.....this is one noticable effect I definitly can attribute to the DMAE....I catch things midair...probably would be good for karate or kung-fu......

[muhali3]

Well, I guess I was referring more to improving my working memory. I feel that chronic oversecretion of cortisol has probably shrunk my hippocampus, and that is also how I feel subjectively. My fluid intelligence is not as good as it was even a couple of months ago.

Edited by muhali3, 05 December 2011 - 05:54 AM.

[Mikael Llerena]

chronic oversecretion of cortisol, via some copious consumption of caffeine or something?

[thedevinroy]

100mcg Huperzine A + Tablespoon of Lecithin Granules + 2g Fish Oil + 3mg Methylene Blue + 500mg Vitamin C
... why? Because I'm cheap.

Don't take DMAE without Phosphatidylcholine. I liked it, but I had a high tolerance to it and crashed so easily from it.

Racetams definitely increase fluidity. CDP Choline (and uridine) may increase dopamine receptor density. Sulbutiamine is a DRI and indirectly a DRA (increases thiamine, and thus thiamine phosphates, natural DRA's).

As far as the herbals... Ginkgo does to some extent (increases STP and LTP). Green tea and black tea are great. Schizandra berries should help a bit, from what I've heard. Sida cordifolia should work for a 4hr boost, since it contains ephedrine and related alkaloids. Chaste berry in high doses is stimulating. I have yet to try olive leaf extract, but it does look promising (oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol) but I have yet to see long term in vivo studies (except for this one on tissue regeneration).

As far as drugs go... NDRI's, DRI's, DRA's, MAO-Bi's, etc. Amphetamines, Methylphenidate, Modafinil, Selegiline, etc. I'd stick with Selegiline and make sure you take some green tea extract (high catechins) to counteract any effects from MAO-A inhibition (increased serotonin) from higher doses. It seems that NMDA antagonists titrating up at small doses (Memantine up to 20mg, Amantadine up to 100mg) create a hormesis that increases dopaminergic function.

At night, you should take magnesium and something GABAergic. This will increase sleep effectiveness, making you more refreshed and rested in the morning. GABAergics include Gotu Kola, Picamilon, Lemon Balm, and Valerian Root. I try not to take anything serotonin/melatonin related or else I'll have trouble waking up... just too darn relaxed. The idea is that you want to increase the depth and decrease the onset of sleep, not keep it going once you are rested.

DL-Phenylalanine increases my reaction time. Chew it up for a minute, not pleasant, and you should be wide awake and ready for action. First couple times you may get a headache, but this side effect disappears after day 3. I take 500mg 2-4x/day.

Lastly, ALCAR worked for me as a "fluid" nootropic. Doesn't work for everyone. Nice with the Methylene Blue.

(Disclaimer: Methylene Blue does not combine with Co-Q10 or Idebenone.)

Edited by devinthayer, 07 December 2011 - 10:35 PM.

[GhostBuster]

According to this article reaction time is dependent on brain myelination. So in theory increased myelination improves reaction time. - >

http://www.longecity...ncrease-myelin/

http://lrainc.com/sw...s/em_intmy.html